Computer simulation techniques to study the adsorption and transport of ions in nanostructures have been developed at The University of Hong Kong.
Findings from the theoretical models have important implications for nanomaterials in general, said Principal Investigator Prof K Y Chan.
In fuel cells, for example, performance depends on the passage of ions through nanopores of the electrode material. “At the nano level, if we can control and optimise the passage of ions, we can make the fuel cell more efficient,” he said.
Researchers wrote computer code to produce theoretical models which are visualised via a graphic tool. Results are focused on the “confining effect” of nanopores where adsorption and transportation of ions depends on the size of the nanopore.

Principal Investigator
Prof K Y Chan : hrsccky@hku.hk