AP Alumni Seminar - My Research Journey in Nickelates: A Quest for High-Temperature Superconductivity
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Date
09 Jun 2026
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Organiser
Department of Applied Physics
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Time
10:00 - 11:00
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Venue
CD620, 6/F, Wing CD, PolyU Map
Speaker
Prof. LI Danfeng
Summary
The search for high-temperature superconductors has been one of the most fascinating and enduring quests in condensed matter physics. In this talk, I will share my research journey in nickelates, a new family of superconductors whose discovery [1] opened an exciting direction beyond the cuprates [2]. I will introduce the scientific motivation behind the nickelate problem, the challenges of synthesizing and stabilizing these unusual materials, and what their emergent properties may teach us about superconductivity at elevated temperatures. Alongside the science, I will also reflect on the experiences behind the research — the setbacks, uncertainties, unexpected turns, and moments of insight that shaped this path. Through this story, I hope to offer not only a glimpse into a frontier of quantum materials research, but also some personal thoughts on curiosity, persistence, and discovery in academic life.
References: [1] D. Li, K. Lee, B. Y. Wang, M. Osada et al., Nature 572, 624 (2019). [2] M. Yang, J. Tang, X. Wu, H. Wang et al., Nature doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10547-y (2026).
Keynote Speaker
Prof. LI Danfeng
Associate Professor
Department of Physics
City University of Hong Kong
Danfeng Li is an Associate Professor of Physics and Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Education) in the College of Science at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). He obtained his B.Eng. from Zhejiang University and M.Phil. from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (advisor: Prof. Ji-yan Dai). Shortly after earning his Ph.D. from University of Geneva (advisor: Prof. Jean-Marc Triscone), he worked at Stanford University as a Swiss National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow (working with Prof. Harold Hwang). He joined CityUHK as an Assistant Professor in November 2020. His research focuses on atomic-scale synthesis of oxide heterostructures, high-temperature and low-dimensional superconductivity, and emergent interfacial quantum phenomena. In 2019, he co-led the discovery of the first nickelate superconductor, sparking a new wave of research in nickel-based superconductivity. He has received multiple international recognitions, including the 2025 Asian Young Scientist Fellowship, 2024 Outstanding Research Award in Oxide Electronics, 2023 AAPPS–APCTP C. N. Yang Award, and the 2021 MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 (China). In 2026, he received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award(s) from Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Graduate School of PolyU, respectively.
