Carbon is an exceptionally useful element, but too much of it in the wrong place can be a problem. That's what we face with the Earth's carbon cycle—a term that refers to the exchange of carbon among the planet's oceans, atmosphere, plants and soil.

ORNL’s combined carbon capture–separation–conversion focus area will coordinating physical experiments with one another and with the lab's formidable computing muscle. The goal is to develop technology to—in the same process—remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, separate it from other gases and convert it into valuable products.

ORNL nanoscientist Rigoberto Advincula is heading up the carbon initiative’s efforts to identify chemical processes that convert captured CO₂ and other carbon emissions and byproducts into high-value commodities.

"I chose a career in science because I was fascinated by nature following precise, mathematical laws."

"My endless passion for learning new things and my scientific curiosity led me to be a scientist."

"I have always been fascinated by metals, and the research I work on provides new challenges every day, which makes for a rather exciting career."

"With my parents having strong math and physics backgrounds, I saw science as a natural career option."