Rice University and ExxonMobil Join Forces for Sustainable Energy Innovations

Rice University Partners with ExxonMobil for Sustainable Energy Research

In an exciting development for sustainable energy research, Rice University and ExxonMobil have finalized a master research agreement to collaborate on various innovative projects aimed at addressing pressing global challenges related to energy, climate, and environmental sustainability. This pioneering partnership highlights the duo's collective dedication to leveraging their unique insights and capabilities to forge pathways toward a more sustainable energy future. The alliance takes place in Houston, a city known as the global hub for energy innovation and expertise.

Rice University's President, Reginald DesRoches, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "By combining our interdisciplinary research strengths with ExxonMobil's leadership in the energy sector, we are laying the groundwork for transformative solutions—a future that is not only aspirational but also accessible and attainable." This endeavor signifies a strategic union that aligns with Rice's mission to facilitate significant advancements in sustainable energy frameworks, demonstrating a commitment to benefitting society at large.

The partnership is anchored in Rice's strengths in materials science, polymers, catalysts, high-performance computing, and applied mathematics. Together, Rice and ExxonMobil are poised to develop robust and comprehensive solutions that will bolster the global transition towards sustainable energy. Mike Zamora, President of ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co., expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, remarking, "Our commitment to science and engineering combined with Rice’s exceptional resources will drive solutions to cater to increasing energy demands. We are thrilled about this partnership."

The initial project under this agreement is already in motion, led by Qilin Li, Rice's Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and co-director of the Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT Center). This groundbreaking initiative focuses on advanced technologies designed to improve the treatment of desalinated produced water from oil and gas operations, targeting contaminants that threaten human health and the environment. Li's innovative strategies employ electrochemical advanced oxidation processes to tackle these persistent pollutants, opening up avenues for reusing treated water effectively in agriculture, wildlife conservation, and industrial uses.

Additionally, the research explores the potential for recovering ammonia to produce hydrogen, thereby contributing to enhanced sustainable resource management practices. These efforts exemplify Rice's ability to amalgamate diverse expertise in crafting enduring solutions that tackle critical energy and water sustainability issues. Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Rice's Executive Vice President for Research, pointed out that this partnership showcases the university's capability to unite various fields to address pressing societal challenges.

As more projects unfold from this collaboration in the upcoming months and years, expectations run high for considerable advancements in Rice's sustainability initiatives and its influential role in the energy sector. University officials express optimism about the significant contributions this partnership is set to make, promising a robust response to the dynamic energy landscape.

About Rice University:
Located in Houston, Texas, Rice University spans across a 300-acre wooded campus and is consistently recognized among the top 20 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Renowned for its exceptional schools across various disciplines, Rice promotes a rich community, fostering close-knit relationships among its students. Notably, the university prioritizes interdisciplinary research and innovation, making it a beacon for scientific advancement and societal progress.