ME PhD Student Clinches Champion at 2025 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition Hong Kong Heat

Congratulations to Miss ZHANG Kouer, a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, for winning the Champion at the Young Persons’ Lecture Competition (YPLC) Hong Kong Heat on October 2, 2025. Under the supervision of Prof. AN Liang, Kouer delivered a compelling presentation on her research, titled “Closing the Loop: Transforming Wastewater Nitrate into Sustainable Fertilizer,” which distinguished her among a strong field of participants. About the Research Ammonia production for fertilizers traditionally depends on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Kouer's research explores a more sustainable alternative: producing ammonia from electricity and wastewater nitrate. A key challenge is the competing hydrogen evolution reaction, which reduces efficiency. The team's solution is a novel catalyst composed of copper-cobalt nanowires grown on copper foam. In this tandem mechanism, cobalt sites initiate nitrate reduction, while copper sites complete the process, efficiently guiding the reaction toward ammonia and suppressing hydrogen production. Supported by advanced in-situ characterization and computational tools, this catalyst demonstrates high efficiency and long-term stability, paving the way for greener, scalable ammonia production. Representing Hong Kong at the World Final With this victory, Kouer has earned the right to represent Hong Kong at the YPLC World Final this November, where she will compete against other top young researchers from around the globe. The YPLC World Final brings together winners from national and regional heats organized by The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). Since its inception in London in 2005, the competition has been held across four continents. The IOM3 Hong Kong Branch has organized the local heat annually since 2005, providing a platform for young professionals and students to showcase their expertise and presentation skills in materials, minerals, mining, and related engineering fields.      

ME PhD Graduate Achieves the PolyU PhD Thesis Award 2025 for Merit

We are delighted that Dr LIANG Zhaojian, a PhD graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has received the competitive PolyU PhD Thesis Award for Merit (STEM Category). The PolyU Graduate School establishes the PhD Thesis Award to recognize, reward and promote the distinguished research achievements by graduating PhD students. There are two award classes, namely Outstanding and Merit, recognizing students’ performance of different levels. Dr Liang completed his PhD under the supervision of Prof. LI Mengying and has demonstrated exceptional research achievements through his graduating thesis.   Thesis Title: Theoretical investigations of the transient characteristics of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) under unstable operational conditions - For contribution to a universal framework managing multi-timescale dynamics in electrochemical devices for renewable energy storage Chief Supervisor: Prof. LI Mengying To store fluctuating renewable energy like solar power, efficient and durable energy-conversion devices are essential. Our research investigated how solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) react to rapid changes in power, similar to when a cloud passes over a solar panel. We found that electricity, gas, and heat within the SOEC respond at different timescales: gas adjusts within a second, while heat changes occur over minutes. By connecting the principles of fluid mechanics and electrochemistry, we derived general characteristic times that predict these dynamic behaviors. These characteristic times were validated experimentally and across various electrochemical devices in the literature, establishing a universal framework for designing safer and more efficient energy systems. With these insights, we developed a control method for a solar-powered SOEC system that uses fast gas adjustments to manage slow heat changes. This maintains safe temperatures and high efficiency, making a crucial step for reliable, large-scale renewable energy storage.  

ME Scholars Ranked Among World's Top 2% Most-cited Scientists

In the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, 14 scholars of PolyU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) have been ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in their main disciplines for career-long citation impact. In addition, 2 other ME academics have also been ranked for single recent year impact *. Scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields according to the standard Science-Metrix classification. Field- and subfield-specific percentiles are also provided for all scientists with at least 5 papers. Career-long data are updated to end-of-2024 and single recent year data pertain to citations received during calendar year 2024. The selection is based on the top 100,000 scientists by c-score (with and without self-citations) or a percentile rank of 2% or above in the sub-field. This version (8) is based on the August 1, 2025 snapshot from Scopus, updated to end of citation year 2024. This work uses Scopus data. Calculations were performed using all Scopus author profiles as of August 1, 2025. The recognition reflects the significant influence and research excellence of the Department’s scientists, who are committed to furthering their knowledge for the benefit of the world. Congratulations to the following ME scholars who have been ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world in their respective fields: Prof. An Liang Prof. Christopher Chao Yu Hang Prof. Chen Guohua Prof. Cheng Li Prof. Fu Mingwang Prof. Jiao Zengbao Prof. Mai Yiu Wing Prof. Su Zhongqing Prof. Wang Liqiu Prof. Wang Zuankai Prof. Yao Haimin Prof. Zhang Dan Prof. Zhang Xiao Prof. Zheng Guangping Prof. Wu Maochun * Prof. Yu Xiang * Data available at Elsevier Published: 19 September 2025 | Version 8 | DOI:10.17632/btchxktzyw.8  

