Sustaining Environment, Renewing Energy 維護環境，拓新能源
The theme of sustainability is ubiquitous in our daily lives. HKUST researchers contribute to different fronts in the environment and energy realm.Faculty members in the School of Engineering apply technology on sewage treatment and pollution control. Their projects were implemented successfully both locally and overseas. Research teams from both School of Science and School of Engineering make progress in improving solar cells and fuel cells performance that are recognized internationally. High efficiency LED provides energy-saving lighting, while OLED is a power-efficient, quality display technology. To protect us from bacteria, HKUST researchers developed anti-microbial coating for application on a wide range of surfaces, as well as portable device for water disinfection.
To build up the knowledge base for future applications, faculty members in the School of Science study the composition of aerosol, locate the key of photosynthesis, decode the temperature data from the lunar surface, and explore better transportation routes to avoid congestion. One day their research results will contribute to a more sustainable environment for future generations.
「可持續發展」與日常生活息息相關；科大的研究人員在環保和能源方面都貢獻良多。
工學院研究發展廢水處理和污染物控制等技術，在本地和海外都成功地付諸實行；理學院亦在能源上鑽研；兩所學院在太陽能和醇類電池的成績都獲國際認可。至於高亮度ＬＥＤ和現已廣泛應用的ＯＬＥＤ顯示技術，高效而節能。另外，除菌噴劑和淨水裝置都是實用的研究成果。
在可於生活上應用的技術背後，需要深厚的科學知識，理學院的教授研究氣溶膠組成、光合作用的原理、月球表面的溫度、和聚合物物理的運算，都為未來環境和能源科技的實踐定下基礎。
Aerosol Composition 氣溶膠成分研究
Video : Aerosol Composition
Aerosols are tiny particles suspended in the air. Current models do not adequately predict the climatic and health effects of aerosol, partly due to a lack of knowledge about chemical composition of aerosol at the molecular level. In the research led by Professor Jianzhen YU (Chemistry), various advanced analytical techniques are used to identify a myriad diverse organic compounds, significantly expanding our knowledge of aerosol composition. This research is an essential element of a more comprehensive undertaking to understand the climate and health impacts of aerosols.
氣溶膠是懸浮在空中的微小顆粒。由於對氣溶膠化學分子組成缺乏認識，現有模型尚無法充分預測其對氣候及健康的影響。化學系郁建珍教授使用多種先進分析技術，對種類繁多的有機化合物逐一識別，大幅擴展了人們對氣溶膠成分的認識。此研究是全面把握氣溶膠對氣候及健康的影響的關鍵環節。
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| Professor Jianzhen YU (front left 2nd) and the research team 郁建珍教授（前排左二）及其研究團隊 |
Analyzing Data from the First Chinese Lunar Satellite Chang’e-1
分析中國首顆探月衛星「嫦娥一號」收集的數據
Where are the valuable resources on the Moon? By analyzing microwave data obtained from China’s first lunar probe, Chang’e-1, Professor Kwing Lam CHAN (Mathematics) studied temperature variations underneath the lunar surface. His findings lay the ground for future lunar landing and exploration for key resources such as titanium, iron, and Helium-3. Professor Chan was invited by the China National Space Administration to join this research in 2007.
