Prof. Wang Lianzhou, Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leads cutting-edge research on semiconductor nanomaterials for renewable energy conversion and storage, with a focus on solar-to-chemical and solar -to-electricity conversion and storage systems. His work addresses two major challenges in the field: efficiency and cost. By designing advanced catalysts and electrode materials, his team aims to improve energy conversion—from solar water splitting to hydrogen production—and storage capacities in batteries, making renewable technologies more practical and economically competitive.
A key focus of Prof. Wang’s research is improving solar water splitting—a well-established process for generating green hydrogen through artificial photosynthesis. His team develops advanced semiconductor nanomaterials to boost the efficiency and stability of this reaction. While titanium dioxide remains a reliable, low-cost photocatalyst, its limited sunlight absorption restricts performance. He is designing new materials that capture a broader solar spectrum, aiming to significantly enhance conversion efficiency and move solar hydrogen production closer to large-scale application.
Prof. Wang’s team has incorporated AI and machine learning to accelerate materials discovery, particularly in designing catalysts and selecting dopants. Though the approaches are currently constrained by the limited size and reliability of current databases, AI assisted approach is promising and has huge potential, allowing faster identification of potential materials, guiding experimental validation and development.
Beyond renewable energy, Prof. Wang’s research has expanded into industrial and environmental applications. His group is scaling up cathode materials for commercial batteries and developing new catalysts that can decompose high-crystalline plastics into reusable monomers, offering a sustainable pathway for plastic recycling. He is also advancing eco-friendly, lead-free perovskite solar cells, achieving certified record efficiencies and paving the way for flexible, semi-transparent and indoor solar technologies.
Several of Prof. Wang’s innovations in semiconductor materials have been patented, ranging from UV-blocking nanomaterials used in cosmetics to new-generation battery electrodes, plastic upcycling catalysts and lead-free perovskite solar cells. His team continues to explore collaborations with industry partners in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to bring these technologies closer to commercialization.
Through his work, Prof. Wang exemplifies the integration of fundamental science, innovative materials design and translational research, driving sustainable solutions for the world’s energy and environmental challenges.
