News

PolyU AP and RCNN Jointly Hosted Bilateral Workshop with Incheon National University

The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) and the Department of Applied Physics (AP) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully jointly co-organized a bilateral academic workshop with Incheon National University of the Republic of Korea on 17 December 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for in-depth exchange on cutting-edge research in low-dimensional materials, nanoscale physics, and advanced device applications. The workshop featured a series of insightful presentations from distinguished scholars and emerging research talents of both institutions, highlighting the synergy between fundamental exploration and applied innovation. Prof. HAO Jianhua, Head of AP, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of RCNN at PolyU, delivered the opening remarks. He extended a warm welcome to the delegation from Incheon National University and emphasized the significance of the workshop for strengthening international academic ties and igniting collaborative research initiatives in frontier areas of nanoscience and applied physics. The scientific program commenced with a presentation by Prof. HAN Gang Hee, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics of Incheon National University. He introduced his group work on the "Templated Growth of Two-dimensional Tellurium on 1T'-MoTe2," demonstrating how substrate-mediated adhesion can control the morphology of anisotropic tellurium films, thereby paving the way for tailored two-dimensional semiconductor structures. Dr. MA Teng, Research Assistant Professor in AP of PolyU, followed with a talk titled "Layer-controlled Growth of 2D Ferroelectric Materials with Strong Nonlinear Hall Effect." He detailed a homoepitaxial chemical vapor deposition strategy for producing large-area bilayer MoTe2 single crystals exhibiting robust room-temperature ferroelectricity and record-high nonlinear Hall signals, underscoring their potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Prof. MOON Byoung Hee, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics of Incheon National University, then explored the enduring topic of the "Metal-insulator Transition in Two-dimensional van der Waals Layered Materials." His presentation reviewed the historical context and contemporary research trends, including phenomena within moiré superlattices, offering valuable perspectives on this fundamental challenge in condensed-matter physics. Shifting focus toward energy applications, Prof. ZHANG Biao, Associate Professor in AP of PolyU, presented on "Designing and Probing Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces for Rechargeable Batteries." He outlined innovative interface engineering approaches to construct elastic solid electrolyte interphases, which enable stable cycling of high-density micro-sized electrode particles and address critical issues related to battery longevity and energy density. Prof. KIM Jung Ho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Incheon National University, addressed a pivotal challenge in nanoelectronics with his talk, "Contact Engineering-assisted Band-to-band Tunneling in van der Waals Heterojunctions." By utilizing atomically clean van der Waals contacts to depin the Fermi level, his team achieved efficient carrier injection, resulting in the clear observation of band-to-band tunneling and negative differential resistance in vertical heterojunctions. Concluding the technical sessions, Prof. ZHAO Jiong, Professor in AP of PolyU, spoke on "Phase Transition and Ferroelectricity in Two-dimensional Chalcogenides." He elucidated how in-situ transmission electron microscopy techniques can be employed to unravel ferroic ordering and phase transitions in two-dimensional materials, establishing crucial correlations between atomic-scale structures and device-level performance to advance their application in novel in-memory computing and sensing devices. The bilateral workshop facilitated vibrant discussion and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the shared dedication of both PolyU and Incheon National University to advancing the frontiers of scientific discovery. This collaborative engagement is poised to catalyze future joint research endeavors, contributing significantly to the global progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 by Stanford University in RCNN

We are immensely proud to announce that five of our esteemed members have been recognized as among the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide in their specialities in 2025 (Career-long and single recent year data), as compiled by Stanford University! This global recognition highlights the transformative power of their research and its significant impact across scientific disciplines. Using the Scopus author profiles as of 19 September 2025, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 8) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  The the latest database (version 8) could be download from https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8.​ Name of Researcher Subject Field Prof. Hao Jianhua Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Organic Chemistry Prof. Lau Shu Ping Applied Physics Prof.Lee Yoon Suk Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Zhang Biao Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  

Prof. WONG Ka-hing Honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Intellectual Property Commercialisation Award

Launched in 2023, the PolyU Patents Achievement Award aims to honour the exceptional achievements of departments and inventors who actively contribute to intellectual property (IP), research commercialisation and knowledge transfer. The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) extends the warmest congratulations to Prof. WONG Ka-hing for receiving the Outstanding IP Commercialisation Award 2024. This distinction celebrates Prof. WONG's remarkable contributions  for high-value licensing cases over the past three years (2022-2024). This award recognises his exceptional contributions to translating cutting-edge research into tangible solutions with significant commercial and societal impact. His work exemplifies the core mission of RCNN and PolyU to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discovery and real-world application.

