E-HKUST601/23
Laser Engineered Surfaces/Interfaces for Advanced Batteries

Hong Kong Principal Investigator: Prof Zhengtang Luo (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
European Principal Investigator: Prof Mingdong Dong (Aarhus University)

To stop climate change, we need to create innovative energy storage technologies. The proposed project aims to advance zinc-ion battery (ZIB) technologies by synthesizing two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) using sequential chalcogen substitution reactions, in combination with laser-engineered interfaces. ZIBs have gained significant attention as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage due to their high theoretical capacity, cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and straightforward manufacturing process. Our previous work has revealed that the distinctive layered structures of TMDs demonstrate exceptional performance in ZIBs, providing increased active sites and accelerated ion transport channels. Based on our studies on laser engineered surface and 2D materials synthesis, we will explore a series of 2D materials, including MoS2, MoSe2, and WS2, to effectively control zinc deposition and inhibit hydrogen evolution side reactions. Our goal is to overcome the limitations of conventional LIBs and significantly enhance the cycling performance of ZIBs by integrating novel TMDs as the artificial anode surface.

Specifically, this project will focus on three critical scientific areas: development of TMDs with improved ion conductivity and mechanical strength; in-depth analysis of electrochemical reaction kinetics and Zn interface deposition mechanisms; and exploration of the link between material modifications and electrochemical performance. Moreover, we will develop methodology that is capable of forecasting the electrochemical performance of new materials and Zn deposition behavior based on existing data from density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The methodology developed will serve as an excellent example of interdisciplinary research for students and young researchers in Hong Kong.

E-HKU701/23
Green H2 Production from Water and Bioalcohols by Full Solar Spectrum in a Flow Reactor

Hong Kong Principal Investigator: Prof Zhengxiao Guo (The University of Hong Kong)
European Principal Investigator: Dr Marcel Boerrigter (Acondicionamiento Tarrasense Associacion)

GH2 is in response to EIC Work Programme: HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDER CHALLENGES-01-04 on the research topic ‘Novel routes to green hydrogen production’. This project is a high-risk/high gain approach to produce green H2 at both small and large scale, and valuable chemicals continuously using a novel catalytic flow reactor strategy. This innovative technology can be used for on-demand generation of H2 at small and medium scale i.e. on the premises of the end users, which can be further developed to large scale to meet large industrial needs. The strong expertise of HKU enables the fast time-resolution (fs-ps-µs) observation of photo/IR-driven catalytic processes by in-situ characterizations (e.g., transient absorption spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence), providing a deep understanding of intermediate dynamics and active species lifetimes. Complex multi-electron (e-) / holes (h+) transfer, proton coupling, and intermediate can all contribute to the selectivity, reaction kinetics, and efficiency in bioethanol reforming reaction. Understanding the relationship of selectivity-kinetics-efficiency can guide to optimize the chemical composition and structure of photo/IR-driven catalysts. At the atom level, physi-/chemi-sorption, catalytic sites, and energy barriers co-determine the interactions, pathways, and efficiency. Taking together the intermediates, active species, and energy barrier, the mechanism of the proton-based catalysis can be investigated. Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy experimental results coupling with results from density functional theory (DFT) calculations will be employed to analyse adsorption/activation, structure spin, and orbital energy. The molecular structures will be identified using the Gaussian processes regression-based active learning method to encode both chemical and structural information, such as the triplet exciton transfer process of the conjugated polymer28. All of these in-situ and ex-situ approaches can give a clear picture of how effective dopants, binding sites, functional groups, and hierarchical structural features influence the catalytic performance of H2 and acetic acid synthesis.

GH2 gathers the expertise from nanomaterials, catalysis, reactor engineering, from 6 research institutes photochemistry/photophysics, membrane, modelling and social science besides dissemination, communications and commercialisation UCL, MPG-FHI, HKU, ETH, UNINA, 2 SMEs (GZE, and CHX), and 1 technology organization (LEITAT) from 4 EU countries (Germany, Spain, Ireland and Italy), Switzerland, the UK, and 1 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC (HKSAR), together with collaborations with Caltech in USA and Kyoto University in Japan. Thus, this project promises not only a very valuable products portfolio but also a unique opportunity to intensify cooperation and expand the activity on the potentially extremely large global markets for recycling biomass derivatives and water for green H2 fuels.