Achievements in Elevating the Chemistry Enterprise: Advancing Energy Transition and Smart Materials

Abstract

The Presidential Symposium (PRES) at the Fall Meeting, hosted by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Denver, CO, brought together a diverse group of professionals and experts from chemistry, chemical engineering, and other fields. They presented their research discoveries and convened a panel of interdisciplinary researchers to discuss innovative and practical solutions to energy sustainability challenges and the advancement of smart materials. This PRES event, organized by leaders from the Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) under guidance from the ACS President’s Office, focused on “Achievements in Elevating the Chemistry Enterprise: Advancing Energy Transition and Smart Materials.” The symposium focused on variable-property materials and energy systems, aiming for net-zero emissions and a circular economy. Presentations and discussions highlighted leading-edge research in energy consumption, materials development, and climate change. The event promoted community building and identified new opportunities, facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange among academia, industry, government laboratories, and nonprofits. Topics included hydrogen production, carbon capture and conversion, sustainable biofuels, natural polymers, energy storage and conversion, and entrepreneurship in energy transition. Discussions addressed tuning nanosystem dimensionality, enhancing material electrochemical properties, and advancing nanomaterial manufacturing from lab to market. Machine-learning methods for self-regulating nanomaterials and innovative applications in sustainable energy were also featured. This PRES event laid a foundation for future research directions, emphasizing collaborative efforts and strategic planning for energy sustainability and intelligent materials innovation. It provided key insights and practical solutions, promoting innovative advancements in the field. The leadership of the ACS, including Drs. Mary Carroll, Marinda Wu, and H. N. Cheng, provided comprehensive guidance to ensure the smooth operation of the PRES events (Figure 1). Their expertise and strategic direction were instrumental in addressing key challenges and facilitating successful outcomes. Their leadership was critical for the event to proceed seamlessly, promoting valuable discussions and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Dr. Mary K. Carroll (Figure 1a), the Dwane W. Crichton Professor of Chemistry at Union College and the 2024 ACS president, provided strategic guidelines for the event. Her goals include promoting research dissemination, valuing science communication, encouraging outreach activities, and increasing ACS’s diversity. With extensive experience and dedication, Dr. Carroll aims to enhance ACS’s global impact and effectively communicate the benefits of chemistry. With over 40 years of experience in the chemical industry, Dr. Marinda Li Wu (Figure 1b) has held critical research and senior management roles. A staunch advocate for STEM education and chemical sciences, she aims to inspire young professionals and promote public support for science. Her numerous honors include awards as a Fellow of ACS and FACS (Federation of Asian Chemical Societies), along with other prestigious and international awards that highlight her commitment to advancing chemistry and the chemical enterprise. Dr. Wu was pivotal in guiding CACS leaders in conceiving and implementing the PRES scheme. Dr. H.N. Cheng (Figure 1c), a collaborator at the Southern Regional Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focuses on utilizing agro-based materials, green polymer methodologies, polymer reactions, and polymerization modeling. Dr. Cheng guided the PRES event, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and industrial engagement. His dedication to advancing chemistry and STEM education underscores his leadership within the ACS. Three ACS presidents collectively introduced a new platform highlighting professionals’ achievements across diverse fields, emphasizing the elevation of the chemistry enterprise, advancing energy transition, and strengthening the development of smart materials (Figure 1d). This event also allows attendees to share knowledge and promote innovation in energy and materials disciplines. Figure 1. National leadership of the American Chemical Society guiding the Presidential Symposium organization: a. Dr. Carroll, current ACS President (2024), b. Dr. Wu, past ACS President (2013), c. Dr. Cheng, past ACS President (2021), and d. Guidelines provided by the ACS leadership team. The success of the PRES events was driven by the CACS strategic advisory team (Figure 2), consisting of Drs. Ling Zhou, Chunshan Song, and Yunlong Zhang. Their essential insights and recommendations were pivotal in ensuring seamless execution and high-caliber outcomes. Their guidance streamlined operations, enhanced coordination, and addressed potential challenges, significantly contributing to the event’s success. Dr. Zhou (Figure 2a), the 2024 CACS president and Principal Engineer at Honeywell UOP, oversees the strategic development of Fluid Catalytic Cracking technology and innovation in refinery processes. He played key roles in catalyst development and scale-up, and at KiOR, he led efforts to convert biomass to biofuel. Dr. Zhou, with R&D experience from Harvard University, revitalized the post-COVID activities of the Great Lakes Chapter of the CACS. He guided the PRES event with strategic insights, ensuring its successful