月球上的珍貴資源分佈於何處？數學系陳炯林教授通過分析中國首顆月球探測器「嫦娥一號」獲得的微波數據，研究了月球表面下的溫度變化。他的成果爲未來登月及探索月球重要資源（如鈦、鐵和氦3）打下了基礎。陳教授於2007年獲中國國家航天局邀請參與這項研究。
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| Professor Kwing-lam CHAN 陳炯林教授 |
Daytime brightness temperature map of the moon from Chang’e-1 「嫦娥一號」獲得的月球日間亮度溫度圖 |
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| Thermal emission of the moon in mid-night (no sun light); peculiar cold spots (A-E) were discovered the first time 月球午夜時分（沒有陽光）的熱輻射圖；一些特別冷點（A- E）為首次發現 |
Learn More:
- HKUST Professor achieves breakthrough in analyzing data from first Chinese lunar satellite Chang’e-1
Eco-Friendly Sewage Treatment 環保污水處理技術
Videos :
The SANI (Sulphate reduction, Autotrophic denitrification and Nitrification Integrated) Process is a novel sewage treatment technology developed by Professor Guanghao CHEN (Civil and Environmental Engineering). Since 2013, a large-scale trial of SANI technology has been successfully implemented at Shatin Sewage Treatment Works at a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters a day. 2014 was another milestone year; UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water Education partnered with HKUST on a three-year water-saving project “AGUA PARA TODOS” (More Water for All) in Cuba using SANI, which is proved to be one of the most economical and energy efficient ways for water saving in islands and coastal cities.
土木及環境工程學系陳光浩教授研發了一項處理污水的「殺泥技術」（學名「硫酸鹽還原菌」），自2013年起在沙田污水處理廠進行大型測試，每日處理污水1,000立方米。2014年又是具有里程碑意義的一年。聯合國教科文組織水教育學院與科大合作，採用「殺泥技術」在古巴展開爲期三年的「開拓水資源」節水研究項目。「殺泥技術」已成為可用於島嶼及沿海城市的最節能和最經濟的節水方法之一。
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| Biomass materials 水中生物質 |
Before and after SANI treatment 以「殺泥技術」處理污水 |
Learn More:
- HKUST Invents a Novel Sewage Treatment Technology – The ‘SANI’ Process Minimizing 50% Cost and 90% Sewage Sludge Production
- HKUST Kicks off Hong Kong’s Novel Sewage Treatment Technology Trial Run Securing the Biggest Sponsorship with Five International Awards
- HKUST and UNESCO-IHE Partnership to Apply HKUST-developed Sewage Treatment Technologies to tackle Water Scarcity in Cuba
High Performance Alcohol Fuel Cell 高性能醇類燃料電池
Video : High Performance Alcohol Fuel Cell
HKUST scientists aim to make dependence on fossil fuels a thing of the past. Professor Tianshou ZHAO (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) and his team achieved a major breakthrough in their research on the physical and chemical reaction of fuel cell in 2014. They successfully improved the performance of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) and Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFC) by six times and four times respectively. It paved the way to further develop fuel cells as a clean, efficient, scalable and sustainable energy production technology.
科大的科研團隊致力開拓傳統化石能源以外的路徑；2014年，機械與航空航天工程學系趙天壽教授等在燃料電池的物理及化學反應研究中取得重大突破，成功地將直接甲醇燃料電池和直接乙醇燃料電池的性能分別提高了六倍和四倍。該成果爲進一步研發潔淨、高效、可持續的燃料電池生產技術奠定了基礎。
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| Professor Tianshou ZHAO 趙天壽教授 |
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New Materials for Solar Cells with Record-Breaking Efficiency
研發新材料，創造太陽能電池效率新紀錄
Video : New Materials for Solar Cells with Record-Breaking Efficiency
Display Object 3 : Organic solar cell developed by Professor Yan and his research team
In 2014, Professor He YAN’s research team (Chemistry) discovered a material design motif leading to multiple high-performance material combinations. Most recently, a new record of 11.5% efficiency organic solar cells by the group was noted as a major technology breakthrough in the “best research-cell efficiencies” chart by NREL, the first time that Hong Kong has appeared on this renowned solar cell chart.