Prof. Wang Zuankai develops acid-resistant artificial mucus for improving gastric wound healing in animals

A team of researchers and clinicians led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), has developed an acid-resistant hydrogel called “ultrastable mucus-inspired hydrogel” (UMIH).  This research has recently been published in Cell Press journal Cell Reports Physical Science, with Dr YANG Xiao, Postdoctoral Fellow of ME, as the first author, along with corresponding author, Dr CHAU Yeung Yeung, Research Associate of ME. “UMIH has potential for treating gastroesophageal reflux, gastric ulcers, and post-surgical wound protection and can be combined with endoscopic delivery for minimally invasive therapy,” says first co-author LI Bei of Sichuan University. “In both rat and pig models, it not only sticks firmly but also helps wounds heal faster and better.” Prof. WANG envisions, “UMIH represents a major step forward in biomaterials for gastrointestinal repair. Its strong adhesion, durability, and scalable manufacturing process position it as a promising platform for clinical translation.” In lab tests under acidic conditions (pH2), UMIH showed 15x stronger adhesive abilities compared to aluminum phosphate gel (APG), a clinically approved mucosal protectant and antacid that is used to manage gastric ulcers and acid reflux. And whereas APG degraded completely after 3 days, UMIH still maintained 50% of its structural integrity after 7 days in acidic conditions. UMIH was not associated with any toxicity issues in lab-grown gastrointestinal cells. It also inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, indicating that it has antimicrobial potential.  Dr YANG remarks, “UMIH achieves an adhesion strength 15 times higher than that of clinically approved materials in acidic conditions. It remains stable for 7 days and shows excellent biocompatibility and significant tissue repair capability.” In pig and rat models of esophageal injury, UMIH adhered tightly to wounds and improved healing compared to control animals and animals treated with APG. UMIH was associated with less tissue damage, reduced inflammation, and it promoted the growth of new blood vessels, which is essential for healing.  This research was supported by funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen, and the Shenzhen Medical Research Fund.  

Warmest welcome to our new research students joining ME!

We are delighted to welcome 50 newly admitted research students to the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at PolyU for the new academic semester. On the morning of 1 September 2025, an orientation session was held for the incoming research students, led by our Department Head, Prof. SU Zhongqing. Research studies at ME aim not only to train students to become professionals in their field but also to broaden their perspectives in discovering new knowledge that benefits society. He introduced the department’s six key research areas: Advanced Materials and Processing, Aerospace Engineering, Clean Energy and Energy Storage, Robotics, Control, Automation & AI, Sound and Vibration, and Thermofluids and Combustion. These areas are strategically aligned with addressing the challenges our society and the world will face in the coming decades. Prof. TANG Hui, Chairman of Departmental Research Committee (DRC) and Associate Head (Research), extended a warm welcome to the students. He encouraged them to reach out to him or their supervisors if they encounter any problems.  Prof. Tang expressed his hope that all students will enjoy their studies in ME and have a fruitful academic journey. Prof. LI Mengying, Research Student Liaison Officer, is responsible for coordinating among all research students in the department. Together with Prof. ZHANG Xiao and Prof. ZHANG Baoping, who serve as Seminar Coordinators, they are arranging for guest speakers to expose students to the latest research and technological advancements. Students were excited to learn about the dynamic learning activities available, including the ME Seminar Series, Research Sharing Talks, and the ME Research Presentation Contest. Ms Lily TAM, DRC Secretary and Administrative Support Group Leader, provided a comprehensive overview of the study programme structure, examination and grading systems, studentships and fellowships, as well as funding and other support mechanisms. Finally, Ir Dr NG Chun, Curtis, Technical Support Group Leader, led a lab tour showcasing PolyU ME's state-of-the-art research facilities. These included the Acoustics Lab (DE001), Aeronautical Laboratory (DE005), Materials and Mechanics Technology Lab (FJ003), and Thermal Science Lab (FJ004), where innovative research activities and advanced equipment were demonstrated. The students responded with great enthusiasm and positive feedback. We are confident that they will enjoy a supportive, knowledge-rich, and interactive learning experience throughout their studies.  