execution and fostering collaboration and innovation. Dr. Song (Figure 2b), a life member of CACS, is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Wei Lun Professor of Chemistry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He was the founding Director of the U.S. DOE-NETL University Coalition for Fossil Energy Research and held prestigious positions at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on energy and fuels, CO₂ capture, and conversion. He has authored 510 journal publications, 15 books, and holds 8 patents. Dr. Song’s leadership in the PRES event was instrumental in ensuring its high-level scope and quality, significantly benefiting the chemistry, energy, and fuels community. Dr. Zhang (Figure 2c), the President of CACS (2025), Past Chair of ACS ENFL, and an Associate Editor for Energy& Fuels, led research on advanced characterization of petroleum mixtures and carbon materials at ExxonMobil. His research on the structure–reactivity of hydrocarbons for sustainable energy solutions underscores his expertise. He has published about 60 papers, delivered 50 invited lectures, and holds dozens of patents. Recognized with awards like the Rising Star Award by Energy& Fuels, Dr. Zhang’s leadership was critical in securing the seamless execution of the PRES events. His efforts emphasized energy transition and industry advancements, showcasing his significant impact on the field. Concurrently, three CACS leaders established clear guidelines for this PRES, fostering collaboration and innovation, focusing on technological methodologies for energy transition and materials advancement (Figure 2d). Their contributions ensured the dissemination of high-quality research data, enriched scientific discussions, and strengthened cooperation among industry, academia, and other stakeholders. Figure 2. Leadership of the Chinese American Chemical Society: a. Dr. Zhou, the 2024 CACS President, b. Dr. Song, a life member of CACS, and c. Dr. Zhang, the President-elect of CACS, and d. Established guidelines for Seamless PRES execution. The PRES event featured invited speakers (Figure 3a) who discussed various topics categorized from energy to sustainable energy and smart materials to materials’ evaluation and applications. The invited speeches included key objectives (Figure 3b), mitigating climate impact, creating a sustainable supply chain, generating valuable products, and strengthening catalysis through photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. The initiative advances energy and sustainability, fosters the energy-materials nexus, promotes sustainable transportation, and enhances materials design and evaluation. Additionally, it emphasizes material and energy transformation and facilitates the transition from bench-mark to commercialization. The distinguished speakers particularly discussed the topics of mitigating climate impacts of aviation through advances in fuel science, creating a sustainable supply chain using carbon dioxide and water, and engineering the electrochemically driven capture and conversion of atmospheric CO₂. The next generation of biorefining technologies and high-value products from undervalued resources were also highlighted. To address sustainable energy topics, the invited speakers presented multifunctional nanoscale systems for electrocatalysis, smart and programmable sponges from basic science to implementation and commercialization, and the design of energy materials to pave the way for a sustainable future accessible to all. Figure 3. Presidential Events at the 2024 ACS Fall Meeting: a. Invited speakers presenting solutions for energy and materials research and b. Topics addressed by featured speakers. Other topics were discussed, such as CO₂ electrolysis for chemical and food production, electrochemical energy storage as a keystone for a clean energy future, and electrocatalysts for a sustainable nitrogen cycle. Advances in elevating the chemistry of carbon transformations for closing material cycles toward a sustainable climate, environmental, and energy future were also covered. The PRES symposium explored broadband of innovative materials applied in photocatalysis, interface-engineered materials for energy and sustainability, and new chemical processes to transform large industrial sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO₂, cement, and steel, to reach net-zero goals. The speakers discussed coupling waste oxidation with CO₂ reduction in engineered metabolisms, a soft material paradigm toward grand energy-water nexus challenges, and advanced optical, electrochemical, mechanical, and electrical probes for the characterization of battery materials physics at the nano- to microscale. Pathways toward atmospheric methane removal via Earth-abundant photocatalysts, interfacial proton and electron transfer in heterogeneous catalysis, and understanding materials and interfaces in solid-state batteries were highlighted. The transition from academic studies to industrial applications of colloidal nanocrystals, illuminating energy materials with X-ray scattering, and the road to sustainable transportation were also key topics. Challenges in reaching net-zero emissions from United States steelmaking, embracing nature’s wisdom for material transformation, and using carbonyl as an infrared reporter for probing the nature of charges in oligo- and poly(p-phenylene)s were discussed. Finally, the shift from carbon dioxide reduction to combined capture and conversion was presented from a molecular electrocatalysis perspective. Dr. Bob McCormick (Figure 3a-1), a senior research fellow and platform leader for fuels and