Innovative Green Technology: Prof. Daniel Lau Transforms CO2 into Valuable Products for Industry and Space Exploration

Prof. Daniel Lau Shu-ping, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials from the Department of Applied Physics, is set to revolutionize carbon capture technologies with a dual vision: transforming carbon dioxide into ethylene for industrial use and miniaturizing the process for future space missions. His cutting-edge technology is poised for integration at the I.PARK1 waste-to-energy plant, which will process 3,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily upon completion. Prof. Lau's innovative system captures CO2, reacting it with water using renewable electricity to produce ethylene, a key petrochemical traditionally made through energy-intensive methods. His second-generation technology has already demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency, maintaining functionality for 2,000 at industrial-scale electricity levels in lab tests. As global industries face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, Prof. Lau’s approach offers a viable solution. A state-owned petrochemical plant in Shanghai has agreed to trial his technology, marking a potential breakthrough in commercial viability. With plans to miniaturize the device for space applications, Prof. Lau's work not only addresses emissions but also aligns with Hong Kong’s sustainability goals, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. This pioneering effort underscores the critical role of innovation in tackling climate change and fostering a sustainable future.     Online coverage: China Daily Pioneering Green Tech Eyes Space Application, Industry Boost 26 August 2025 China Daily Hong Kong The answer to climate change  29 August 2025

2025 Departmental Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement

It is our great honour to announce that Miss TSOI Lai Wing Coco has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Professional Achievement of the Department of Applied Physics. As the Chief MRI Physicist and Deputy Manager at Medhealth Diagnostic MRI Centre, Miss Tsoi has made significant contributions to the field of medical imaging over the past decade. Recognized for her innovative work, Miss Tsoi implemented optimized MRI protocols that improved patient outcomes and departmental efficiency. She also developed comprehensive MRI trainings that balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, shaping the next generation of MRI physicists. Miss Tsoi is also commited to sports medicine, leveraging her expertise in biomechanics to enhance athletic performance. As a Clinical Sports Trainer for the American Golf Teaching Society, she has developed biomechanical movement protocols aimed at preventing injuries and improving golfers' performance through data-driven methods. Beyond her professional achievements, Miss Tsoi is a steadfast supporter of the AP programme. She has streamlined recruitment processes and hired more than seven AP graduates as Assistant MRI Physicists, thereby promoting career advancement opportunities for AP graduates in the medical field. She has actively engaged with students, delivering talks and sharing her insights to promote their career advancement. Congratulations to Miss Tsoi for her significant contributions to AP, the University and the community!

2025 Departmental Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement

We are delighted to share that Prof. LI Danfeng has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding PolyU Young Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of the Department of Applied Physics. Prof. Li's groundbreaking discovery of superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates marks a pivotal moment in condensed matter physics. In 2019, Prof. Li published his revolutionary findings in Nature, showcasing how his innovative soft-chemistry approach synthesized doped infinite-layer nickelates, thereby opening the "nickel age of superconductivity." This discovery has not only transformed the field but also sparked unprecedented global interest in high-temperature superconductors, with significant implications for energy transmission, quantum computing, and magnetic levitation technologies. With over 60 high-impact publications, including notable works in Science and Physical Review Letters, Prof. Li has secured more than HK$20 million in funding to advance research in quantum materials. As Associate Dean for the College of Science at City University of Hong Kong, he mentors the next generation of researchers, embodying the values of intellectual curiosity and collaboration. Prof. Li's exceptional achievements and leadership exemplify his commitment to fostering world-class researchers who make lasting impacts on science and society. His recognition as an outstanding young alumnus undoubtedly enhances AP's global reputation.   Congratulations to Prof. Li for his significant contributions to the community!

Prof. Zhang Xuming's Team Wins Champion Title at Product Innovation Competition 2024-25

Prof. Zhang Xuming's team has secured the champion title in the "Dr. Ching Yuen-kai – IC • U3DP • Product Innovation Prize 2024-25," hosted by the Faculty of Engineering (FENG) in partnership with the Industrial Centre (IC) and the University Research Facility in 3D Printing (U3DP). The competition featured submissions from 26 teams, with 8 finalists demonstrating exceptional ingenuity. Participants developed their projects at U3DP and IC, focusing on innovative solutions that positively impact society, particularly for those in need. The champion project, “Dragon Vision: Ultra-High Precision 3D Printing-Based Artificial Compound Eyes for 3D Vision,” was created by team members JIANG Heng, LI Xu, and WAN Liang. Their groundbreaking work exemplifies the intersection of advanced technology and societal benefit, showcasing remarkable creativity and dedication. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zhang Xuming’s team and all participants for their outstanding contributions to innovation.