ME Student Clinches Champion at PolyU International Future Challenge (Jinjiang Region) - Student Track

Congratulations to Mr Liu Yunpu, an undergraduate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), supervised by Prof. Zhang Dan under PolyU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS), for achieving outstanding performance at the PolyU x Xiangfu International Future Challenge (Jinjiang Region) - Student Track finals held on 28 August in Jinjiang. Among 10 outstanding teams, Mr Liu's project entitled "Research, Development and Industrialization of the Intelligent Rehabilitation Robots for Knee Joint Injury" secured Champion with a RMB 15,000 cash prize. He will advance to the Grand Final in Shenzhen this December, competing against leading teams from other regions. The Jinjiang Region invites start-ups and innovators to focus on key industry sectors, including textile and apparel technology, future food, microelectronics, tourism management, healthcare, and the application of AI in these areas, and propose innovative solutions to address the challenges of current society and the market. Apart from the open track, which welcomes established companies, funded startups, and growing enterprises from across the globe. Jinjiang Division has specially created a student track registration channel, which is exclusively open to current students worldwide. Aiming to create an atmosphere of innovation and entrepreneurship and stimulate the enthusiasm of young students. The PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC)—the University’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition—adopts a unique "1+N" framework, with Hong Kong, China as the main hub and additional rounds in six Chinese Mainland cities (Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang). Open to global innovators, the competition partners with leading enterprises and PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes to offer participants mentorship, corporate visits, business consultations, and overseas opportunities.  

ME PhD Students Win Silver Award in GBA STEAM Excellence Award

Congratulations to two ME PhD students won the Silver Award in the "New Materials and New Energy" category under the 7th Greater Bay Area STEAM Excellence Award 2025 (HKSAR) (Postgraduate category) for their project entitled “Bubbles dynamics dominate the performance of water electrolyzer at high currents compared to the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA)”. The PolyU team, composed of WU Lizhen and WANG Qing from the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, and XU Yifan from the CityU School of Energy and Environment. Their work mainly focuses on exploring the design of electrodes for high-rate water electrolysis, improving their bubble dynamics and fully releasing their capabilities through electrode engineering. The Greater Bay Area STEAM Excellence Award (HKSAR) has been organized by Hong Kong New Emerging Technology Education Association (HKNETEA) since 2019 with the objective to enhance students’ creativity and innovation, and recognise young STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) talents for their efforts, while recognizing the dedication of schools and teachers for their outstanding work and commitment to STEAM education.​ /* Apply default table styles */ /* Apply mobile-specific styles */ @media (min-width: 600px) { .medal{ width:55% } }  

ME PhD Students Awarded Prestigious Young Professionals Grant at Inter-Noise 2025

