At Scribner, innovation starts with the people behind the instruments. Our team is made up of scientists and engineers who share a passion for empowering electrochemical research and for supporting the researchers who make breakthroughs possible. In this series, Inside Scribner, we’re excited to introduce the people you’ll work with when you partner with Scribner.
Meet Dr. Ben Thomas, an applied electrochemist whose journey from clean-energy curious undergraduate to hands-on innovator in electrochemistry reflects the dynamic potential of the field. With roots in inorganic chemistry and a deep-dive into CO₂-conversion research at Virginia Tech, Ben now brings his expertise to the forefront of scalable, value-added chemical synthesis via electrochemical routes. Ben exemplifies the “quiet enabler” mindset of electrochemistry, working behind the scenes of big transitions, yet driving them forward in substance.
What first drew you to electrochemistry, and how did you end up working in this field?
Ben: I stumbled into electrochemistry somewhat by chance. After gaining admission to Virginia Tech, I searched for research groups that worked on inorganic chemistry with a clean energy focus. My eventual advisor, Amanda Morris, had a funded grant on CO₂ conversion and I joined her group. Once I started working on that project, I fell down the electrochemistry rabbit hole—and I haven’t looked back.
What’s the most exciting project you’re currently working on, and why does it matter for the future of energy?
Ben: Electrochemistry—sometimes called a “quiet enabler” of major technologies like batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen systems—is standing behind the scenes of many big changes. I’m especially excited about applying electrochemical methods to organic synthesis, generating value-added chemicals through clean, scalable routes. If successful, these routes could unlock new applications of electrochemistry beyond conventional energy storage and conversion. That matters because scaling clean chemical manufacture is key to a sustainable energy future.
What are the biggest technical challenges you’re working to solve right now, and what excites you about tackling them?
Ben: Some of the toughest challenges involve materials stability, selectivity, and scale-up of electrochemical reactors for non-traditional chemistries. What excites me is that solving these challenges puts us at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering—and that interplay offers large opportunities for innovation.
How do you see electrochemistry shaping the clean energy transition and sustainability efforts?
Ben: I view electrochemistry as a multifaceted player in the clean-energy transition. Yes, batteries and fuel cells will remain critical, but electrochemistry offers so many additional pathways—chemical manufacturing, carbon-utilization, and perhaps as yet undiscovered applications. Its versatility means it cannot be used in just one way, but in many, to help achieve a greener future.
What element on the periodic table best represents your personality, and why?
Ben: Ruthenium (Ru). I’d say I’m rare, versatile and useful—and after all, I used it in all of my grad-school work!