Can chemical engineering or applied chemistry lead to work in clean energy?
Yes. The reaction engineering, separation, materials, catalysis, process design, and safety skills developed in chemical engineering or applied chemistry can lead to work in areas such as batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen, solar cells, biofuels, and carbon capture. Emphases vary by faculty and program, so check relevant courses and laboratories and consider graduate study or internships when appropriate.
Key points
- Chemical engineering can connect to energy-conversion and manufacturing processes through design, scale-up, and efficiency improvement.
- Applied chemistry can connect to materials and reaction development for batteries, catalysts, solar cells, and fuel cells.
- Choosing courses, laboratories, and practical experiences that match the desired role is useful.
Things to check
- Roles centered on power systems, control, or mechanical design may require knowledge and specialization beyond chemistry.
- For research and development positions, a graduate degree may be advantageous or required depending on the role and employer.