2014年，化學系顏河教授的科研團隊發現了材料設計的新課題，研究出多種高分子富勒烯材料組合。近日，該團隊又將有機太陽能電池的效率提高到11.5%，該重大技術突破被美國國家可再生能源實驗室列入「最佳研究電池效率」圖表。這也是香港研究成果首次入選這一著名的太陽能電池排行榜。
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| Professor Henry He YAN (middle) and his research team 顏河教授（中）及其科研團隊（2014） |
Best Research-Cell Efficiencies Chart by National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States 美國國家再生能源實驗室「最佳研究電池效率」圖表 |
Learn More:
- HKUST Develops Environmentally Friendly Organic Solar Cells with Record Performance
- HKUST develops materials for record efficiency polymer solar cells
Mini Pulsed Electric Field Device for Water Disinfection
用於淨水殺菌的小型脈衝電場裝置
Video : Mini Pulsed Electric Field Device for Water Disinfection
Display Object 4 : Portable and battery powered device for water disinfection
In 2014, a research team led by Professor King Lun YEUNG (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Professor Joseph KWAN (Environment) invented a mini-pulsed electric field which could kill over 99% of bacteria in tap and raw water preventing transmission of diseases. It is portable, battery powered that can be installed at home and any public water supplies.
2014年，由化學工程及生物分子工程學系楊經倫教授及健康、安全及環境處關繼祖教授領導的科研團隊研製出「小型脈衝電場裝置」，可殺滅自來水中99%以上的細菌，防止疾病傳播。這一裝置便於攜帶且以電池供電，一般家庭及公衆供水系統皆可安裝使用。
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| Professor King-Lun YEUNG (third left), Professor Joseph KWAN (second left) and the research team 楊經倫教授（左三）、關繼祖教授（左二）及其研究團隊（2014） |
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MTR LED Lighting Revolution 港鐵LED照明革命
In 2006, MTR collaborated with HKUST and trial launched using High Brightness LED Solid State Lighting (SSL) modules for saloon lighting in one train carriage on the Tsuen Wan Line. After 2 years of successful operation, MTR extended installation to 24 carriages, as well as to the stations. This cutting-edge technology produced brighter lighting, consumed less energy and substantially reduced maintenance cost and waste disposal.
2006年，港鐵與科大合作，在荃灣線的一節車廂中試用高亮度LED固態照明（SSL）模組。經過兩年成功的運行測試，港鐵將其安裝至24節車廂及車站。這一尖端技術可以提高亮度，節約能源，還大幅減少了維修成本和廢物處置。
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| Professor Philip CHAN introducing the new HB-LED lighting system 陳正豪教授介紹新的照明系統 （2009年） |
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New Weapon Unveiled in Fight against Infection 對抗感染的新武器
Video : New Weapon Unveiled in Fight Against Infection
Display Object 5 : Smart Anti-microbial Spray
The research team of Professor King Lun YEUNG (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Professor Joseph KWAN (Environment) developed a smart anti-microbial coating that can be applied on surfaces from glass to cloth. Transparent, colorless, odorless, and effective for at least 30 days, it can kill 99.9% of bacteria within one minute, 99% of H1N1 virus in three minutes, 99% of bacillus spores in 30 minutes, and inhibits mold and fungal growth.
化學工程及生物分子工程學系楊經倫教授及健康、安全及環境處關繼祖教授的研究小組研製出一種智能殺菌塗層，能夠在一分鐘內殺滅99.9%的細菌，3分鐘內殺滅99%的甲型流感（H1N1）病毒，30分鐘內殺滅99%的芽孢桿菌孢子，還能抑制黴菌和真菌的生長。此塗層透明、無色、無味，有效期高達30日以上，可廣泛應用於玻璃、布料等各種材料表層。
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| Prof King-Lun YEUNG (left) and Prof Joseph KWAN demonstrates the efficacy of the smart disinfecting coating 楊經倫教授（左）與關繼祖教授展示智能殺菌塗層功效（2010年） |
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OLED Green Display 有機發光二極管──綠色顯示技術
Professor Ching Wan TANG (Electronic and Computer Engineering) invented the organic light emitting diode (OLED), which is now widely adopted in a wide range of display applications such as mobile phones, digital cameras and large-screen televisions. OLED delivers power-efficient thin and light displays with ultra-high definition and wide viewing angle. Professor Tang won the prestigious 2011 Wolf Prize in Chemistry.