combustion science at the US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory, discussed the mitigating climate impacts of Aviation by Broad Advances in Fuel Science. His work focuses on end-uses and fuel-engine interactions with alternative fuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, as well as next-generation and futuristic fuels. Dr. Chunshan Song (Figure 2b) presented an innovative solution for creating a sustainable supply chain using carbon dioxide and water. His research focuses on the chemistry and catalysis of energy and fuels, including hydrocarbon conversion and fuel processing, CO₂ capture, and conversion to chemicals and fuels. Dr. Wilson Smith (Figure 3a-2) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Research Scientist V at the Chemistry and Nanoscience Center within the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. Dr. Smith presented an electrochemical approach to capturing and converting atmospheric CO₂ using interfacial electrochemical engineering. Dr. Yongdan Li (Figure 3a-3) showcased the next generation of biorefining technologies through Lignin solvolysis to produce chemicals and fuels. Dr. Li has worked as both an educator and a practitioner in industrial catalysis, focusing on developing catalytic reactors and processes for energy conversion. He has led research in photocatalytic water splitting, lignin depolymerization, and fuel cells, emphasizing energy conversion processes. Dr. Alan Chaffee (Figure 3a-4), a Professor in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, discussed an innovative approach to high-value products from undervalued resources. He holds a Research Leader Fellowship from Brown Coal Innovation Australia, focusing on innovative uses of brown coal and carbon capture. His work drives cleaner energy solutions and sustainability, developing adsorbents to separate carbon from flue gases. Dr. Stanislaus Wong (Figure 3a-5), a distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, presented his discovery on multifunctional nanoscale systems for electrocatalysis. His work on carbon nanotubes and metal-containing nanostructures aims to develop sustainable nanomaterials for applications in energy and theranostics. Dr. Wong is a Fellow of multiple prestigious organizations and a recipient of numerous awards. Professor Wong is currently an Executive Editor for ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Dr. Omar K. Farha (Figure 3a-6), Charles E., and Emma H. Morrison, Professor in Chemistry at Northwestern University, showcased his innovation from basic science to implementation and commercialization of Smart and programmable sponges. As Executive Editor for ACS Applied Materials& Interfaces and President of NuMat Technologies, his research on MOFs spans energy to defense applications. He is recognized with numerous awards and is a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Arab Scientists, and many other societies. Dr. Jesús M. Velázquez (Figure 3a-7), an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at UC Davis, discussed his invention of designing energy materials to pave the way for a sustainable future accessible to all. His research designs dimensionally reduced materials for nanoelectronics, energy conversion, and environmental remediation, using advanced techniques to inform materials design. His notable achievements are exemplified by being named as an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow and receiving a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, and NSF CAREER Award. Mr. Mark Jablonka (Figure 3a-8), a Technical Leader with 25 years of experience within Dow Chemical’s Polyolefins business, showcased “Road to sustainable transportation”. His roles have spanned technical and application development across industrial, packaging, and automotive segments. He has led developing partnerships, defining technology gaps, and creating and managing technology plans. His work with polymers and various fabrication processes has advanced automotive materials, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and performance. Dr. Feng Jiao (Figure 3a-9), a Professor of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, discussed “CO₂ electrolysis for chemical and food production”. He leads the Center for Carbon Management, focusing on electrocatalysis and carbon dioxide utilization. His group develops innovative electrochemical devices for energy storage and sustainability. He has received NSF CAREER and ERC Awards and is recognized as the Scialog Fellow in the Negative Emission Science Initiative and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Dr. Amy Marschilok (Figure 3a-10), a professor and adjunct faculty at Stony Brook University, showcased their discovery in “Electrochemical energy storage: A keystone for a clean energy future”. She is a codirector of the Institute of Energy at Stony Brook and serves as Energy Storage and Systems Division Manager at Brookhaven National Lab. Her research focuses on advanced electrochemical devices for energy storage and sustainability. She is recognized for numerous awards and directs the Center for Mesoscale Transport Properties. Dr. Yingwen Cheng (Figure 3a-11), a Professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, presented his research data on “Electrocatalysts for sustainable nitrogen cycle”. His team develops chemical principles to control electrochemical processes for converting electrical and chemical energy to support electricity-driven chemical manufacturing and renewable electricity storage for transportation and smart grids. He received support from funding agencies and