Our understanding of the chemistry and physics of CO2 remains incomplete, which poses a significant challenge in our efforts to address global issues associated with it. Our research group works on CO₂-functionalization and catalysis to find ideal solutions toward creating more valuable resources to compensate the input energy in the conversion process. This implies that this industrial waste, CO₂, can be transformed into useful chemicals, serving as a fuel source for water purification and desalination. By studying these chemical processes, we are increasing our understanding of the chemistry and physics of CO₂, thus providing essential information and knowledge for carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCSU).

At CORC, the Lee group concentrates on the development of the next generation technologies for CO₂ capture to forge viable solutions for imminent global issues related to anthropogenic CO₂ emission by applying the knowledge acquired from organic synthetic chemistry and catalysis. In this context, reducing the energy penalty in desorption of CO₂ in carbon capture processes emerges as a critical goal. This will be possible by identifying compatible direct chemical or biological conversion of the captured CO₂ to the final products of interest, providing the ultimate solution for CCSU, preferentially from thin air via direct air capture (DAC) or from point sources.