電子及計算機工程學系鄧青雲教授發明的有機發光二極管（OLED）已被廣泛應用於各類配備顯示器的產品，如手機、數碼相機和大屏幕電視等。有機發光二極管使顯示器功耗低、薄且輕，並兼具超高清晰度及廣視角。鄧教授於2011年獲得著名的沃爾夫化學獎。
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| Professor Ching W TANG 鄧青雲教授 |
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Photosynthesis Puzzle Solved – Insights for Future Solar Devices
破解光合作用難題——未來太陽能設備的新路徑
Video : Photosynthesis Puzzle Solved – Insights for Future Solar Devices
Display Object 6 : Professor Huang’s model illustrating the energy transfer in photosystem-II reaction center
In 2014, Professor Xuhui HUANG and Professor Yijing YAN’s team (Chemistry) solved a long-standing puzzle in photosynthesis: why only ½ the pigments in Photosystem II protein’s reaction center actively participate in electron transfer and oxygen production. They found the dynamic and asymmetric protein environment makes chlorophyll CLA606 more easily activated by sunlight. Their results provide insight into the design of artificial photosynthetic systems that may lead to new solar energy devices.
2014年，化學系黃旭輝教授、嚴以京教授及其科研團隊，解開了光合作用機理的一大難題：爲何在光系統II蛋白內只有一半色素分子產生電子流動並參與產生氧氣的過程。他們發現，動態及不對稱的蛋白質環境，更容易激發葉綠素分子CLA606在日光下的活性。該成果爲設計人工光合作用系統帶來重要啓示，有望催生新的太陽能設備。
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| Professor Xuhui HUANG (left) and his research associate Lu ZHANG (2014) 黃旭輝教授（左）及研究員張璐（2014年） |
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Polymer Physics Used to Find Best Routes to Avoid Crowding
應用「聚合物物理」設計避免擁擠的最佳路線
In 2013, Dr. Chi-ho YEUNG and Prof. Michael WONG (Physics) in collaboration with Prof. David SAAD (Aston University) applied polymer physics to find a new way to coordinate routes that avoid rush-hour crowding. Using data from the London Underground, their simulations reduced passenger crowding by 24%, while the trips took only an average of 5% longer.
2013年，物理學系楊志豪博士、王國彝教授與英國阿斯頓大學David Saad 教授合作，應用「聚合物物理」研發了一種協調路線的新方法，解決高峰時段的擁塞問題。根據倫敦地鐵的數據模擬，只需將路程平均延長5%，就能把乘客擁擠程度降低24%。
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| Professor Michael WONG (left) and Dr Chi-ho YEUNG 王國彝教授（左）及楊志豪博士 |
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Soil, Sediment and Water Pollution Control 土壤、沉積物及水污染控制
Video : Soil, Sediment and Water Pollution Control
Devoted to environmental research into contamination and pollution control, Professor Irene LO (Civil and Environmental Engineering) works with governments across the world on environmental problems. In 2000, she partnered with the Danish government to clean up highly polluted groundwater in Vapokon. More recently, she has worked with Guangdong Province on remediating river sediments; while her research into synthesizing magnetic nanomaterials to remove heavy metals for wastewater treatment has led to new patents in China.
土木與工程學系勞敏慈教授致力於污染防治研究，並與多國政府協作，解決了許多環境問題：2000年，勞敏慈教授協助丹麥政府淨化了Vapokon地區高度污染的地下水；近期，又與廣東省政府合作，修復河流沉積物。她的研究成果“以合成磁性納米材料去除污水中重金屬”已在中國成功註冊專利。
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| Prof Irene Lo (middle) and the research team 勞敏慈教授（中）及其研究團隊（2014） |
Learn More:
- HKUST Professor Remedied Underground Pollution in Denmark
- HKUST Environmental Engineering Professor Becomes the First Hong Kong Scholar Elected as an Academician of European Academy of Sciences and Arts