has been featured as an Emerging Investigator in two academic journals, Nanoscale (RSC) and Energy& Fuels (ACS). Dr. Greeshma Gadikota (Figure 3a-12) presented a topic on “Advances in elevating the chemistry of carbon transformations for closing material cycles toward a sustainable climate, environmental, and energy future”. She is an Associate Professor and Croll Sesquicentennial Fellow at Cornell University and directs the Sustainable Energy and Resource Recovery Group. She has held research positions at Princeton, Columbia, and NIST. She has received multiple awards, including DOE, NSF, ARO CAREER Awards, and the Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award. Dr. Dongling Ma (Figure 3a-13), a prominent researcher at the Institut National de la Recherche scientifique (INRS) in Canada, presented her research discovery “Toward broadband photocatalysis.″ She holds the Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Advanced Functional Nanocomposites. She leads pioneering nanomaterial research on synthesizing highly functional nanomaterials for environmental, energy, and biomedical applications. Professor Yang Yang (Figure 3a-14) discussed his investigation on “Interface-engineered materials for energy and sustainability”. He is an Associate Professor at the NanoScience Technology Center and has a joint appointment in Chemistry at the University of Central Florida. His team develops advanced materials for renewable energy devices, environmental science, and smart electronics, including design, synthesis, and properties and technologies. Dr. Kerry Rippy (Figure 3a-15) and Dr. Pennell showcased their discovery on “CO₂, cement, and steel; How new chemical processes could transform some of the largest industrial sources of greenhouse gas emissions to reach net-zero goals”. She joined NREL’s Building Technologies and Science Center and led a project using electrochemistry to reduce corrosion in CSP plants. Her work addresses challenges in renewable energy and industrial decarbonization. She promotes scientific education and mentorship, focusing on underrepresented groups in STEM. Dr. Samuel Pennell (Figure 3a-16) received his doctorate in materials science from Northwestern University. He now works as a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. His expertise lies in high temperature metallurgy and high temperature energy storage, especially for iron and iron oxides. Dr. Christian Euler (Figure 3a-17) showcased his team’s study on “Coupling waste oxidation with CO₂ reduction in engineered metabolisms”. He joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo as a professor. Leveraging industrial experience, he develops microbial platforms for chemical production and waste valorization. His work demonstrated the commercial viability of biobased glycolic acid from waste. Co-founder of Phycus Biotechnologies, he promotes circular manufacturing and collaborates on biomanufacturing innovations. Dr. Jun Wang (Figure 3a-18) presented a unique topic, “Embracing nature’s wisdom for material transformation”. Dr. Wang, Director of Packaging Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive, has over 30 years of polymer experience. He led the development of the first recyclable plastic tube, which APR and PRE recognized. He co-initiated an industry-academia-NGO consortium on natural polymers and cofounded the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Plastics Alliance. Dr. Guihua Yu (Figure 3a-19), a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, showcased the team’s study on “A soft material paradigm toward Grand energy-water nexus challenges”. His research focuses on designing functional nanomaterials, understanding their properties, and developing large-scale integration methods for energy, environment, and sustainability applications. He received prestigious awards, including the 2023 Blavatnik National Awards Honoree and the 2023 RSC Horizon Prize. Dr. Jonathan Larson (Figure 3a-20) presented his investigation on “Advanced optical, electrochemical, mechanical, and electrical probes for characterization of battery materials physics at the nanoto-microscale”. His lab at Baylor University tackles fundamental materials science across batteries, quantum materials, and biochemistry, using cutting-edge experimental methods. His team aims to understand energy storage and quantum materials’ surfaces and interfaces with nanoscale resolution, catalyzing strategic engineering and synthesis informed by basic science. Dr. Shu Hu (Figure 3a-21), a Professor of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University, presented his research findings on “Pathway toward atmospheric methane removal via Earth-abundant photocatalysts”. His group synthesizes chemicals and fuels from light using small molecules like water and carbonates. They design efficient photocatalysts with bioinspired active sites and protective coatings. He received distinguished awards such as the 2024 ACS ENFL Emerging Researcher Award and the 2021 DOE Early Career Award. Dr. Harold Kung (Figure 3a-22), the Walter P. Murphy Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University, provided “A discussion of interfacial proton and electron transfer in heterogeneous catalysis”. His research spans from catalysis science, materials for sustainability, and enzyme-inspired catalysis to graphene-based batteries. His work minimizes energy consumption and waste, enhances reactivity and selectivity, and improves battery performance, contributing to a sustainable future. Dr. Matthew McDowell (Figure 3a-23) showcased the topic “Understanding materials and Interfaces in solid-state batteries.