Researchers from QUT’s (Queensland) Centre for Materials Science, led by associate professor Liangzhi Kou, were part of an international study that used theoretical modeling to identify six metals found effective in a reaction capable to convert CO2 into sustainable and clean energy sources. The six metals are nickel, niobium, palladium, rhenium, rhodium, zirconium and their atoms are being tested in reaction with “ferroelectical” materials (materials that have a positive charge on one face and a negative charge on another face) to convert the greenhouse gas into a desired chemical fuel. The long term goal of this research is to find ways to turning carbon dioxide into clean energy sources.