Prof. WANG Yong of Washington State University delivers “Catalysis: Advancing Affordable and Clean Energy”
PAIR Distinguished Lecture Series
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Date
17 Sep 2025
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Organiser
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Time
14:30 - 16:00
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Venue
Senate Room (M1603), 16/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU (Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis) Map
Speaker
Prof. WANG Yong
Enquiry
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research info.pair@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
Catalysis speeds up chemical reactions and plays a key role in producing cleaner, more affordable fuels. In this talk, we explore two exciting areas of research. First, we present our latest findings on the Fischer-Tropsch process—a method developed nearly a century ago that converts coal, natural gas, or biomass into liquid fuels. Our research reveals that this process naturally oscillates between periods of high and low activity, an unexpected behavior that could pave the way for more efficient fuel production in the future. Next, we address the challenge of reducing harmful emissions from fuel combustion used to power transportation. For example, catalytic converters in internal combustion engines rely on precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium to clean exhaust gases and lower emissions. Our latest work focuses on developing highly stable catalysts made from single atoms of these metals, which could lower costs and make better use of these limited resources. Together, these studies show the transformative potential of advanced catalysis to revolutionize fuel production and emission control, paving the way for cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
Prof. WANG Yong
Member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
Regents Professor of Chemical Engineering, Washington State University
Acting Director, Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Prof. WANG Yong is a Regents Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington State University and Acting Director of the Institute for Integrated Catalysis (IIC) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. His research centers on catalytic materials and reaction engineering, with a focus on improving energy and atom efficiency in the conversion of fossil fuels, biomass, CO₂, and waste plastics into fuels and chemicals. By bridging fundamental science and industrial applications, his work advances practical technologies to address global energy and environmental challenges.
Prof. Wang has published over 450 peer-reviewed papers and is listed as a Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science. He holds 287 patents (111 U.S.), with over 90% licensed to industry. A member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), AIChE, AAAS, and ACS, his honours include the 2025 AIChE Wilhelm Award, 2025 NACS Robert Burwell Lectureship, 2021 ACS E.V. Murphree Award, and 2019 AIChE Catalysis Practice Award.
He currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Applied Catalysis B and Executive Editor of the Chemical Engineering Journal.
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