″ He is an Associate Professor at Georgia Tech, specializing in materials for energy storage and focusing on electro-chemo-mechanics and battery degradation mechanisms. As Co-Director of the Georgia Tech Advanced Battery Center and Associate Editor of ACS Nano, he received multiple prestigious awards, including PECASE and NSF CAREER. Dr. Younan Xia (Figure 3a-24) introduced his team’s investigation on “Colloidal nanocrystals: Moving from academic studies to industrial applications”. Dr. Xia, Brock Family Chair at Georgia Tech, leads the development of nanomaterials for plasmonics, electronics, catalysis, and regenerative medicine. His group’s silver nanowires and electrospun nanofiber technologies are commercialized for various applications. He received prestigious awards, including the ACS Award for Creative Invention and NIH Director’s Pioneer Award. Dr. Tao Li (Figure 3a-25), a Professor at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Joint Appointment with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) presented his discovery on “Illuminating energy materials with X-ray scattering”. His research at NIU focuses on designing functional nanomaterials for applications in nanomedicine and energy. At ANL, he contributes to decarbonizing steelmaking. His work bridges fundamental science and practical applications, enhancing materials for drug delivery, bioimaging, and energy conversion. Dr. Robert Bell (Figure 3a-26), a Researcher III-Materials Science at the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), showcased his study on “Challenges in reaching net zero emissions from United States steelmaking”. He investigates hydrogen storage, thermochemical water splitting, high-temperature electrolysis, and thermal energy storage. His expertise spans synthesis, characterization, and instrument building. His team has advanced mixed cation hydride and bulk oxide synthesis. He collaborates on the HydroGEN consortium and the Center for Next Generation Materials Design. Dr. Juchao Yan (Figure 3a-27), a distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Eastern New Mexico University, presented his innovation on “Use of carbonyl as an infrared reporter for probing the nature of charges in oligo-, and poly(p-phenylene)s″. His research in polymer science and mechanochemistry bridges fundamental science with practical applications and shapes academic programs and research initiatives. His entrepreneurial vision drives innovations in materials science, addressing real-world challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Dr. Marsha Massey (Figure 3a-28) showcased her team’s investigation on “Shifting from carbon dioxide reduction to combined capture and conversion: A molecular electrocatalysis perspective”. She is an associate professor at UCA, leading a lab designing small molecule electrochemical catalysts for reactive carbon capture and alternative fuel production. Her team investigates manganese, ruthenium, and rhenium carbonyl complexes. She collaborates nationwide to enhance carbon valorization and is dedicated to educational equity in STEM. Two-panel discussions were hosted addressing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, environmental impact and sustainability, energy efficiency and resource utilization, education, policy, and community engagement. Both senior and junior experts from the fields participated in two-panel discussions. The topics streamlined during the ACS Fall meeting were summarized as follows: 1) Interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in leveraging chemistry, engineering, and materials science to advance eco-friendly energy solutions, focusing on innovations in materials science for energy storage and conversion; 2) Environmental impact and sustainability in highlighting chemistry’s role in reducing the environmental footprint of fossil fuels, enhancing renewable energy use, and establishing ethical guidelines for sustainable energy materials, including AI’s role in energy production and distribution; 3) Energy efficiency and resource utilization in emphasizing the significance of catalysis in improving energy efficiency, the development of emerging materials for carbon capture and transformation, and the balance of high energy density, safety, and minimal environmental impact in battery technology; and 4) Education, policy, and community engagement in promoting chemistry education and public engagement to enhance understanding of energy sustainability, implementing policy frameworks and incentives for sustainable practices, and involving local communities in energy conservation and climate action. A group of well-established professionals convened a panel of active interdisciplinary researchers with diverse backgrounds to discuss innovative and practical solutions to energy sustainability challenges and mitigate anthropogenic pollution. The senior panelists addressed the questions on collaboration across chemistry, engineering, and materials science; innovations in materials science transforming the realms of energy storage and conversion; reducing the environmental footprint of fossil fuels and advancing the use of renewable energy sources; the significance of catalysis in improving energy utilization; capturing and transforming carbon emissions into viable fuels; reconciling the competing needs for high energy density, safety, and minimal environmental impact within battery development; ethical guidelines of new materials for energy-centric applications when AI may shape our lives in countless ways; policy frameworks and motivational incentives; and education and