A graduate in Chemistry, although tempted by Computer Engineering in his adolescence, Pablo Ríos is the first author of the ‘Article of the Month’ for July, a work that describes the virtues of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into liquid fuels with high added value. This fact implies a substantial improvement in the environmental effects derived from the manipulation of CO2 and, for this reason, his work has been distinguished as one of the candidates to win the cicCartuja-Ebro Foods Research Award 2016.

Pablo, could you explain the theme of the ‘Article of the Month’?

Broadly speaking, we can say that CO2 is transformed into other compounds through different stages: first, formic acid, then formaldehyde, and finally methanol and methane. There are many catalysts that cause this process, the problem is that they create mixtures of products and, in addition, they do not stop the transformation of CO2 at an intermediate point. The system we present in the article solves these problems, since we have developed a catalyst that stops the process at the formaldehyde stage.

What conclusions have you reached?

We started from the premise that we wanted to activate CO2 and we succeeded, but we were surprised that the system was so selective and that the process stopped where we programmed it. We discovered that this happened because our complex releases a small amount of a molecule (co-catalyst) that, in combination with a reducing agent, transforms CO2 into methane. If we are able to control the amount of this molecule that is released, we can achieve our goal.

Do you think that the system you describe in the article can be used at an industrial level?

This type of transformation is in very early stages and there are few complexes capable of carrying it out, so it is too early to think about industrial applications. However, it can serve as a basis for other systems that aim at this stage of CO2 reduction.

It should be noted that the conditions in which we work are very mild compared to industry, where the method of formaldehyde synthesis is produced at very high temperatures. For this reason, our approach is more favourable in terms of energy and the environment. Remember that carbon dioxide, the raw material we work with, is very polluting.

The person who really convinced me to enrol in Chemistry was a former high school teacher. She made me see that I had qualities that I should not waste.

Let’s focus a little on you. How long have you been working at cicCartuja?

I joined in October 2014, thanks to a Research Personnel Training Grant (FPI) from the Junta de Andalucía. Currently, I am doing my thesis at the Institute of Chemical Research (IIQ), specifically in the group ‘Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis’.

Was there anyone who particularly influenced you to dedicate yourself to research?

My interest came about somewhat late. When I was in high school, I really liked Chemistry, but also Computer Science. The person who really convinced me to enroll in Chemistry was a former high school teacher, who made me see that I had certain qualities that I should not waste. Already at university, in my second year of college, I began to collaborate with a group as a boarding student and continued with them until my fifth year. Little by little, I immersed myself in the pace of work there and I became more and more interested in research work.

What obstacles have you encountered?

I suppose they are the same as those encountered by all people who are dedicated to this. In my case, as I study Organometallic Chemistry, it is sometimes very frustrating; years can go by without obtaining any results and the work slows down.

Has anyone tried to discourage you?

No, because, really, all those who are dedicated to research know how it works and that things do not happen overnight. I have not had that bad luck.

What would you highlight about cicCartuja as a research centre?

In terms of infrastructure, it is excellently equipped, and even more so taking into account the difficulties that exist in Spain with research funding. As for the organisation, the truth is that I have no complaints either, since, to give some examples, the Administration department works very well, the Communications department does a very good job of dissemination and in IT its members are very decisive. It couldn’t be better.

If we look at the human and labour relations level, we have to take into account that cicCartuja houses three institutes where many people work. On many occasions it is difficult to organise everyone, but, despite that, the atmosphere is magnificent and not only between students of similar ages, but also between professors and principal researchers. I am very grateful that we can talk about any concern that arises with total freedom.

In Spain, investment in science is very sparing and it is a shame, because we are excellently trained and could excel much more.

You did a master’s degree in England and you know the work methodology that is followed there. What differences do you find with respect to Spain?

Indeed, I was awarded a Talentia Scholarship by the Junta de Andalucía and I spent some time at the University of Bristol with a master’s degree. I would highlight as the main difference the economic cushion that exists there. In Spain, investment in science is very sparing and it is a shame, because we are excellently trained and could excel much more.

I’m telling you this as an anecdote, but it happened that during my stay in Bristol I had an idea that could be useful for my research group. I asked permission to carry it out, but with reservations, since the products I had to use were expensive. Against all odds, they did not put any obstacles in my way and told me that I had to try to move forward.

Would you propose something to change this if it were in your hands?

Of course, I would increase investment, but I would also work on motivation among researchers. Sometimes you find people who are working in science because it is what there is and not because of a vocation.

Really, demotivation is collateral damage from little investment.

Of course, if there is no investment, jobs are not created and it is normal for people to cling to things that do not particularly excite them.

Do you think that, in general, society is separated from science and dissemination?

We were talking earlier about motivation for science and I think that this is encouraged with a lot of dissemination. If you are initially portrayed as having a boring and tedious world, it will be difficult to change the stereotype without a good dissemination campaign.

I know people who are against disseminating research because they confuse it with disseminating research in a literal way. It is not about that at all, but rather about describing scientific processes in a striking and clear way, so that it is also of interest to people who are not specialized and so that we all get involved.

Could you advise those who want to follow in your footsteps in this world?

First of all, to make sure that this is what they want to do because it requires a lot of work. If they like it and it fulfills them, go ahead, because if it is not a vocation, it can be very difficult. On the other hand, they should put effort, optimism and curiosity into it, because they have to enjoy the journey, not just the beginning and the end of the research.