Prof. Wong Ka-hing featured on TVB programme about turning food waste into 3D printing materials

Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of PolyU Research Institute for Future Food, Associate Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute & Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was featured on TVB’s programme “ESG Decoded”, introducing the novel technology that upcycles major commercial & industrial food waste like spent coffee grounds into sustainable composite materials for 3D printing. Online coverage: TVB 破局密碼ESG - 第 1 集 金融•科技新常態 (13:56-16:38) (subscription required) 21 September 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU

Prof. Daniel Lau interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell” on osmotic power

  Prof. Daniel Lau, Associate Director of Photonics Research Institute & Chair Professor of Nanomaterials of the Department of Applied Physics, was interviewed by RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell” to expound upon the theory, prospect and challenges of osmotic power. Online coverage: RTHK 十萬八千里 -「滲透能」發電發展潛力及應用條件 (22:17 - 36:50) 20 September 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU  

Prof. Wong Ka-hing elected as the Election Committee Member (Agriculture and Fisheries Subsector)

Congratulations to Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Director of the Research Institute for Future Food and Member of the Management Committee of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research, for being elected as member of the Election Committee’s Agriculture and Fisheries Sub-sector after winning the Election Committee Subsector (ECSS) By-elections 2025 held on 7 September 2025. Prof. Wong also currently holds various public and organisational appointments, serving as Member of the Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene of the Environment and Ecology Bureau of The Government of HKSAR; Vice-Chairman of the Expert Committee on Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, HKSAR; Committee Member of the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HKSAR; and Governing Board Member of the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre. Our warmest congratulations again to Prof. Wong! Full list of election results: https://www.elections.gov.hk/ecss2025by/eng/results_s3.html Online coverage: Ming Pao Daily News 當選選委1/4為區議員 30人屬「三會」 19人關愛隊成員 6界別總投票率97.3% 8 September 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU

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  Source: Department of Applied Physics, PolyU

RCNN Held Strategic Meeting to Review Progress and Plan Future Collaborative Initiatives

The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) held a meeting on 25 August, 2025 at PolyU, to review recent achievements and outline strategies for future growth and collaboration. The meeting was chaired by Director Prof. Jianhua HAO and attended by Co-Director Prof. Sushanta MITRA, along with team members including Prof. Yi JIANG, Prof. Biao ZHANG, Prof. Ming YANG, and Prof. Linli XU. Prof. Hao presented a comprehensive update on RCNN’s recent progress, highlighting the following: Team and Collaborations: The current team structure, including collaborative researchers and committees, remains strong and active. Publications and Output: RCNN continues to produce high-impact publications and academic talks. Research Projects: The centre has successfully secured both external and internal funding, including support for six interdisciplinary projects through its seed funding program. Partnership with University of Waterloo (UW): Collaborative efforts with UW have intensified over the past year, marked by an MOU signing, mutual visits, a joint workshop, and management committee meetings. Recognition and Engagement: RCNN members have received prestigious honors, including Top Scientist awards and fellowship elections to esteemed academies. Events: RCNN organized several high-profile events, including the Forum on Nano Research for Innovation, InfoSummit 2024, and the PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop. Global Standing: RCNN is now the sole representative from PolyU and Hong Kong to join N4SNano as an academic member. PolyU’s global subject ranking in “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” (Source: U.S. News Best Global University Subject Ranking) has risen significantly—from 68th to 39th—since RCNN’s establishment. Prof. Sushanta Mitra introduced some seed funding opportunities with international partners from Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology in University of Waterloo. Upcoming opportunities include funding collaborations and Student Attachment Programmes. Moving forward, RCNN aims to continue its trajectory of excellence by publishing top-tier papers, pursuing strategic initiatives, and expanding collaborations in cutting-edge applications and knowledge transfer.  

PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop on Nano Research Concludes Successfully

Hong Kong, March 29 – The PolyU-SUSTech Bilateral Workshop on Nano Research for Functional Device Applications was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, bringing together nearly 60 distinguished scholars and researchers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and The University of Hong Kong. The workshop commenced with opening addresses by the workshop Chair, Prof.Jianhua Hao, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at PolyU, and Co-chair Prof. Jiangyu Li, Chair Professor and Director of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Oxide Materials and Device and Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at SUSTech. They highlighted the significance of bilateral collaboration in advancing nanotechnology research. Five renowned professors from SUSTech's Department of Materials Science and Engineering delivered insightful invited speeches on cutting-edge developments in nano research for functional device applications: Prof. Jiazhen Wu Prof. Rui-Tao Wen Prof. Yanhao Yu Prof. Changjian Li Prof. Boyuan Huang The subsequent Q&A and discussion sessions fostered vibrant academic exchanges, with active participation from attendees that sparked thoughtful dialogue between presenters and the audience. The workshop provided an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and potential research collaboration opportunities in the field of functional device applications. This bilateral event marks an important milestone in strengthening academic ties between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Southern University of Science and Technology, paving the way for future cooperation in nanotechnology research and development.

PolyU RCNN hosted the International Conference on Information Technology and Materials 2024

The InfoSummit 2024, the International Conference on Information Technology and Materials, was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 8 to 11 November. This prestigious event was organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, WILEY, InfoMat, and InfoScience, with the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as the host. The conference gathered renowned scholars from various countries and regions, including China, the USA, Germany, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau. Participants engaged in discussions on cutting-edge research topics related to new information technologies, materials, and devices, focusing on areas such as the info-technology in energy storage and conversion and conversion (InfoEnergy), artificial intelligence applications based on the info-materials (InfoAI), advanced optoelectronics for state-of-art info-technology (InfoOptronics), and the info-materials and info-technology in cross-disciplinary research areas (InfoX). Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, Vice President and Chair Professor at PolyU, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the conference organizer. He warmly welcomed the global experts and scholars attending the conference, expressing gratitude for their participation. As a top global university, PolyU is committed to cultivating future leaders with a global perspective and social responsibility while promoting impactful innovation and interdisciplinary research to address pressing global challenges. Prof. Wong emphasized that the theme of “Information Technology and Materials” will play a vital role in achieving these goals. The Chairman of the conference and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, Prof. Yanrong Li, underscored the swift evolution of emerging industries, particularly those propelled by next-generation information technologies and renewable energy. He emphasized that these advancements place increasing demands on materials, highlighting the need to tackle both original challenges and fundamental issues in system and product applications. Prof. Li called for a concerted effort to drive technological innovation and societal progress through these critical developments. Dr. Guangchen Xu, Director of Physical Sciences China at WILEY, briefly introduced the development history of WILEY. WILEY is committed to building a strong research community and promoting impactful research, centered around the belief in the transformative power of science and academia. He mentioned that the journals InfoMat and InfoScience are at the forefront of materials science and information technology, witnessing the rapid development of materials science in diverse applications such as electronics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology. Finally, he expressed hope that scholars would actively communicate at the conference, showcase groundbreaking research, promote cooperation, and inspire innovation. Prof. Jianhua Hao, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at PolyU, and Associate Editor-in-Chief of InfoMat and InfoScience, presided over the opening ceremony of the conference. The conference included four major parallel sessions and an editor roundtable forum. Plenary speakers included Prof. Xiaoqing Pan from the University of California, Irvine. Prof. Rengen Xiong from Southeast University/ Nanchang University. Prof. Jiannong Cao from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Prof. Cheolmin Park from Yonsei University. Prof. Oliver G. Schmidt from Chemnitz University of Technology, and Prof. Huiyun Liu from University College London. The InfoSummit 2024 provided a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas and research, reinforcing the vital link between information technology and materials science in the advancement of global scientific endeavors.