public engagement in energy sustainability challenges and solutions among citizens and decision-makers. The senior panelists (Figure 4a) are composed of scientists from the national laboratory, industry, and academia. Dr. Huyen N. Dinh (Figure 4a-1) is the director of HydroGEN Energy Materials Network, a consortium of five U.S. DOE national laboratories focused on advancing hydrogen production technologies. She leads the “Electrons to Molecules initiative” at NREL, managing electrosynthesis and fuel storage research, and champions diversity and inclusion with over 26 years of expertise. Figure 4. The invited panelists from DOE national laboratories, industry, academia, small businesses, and nonprofit sectors: a. The senior panelists, and b. The junior panelists. Professor Ning Yan (Figure 4a-2), a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Bioproducts at the University of Toronto, is an internationally recognized expert in biomaterials engineering, green chemistry, and biopolymer science. She has made significant contributions to science and technology, earning numerous prestigious awards. Professor Yan is a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, the International Academy of Wood Science, and the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Professor Yun Hang Hu (Figure 4a-3) is the University Professor and Charles and Carroll McArthur Endowed Chair Professor at Michigan Technological University. An internationally renowned expert in materials science and engineering, his research spans diverse energy and environmental topics. Prof. Hu has received numerous awards, including election to the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and was recognized as a Fellow in six major societies, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions. Dr. Randall Meyer (Figure 4a-4) is a senior research scientist at ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering with a background in heterogeneous catalysis, including selective hydrogenation and methane to methanol. Before joining ExxonMobil, he was an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Meyer specializes in kinetic studies and complementary techniques such as X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. Dr. Liang Hong (Figure 4a-5) is the Associate R&D Director for Global Post Reactor Extrusion & Processing R&D in the Packaging & Specialty Plastics R&D at Dow. He leads global polymer processing, and compounding and extrusion technology development for the business. Previously, he led the Power product R&D group within Dow’s Wire & Cable business and developed power insulation products and reduced cable degassing times to lower GHG emissions. Dr. Ripudaman Malhotra (Figure 4a-6), a retired organic chemist from SRI International, specialized in energy-related issues. His significant contributions to the energy and oil fields include coauthoring the influential book “A Cubic Mile of Oil.″ Recognized for his research excellence, he received the Storch Award in 2015 and was named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society in 2018. Dr. Franscico Lopez-Linares (Figure 4a-7) is a distinguished scientist with over 25 years of expertise in research and development across various sectors of the Oil and Gas industry, spanning academic and industrial domains. His research spans catalysis, heavy oil upgrading, new fuels, corrosion, and advanced material characterization. He focuses on CCUS and CO₂ management, leads diverse teams, and mentors chemistry students and young researchers. The junior panelists explored net-zero emissions, the circular economy, and AI enhancements in energy fields, shaping our lives in countless ways. The discussion centered on research and strategies for optimizing energy use, enhancing waste management, and addressing climate change. Panelists shared their insights on interdisciplinary collaboration for advancing energy transition and developing smart materials. They discussed ways to incentivize industries to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and improve energy storage technologies and grid resilience. The potential of AI to enhance energy production, distribution, and consumption was examined, along with policies and regulations needed to encourage investment in clean energy and circular economy initiatives. Ethical considerations in implementing AI-driven energy and materials science solutions were discussed, as well as balancing economic growth with environmental protection in pursuing sustainable energy solutions. Strategies to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions while ensuring economic growth and social equity were explored, along with innovative circular economy models to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. A panel of young and dynamic professionals (Figure 4b) from various fields will delve into pressing issues surrounding energy sustainability, pollution reduction, and advancements in circular economy practices. Dr. Lanhe Zhang (Figure 4b-1), a rising star in chemical engineering, contributes significantly to sustainable materials and innovative solutions. She earned her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University and has worked at Dow Inc. for over six years. Her research aligns with Dow’s mission, focusing on developing solutions that bridge environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. Dr. Sharon George (Figure 4b-2) is a Senior Editor for SpringerMaterials, a materials database published by Springer Nature. With a Ph.D. in Physics from Washington State University, she specializes in VUV laser interaction with