Interviews with Faculty Researchers

– Interview with Dr Huang Bolong
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology

Dr Huang Bolong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, focuses on the rational design of atomic catalysts by theoretical calculations which is making significant contributions to sustainable energy systems under carbon neutrality development. As global concerns for the energy crisis and climate change rise, finding solutions for sustainable energy systems has become a critical topic, which includes finding ways to control carbon footprints for carbon neutrality. Carbon dioxide reduction and fuel cell technologies have found to be promising but they rely on advanced and efficient catalysts. Among different catalysts, atomic catalysts have become the most promising candidates for sustainable energy systems due to their high performance and low cost. 

Dr Huang’s research pioneers the future for studying atomic catalysts with an effective theoretical method. By interpreting the atomic-level electronic structures and screening catalyst candidates based on electroactivity and stability, his work allows the development of high-performance atomic catalysts for sustainable energy systems.

Atomically dispersed metal atoms possess a unique electronic structure that makes them highly active as electrocatalysts in various reactions. However, stablizing these atoms and reducing their high surface energy requires appropriate support materials. Dr Huang’s research examines the interactions between different metals and supporting materials, as well as facilitating the design of electrocatalysts for important carbon neutrality-related reactions such as oxygen reduction reaction, CO₂ reduction, water splitting and nitrogen reduction. His theoretical explorations help distinguish the best candidate for atomic catalysts, given the limitation of the existing electron microscope techniques and other characterisation methods. Dr Huang’s theoretical calculations provide insight to achieve both high electroactivity and stability of atomic catalysts.

However, to screen optimal metal and support material combinations, efficient approaches are needed due to the vast number of options for atomic catalysts. Theoretical calculations can predict the performance, activity and stability of novel atomic catalysts in different electrochemical reactions, providing essential references to reduce the trial-and-error in experimental synthesis, as well as material costs, research time and information cost.

Rational theoretical guidance is crucial for designing novel atomic catalysts and carbon neutrality developments in Hong Kong and Mainland China. By combining theoretical calculations with empirically-derived data, Dr Huang’s research offers novel solutions for a wide array of efficient catalysts, leading to a sustainable future.

運用理論計算為可持續能源系統提供先進原子催化劑的理性設計

– 黃勃龍博士專訪
應用生物及化學科技學系副教授

應用生物及化學科技學系副教授黃勃龍博士透過理論計算為原子催化劑的理性設計提供了重要的理論研究，為碳中和發展新一代可持續能源系統帶來了莫大貢獻。隨著世界各地日漸關注能源危機及氣候變化，為能源系統尋找可持續的解決方案成為了討論議題。當中，各地都期望能將令環境問題惡化的碳足跡加以控制，以實現碳中和目標，而二氧化碳減排及燃料電池都是不可或缺的技術，兩者都需要採用先進有效的催劑。由於原子催化劑高效且成本低，因此獲視為下一代可持續能源系統的中流砥柱。

由於黃博士從原子層面提出了一種有效解釋電子結構的理論，並根據電活性和穩定性來篩選各種催化劑，他的理論可視為相關領域的研究向。原子級別分散的金屬原子具備獨特的電子結構，令它們在不同反應中表現出強勁的活性。然而，要減低高表面能並且帶來穩定性需要合適的襯底材料。黃博士的研究探索了不同金屬與襯底材料之間的相互作用，為相關化學反應設計出合適的電催化劑。這些反應包括氧還原、二氧化碳還原、水分解和氮還原反應等。受限於目前的技術，了解催化劑的原子級結構時仍面對不少困難，因此他的理論有助找出最佳的原子催化劑材料，為它們帶來高電活性和穩定性提供了重要資訊。

因為原子催化劑及金屬元素的組合繁多，因此需要更有效的方法以篩選出最佳組合。理論計算可讓我們了解其活性、穩定性，以及不同電化學反應表現，以提供數據及減少實驗試錯次數，同時減低材料成本和研究時間，及了解當中的反應過程與機制。因此，這種新型原子催化劑是香港及中國內地碳中和發展的重要研究方向。黃博士的研究結合了理論計算和實驗探索，為廣泛應用高效催化劑提供了新的契機，有助為未來建立一個可持續發展的社會。