Miss Jiaying Yan

PhD student

The University of Tokyo

The rapid increase of atmospheric CO2 due to fossil fuel consumption is one of the most pressing environmental challenges, driving global climate change and energy crises. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ERCO2) offers a promising solution by converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, such as ethylene, ethanol, and carbon monoxide, using renewable electricity. This approach not only helps close the carbon cycle but also enables sustainable energy storage. However, current ERCO2 technologies face critical challenges, including low selectivity, poor stability, and insufficient activity under industrially relevant conditions. My research addresses these issues through interface and defect engineering, aiming to rationally design and optimize electrocatalysts at the atomic level. By controlling defect density, tailoring surface structures, and modulating interfacial properties, I seek to enhance catalytic performance and guide reaction pathways toward desired multi-carbon products. By integrating advanced synthesis methods with in situ/operando characterization techniques, my methodology elucidates structure-activity relationships, guiding the design of highperformance catalysts for practical CO2 conversion. So far, my research has resulted in four first‐author SCI publications, five co-authored papers, and one granted invention patent, reflecting my contributions to the field of CO2 electroreduction. Notably, my first Ph.D. work at the University of Tokyo, supervised by Professor Yagi, was published in Small Science in August 2025, demonstrating that engineered defects can significantly boost ERCO2 selectivity and efficiency. By bridging materials science and electrochemical engineering, my research aims to drive innovation in CO2 conversion technologies and support the global transition toward carbon neutrality