wide-band gap materials. Her editorial expertise and commitment to advancing materials science research make her an invaluable collaborator, connecting researchers worldwide and ensuring high-impact content. Dr. Elizabeth Biddinger (Figure 4b-3), Professor in Chemical Engineering at The City College of New York focuses on green chemistry and sustainable energy applications, including biomass utilization, CO₂ conversion, catalysis, and decarbonization. She has expertise in electrochemical engineering, energy storage technologies, and the study of ionic liquids. Dr. Kristin R. Di Bona (Figure 4b-4), CEO and Co-Founder of Wyonics, exemplifies innovation and sustainability. She leads efforts to develop and implement sustainable technologies, including efforts to transform the Wyoming coal industry by reimagining coal as a valuable resource, bridging sustainability and economic prosperity. Wyonics is developing energy-efficient technologies to extract and separate critical materials, including rare earth elements and carbon materials, from coal and fly ash, paving the way for a new, sustainable coal economy. Wyonics also focuses on the development of new methods and instruments to enable emerging nanotechnologies and microanalysis, with a focus on the energy sector. Dr. Mariefel Olarte (Figure 4b-5), a Chemical Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, focuses on catalytic upgrading of bio-oils to produce hydrocarbons and analyze reactant and product streams. She serves as an officer in the ENFL ACS Division and the ASTM International D32 Subcommittee. Her research spans biomass utilization, renewable fuel production, AI/machine learning applications in chemistry, and catalytic treatment of waste streams. Dr. Ayrat Gizzatov (Figure 4b-6), Sr. Innovation Manager at Huntsman Advanced Materials, excels in sustainable energy, CO₂ utilization, and advanced nanomaterials. He drives innovation through rigorous research and strategic partnerships, significantly advancing the field. Recognized for his contributions to sustainable energy, he actively participates in professional societies, furthering efforts to create a more sustainable world. Dr. Shu Hu (Figure 3a-21), a Professor at Yale University, focuses on synthesizing chemicals and fuels from light using small molecules like water and carbonates. His team designs efficient particle-based photocatalysts and uses modeling to guide nanomaterials and device approaches for solar applications. Dr. Ashraf Abedin (Figure 4b-7), a Leidos Research Scientist with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University. His research focuses on energy and catalysis, particularly developing a microwave system for catalytic plastic gasification to produce clean energy. He is recognized for his leadership potential in catalysis and clean energy, serving as an editor and reviewer for several scientific journals. The 2024 Presidential Symposium at ACS Fall Meeting in Denver, CO, was a landmark event, bringing together a diverse group of professionals and experts to share groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in energy sustainability and smart materials. Coordinated by leaders from the CACS, the symposium emphasized significant achievements in advancing the chemistry enterprise and highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration across various sectors. The event showcased cutting-edge discoveries and fostered a sense of community, providing a platform for valuable dialogue, networking, and collaboration. Speakers and panelists from DOE national laboratories, industry, academia, small businesses, and nonprofit sectors addressed four principal areas: the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration; innovations in materials science transforming energy storage and conversion; reducing the environmental footprint of fossil fuels and advancing renewable energy sources; and ethical guidelines for new materials in energy-centric applications, especially with AI’s influence. The senior panel discussion featured distinguished professionals and interdisciplinary researchers. Topics included leveraging chemistry, engineering, and materials science collaboration; innovations in energy storage and conversion; reducing fossil fuel environmental impacts; advancing renewables; catalysis; carbon capture; battery development; ethical guidelines for AI in new materials; overcoming renewable energy intermittency; policy frameworks; and public engagement in energy sustainability. A young panel of professionals explored energy sustainability, pollution reduction, and circular economic advancements. This discussion highlights cutting-edge research, AI enhancements, and innovative strategies for optimizing energy use and addressing climate change. This comprehensive event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and creative thinking in tackling pressing energy issues, setting the stage for future advancements, and fostering a sustainable and energy-efficient future. The PRES remains a pivotal platform for driving impactful discussions and catalyzing transformative energy and materials science research. The support from the ACS President’s Office, ACS Meeting and Exhibition are duly acknowledged. The members of the Executive Committee from the CACS are all gratefully acknowledged for their support. The authors from CAS, ENFL, and PMSE divisions are also grateful to Dr. P. Kamat, the Editor-in-Chief of ACS Energy Letters, for his helpful suggestions and encouragement to the Division regarding this collaborative publishing initiative. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.