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 |