Congratulations to two of our PhD students, Miss Qiao Xiaoru and Mr Wang Chuyang, on being awarded the highly competitive Young Professionals Grant (YP Grant). They attended the 54th International Congress & Exposition on Noise Control Engineering (INTER-NOISE 2025) in São Paulo, Brazil, from August 24 to 27, 2025. Their participation was led by Prof. Cheng Li, a member of the congress's International Advisory Committee for the Asia-Pacific region, and Prof. Choy Yat Sze of PolyU's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Miss Qiao, supervised by Professor Choy Yat Sze, and Mr Wang, supervised by Professor Chu Kar Hang, were selected from a global pool of applicants based on the exceptional quality of their research. The YP Grant, awarded by the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE), aims to support and encourage students and young engineers to attend the premier event in noise control engineering. The grant provides recipients with unique opportunities, including a dedicated Mentoring Workshop where awardees can hold informal discussions with world-renowned experts and receive guidance on professional skills such as networking, communication, and career development. Miss Qiao’s awarded application featured her research on “Acoustic investigation on a sustainable and ventilated barrier for environmental noise absorption. ”Mr Wang was selected for his work on “A Planar Moving Microphone Array for Sound Source Localization.” The I-INCE judging panel highly rated the innovation and potential of both research ideas, leading to their successful selection. As the largest annual international gathering for experts in noise control engineering, INTER-NOISE 2025 featured an extensive technical programme of papers and posters, an exhibition of the latest products and instrumentation, and unparalleled opportunities for networking. This grant provides Miss Qiao and Mr Wang an exceptional platform to present their work, engage with the global acoustics community, and further their professional development.

ME PhD Team Wins Excellence Award at 2025 Net Zero Tech International Contest

A team of four postgraduate students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won the Excellence Award at the 2025 Net Zero Tech International Contest. The team was recognized for their outstanding performance in the finals, held at National Taiwan University. Selected as one of only 20 finalist teams from a pool of 230 registrations across 11 countries, the PolyU team presented their project, "Development of a smart mini-grid system for renewable energy storage and utilization." The project's core innovation is its use of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology, which offers a high energy capacity, long cycle life, and the unique ability to decouple power and energy ratings. Under the supervision of Prof. AN Liang, the team—comprising leader Miss Huo Xiaoyu and members Miss Bai Yuran, Mr Long Xin, and Mr Fu Enkang—developed a functional smart mini-grid that integrates their VRFB with a 5 kW solar panel. The system's feasibility was rigorously validated through a staged development process, beginning with a 50 W prototype and scaling up to a fully functional 5 kW/20 kWh stack. The project aims to improve energy efficiency, create economic value, and reduce environmental impact. Beyond its technical merits, it supports the broader adoption of renewable energy and contributes to the global transition toward a low-carbon economy. Jointly organized by National Taiwan University and the TECO Technology Foundation, the Net Zero Tech International Competition is dedicated to cultivating talent in net-zero emission technologies. The contest provides a global stage for young scholars to propose innovative and practical solutions in green energy and sustainable innovation.

ME Postdoc Wins Top Awards at PolyU International Future Challenge (Nanjing Section)

Congratulations to Dr Wang Lin, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME), supervised by Prof. Zhang Dan, for winning two prestigious awards at the PolyU x Suzhou Kowloon Hospital International Future Challenge (Nanjing Region) finals held on 14 August in Nanjing. Among 15 outstanding teams, Dr Wang secured the Kowloon Innovation Cup (Championship) with a RMB 100,000 cash prize and the First Prize with RMB 60,000. Sponsored by The Wharf (Holdings) Limited and supported by the Nanjing Municipal People's Government. The Competition focuses on seven core domains: Healthcare, Medical Devices, Biotechnology Rehabilitation Technology, Internet of Things, Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology, Low Altitude Economy as well as AI applications in these domains. Winning teams gain access to PolyU’s Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRIs), the PolyVentures startup ecosystem, and opportunities to join Nanjing’s high-quality incubators. The top four teams will advance to the Grand Final in Shenzhen this December, competing against leading teams from other regions. The PolyU International Future Challenge (IFC)—the University’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship competition—adopts a unique "1+N" framework, with Hong Kong, China as the main hub and additional rounds in six Chinese Mainland cities (Huizhou, Wenzhou, Qianhai, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Jinjiang). Open to global innovators, the competition partners with leading enterprises and PolyU MTRIs to offer participants mentorship, corporate visits, business consultations, and overseas opportunities.