Prof. Jun YIN Develops High-Efficiency Solar Cells

The Department of Applied Physics has made a significant advancement in solar technology by developing a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with an unprecedented energy conversion efficiency of 33.89%. Led by Prof. Yin Jun, the research team utilized an innovative bilayer-intertwined passivation strategy, which greatly enhances charge extraction and minimizes energy loss. This breakthrough effectively overcomes previous limitations in efficiency and opens new possibilities for the application of renewable energy technologies. The new solar cells have been certified, marking the first time they have surpassed the Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7% for single-junction solar cells. In addition to their impressive efficiency, these cells exhibit exceptional photovoltaic performance, including a high fill factor of up to 83% and an open-circuit voltage nearing 1.97V. This research not only showcases the potential of photovoltaic technology but also provides a solid foundation for the ongoing development of sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a greener, low-carbon future. Please visit here to view the research findings published in the international journal Nature.    應用物理學系在太陽能技術方面取得重大進展，成功開發出鈣鈦礦/矽串聯太陽能電池，能量轉換效率達到前所未有的33.89%。由殷駿教授領導的研究團隊採用創新的雙層界面鈍化策略，顯著提升電荷提取效率並減少能量損失。這一突破有效克服了以往的效率限制，為可再生能源技術的應用開辟了新機會。 這款新型太陽能電池已獲得認證，首次超越了單結太陽能電池的Shockley-Queisser極限33.7%。除了令人印象深刻的效率外，這些電池還展現出卓越的光伏性能，包括高達83%的填充因子和接近1.97V的開路電壓。該研究不僅展示了光伏技術的潛力，還為可持續能源解決方案的發展奠定了堅實基礎，為實現綠色低碳未來作出貢獻。 請在此查看發表於國際期刊《自然》的研究成果。   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao 教育線上/理大研製高效太陽能電池 21 May 2025

Prof. Zhang Xuming's Research Group Shines at a Youth Entrepreneurship Contest

Prof. Xuming ZHANG's research group has achieved remarkable success at the 2nd "See Beautiful China in Huzhou" Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, held in the Asia Region Hong Kong Station. This contest, themed “Beautiful China, Dynamic Huzhou", aims to highlight Huzhou as a hub for green entrepreneurship, promoting the philosophy that "Green mountains are gold mountains." Among the distinguished recipients, JIANG Heng won the First Prize for his innovative project, "Dragonfly Eyes: Microsecond Panoramic Thumb Cameras." Additionally, TSOI Chi Chung and XIE Fengjia secured Third Prizes for their projects: "High-Throughput Digital Microfluidics Platform for Microalgae Screening and Cultivation" and "NADew: Synthesis and Encapsulation of NADH, A Highly Effective Anti-Aging Ingredient," respectively. This competition serves as a vital platform to attract global youth talent, encouraging innovative business ventures in Huzhou and reinforcing its status as the “Youth Entrepreneurship New Town.” Prof. Zhang and his team are excited to contribute to this vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

Prof. Jiong Zhao achieves groundbreaking discovery in the structure and synthesis of 2D ferroelectrics

A research team led by Prof. Jiong ZHAO, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics, has made a significant breakthrough in the structure and synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics. Their work enhances the understanding and potential applications of these materials in microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technologies. Utilizing advanced atomic resolution techniques, the team successfully synthesized 2D ferroelectrics, including Indium Selenide (In2Se3), which promises high efficiency for next-generation electronic devices. These materials exhibit rapid carrier mobility and lower energy consumption, making them ideal for applications in high-density memory devices and neuromorphic systems. Due to his exceptional research achievements, Prof. Zhao has been honored with the Excellent Young Scientists Fund by the National Natural Science Foundation. Additionally, his research projects have garnered support from the Collaborative Research Fund of the Research Grants Council and the Innovation and Technology Fund from the Innovation and Technology Commission.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Mirage News 2D Ferroelectrics Discovery Boosts Tech, AI, Quantum 18 February 2025 Wen Wei Po 理大二維鐵電體研究突破 推動微電子AI領域發展 18 February 2025

Undergraduate Students Win Excellence Award at National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition

It is proud to announce that undergraduate students Zhu Qizheng, Li Sihui, Wang Qinyan, WONG Hei, and Fu Keyan from our department have achieved the Excellent Award at the 2024 10th National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition. Their project featured a video of point discharge physics experiment. The National Undergraduate Physics Experiment Competition is a prestigious event that encourages university students across the country to engage deeply with physics and experimental methodologies. This competition not only fosters interest in physics but also enhances students' innovative spirit, practical abilities, and teamwork skills. Congratulations to our students on this remarkable achievement, which reflects their hard work and dedication to academic excellence. 

Xie Fengjia and Tsoi Chi Chung Win Bronze Medal in the "Tongxin Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students 2024

Xie Fengjia and Tsoi Chi Chung, who are PhD graduates and now postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Applied Physics, have been awarded the Bronze Medal in the 5th "Tongxin Cup" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students of Quanzhou City 2024 (Incubation Group). Their groundbreaking research project, titled "Photogenerated NADH Microdroplets for Anti-Aging," earned them a cash prize of CNY 20,000. This competition aims to inspire young talents' innovative spirit and entrepreneurial awareness while promoting collaboration between industry, academia, research, and application. This achievement underscores the potential impact of their work in advancing anti-aging technologies.

Prof. Daniel Lau develops library of polarised vdW heterobilayers for exploring novel 2D materials, securing support from NSFC/RGC Collaborative Research Scheme

Prof. Daniel Lau, Chair Professor of Nanomaterials and Head of the Department of Applied Physics, has initiated a groundbreaking project to create a library of polarised van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers. With the aim to screen materials with significant development potential for nanoelectronics, photonics, and spintronics, this research project has already secured the finanical support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Research Scheme 2024/25. With a funding of approximately HK$3.55 million over 48 months, the project seeks to develop a simulation model to accelerate the identification of a large number of 2D vdW materials for promising polarised heterobilayers for further experimental evaluation. The anticipated outcome includes enhanced density and performance in the next generation of non-volatile memory devices and in-memory computing systems.   Press release: English | 中文   Online coverage: Hong Kong Commercial Daily 理大研究創建極化vdW異質雙層數據庫 獲國家自然科學基金及研資局合作研究重點項目計劃支持 17 December 2024 Hong Kong China News Agency 港理大研究創建數據庫 助探索嶄新二維材料 17 December 2024