Chemistry is a powerful fundamental science. It touches all aspects of our lives. “Chemistry is the essential basis for medicine and public health. It addresses challenges like global climate change as well as our needs for sustainable resources (e.g., clean water, food, energy) and environmental conservation,” said Prof. Wong.
The transcendent nature of chemistry has enabled its extensive applications in interdisciplinary research collaboration. Currently, Prof. Wong is involved in three PAIR constituent research units. In addition to RISE, he is a Member of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports).
At RISE, Prof. Wong has been focusing on Advanced and Renewable Energy Conversion Technologies and Advanced Energy Materials. He is working on metallated graphyne-based two-dimensional nanosheets (funded by the 2020/21 Research Grant Council’s Senior Research Fellowship). “Metallated graphynes (MGYs) represent a new class of photofunctional materials. Through changes to the nanostructures of MGYs, such as their topological structures, pore sizes, surface areas, etc., these materials will exhibit different advanced functions including tuneable optical, electronic and magnetic properties,” he said. The development of MYGs is an interdisciplinary project involving experts in chemistry, physics, and materials science. Prof. Wong anticipates that the project will bring forth a new class of MGY nanosheets with applications in the fields of electronics and catalysis. “All the projects here at RISE involve scientists from different disciplines. We have members who are strong in materials design and synthesis, and other members who provide expertise in device fabrication and engineering. Complementary expertise is crucial to the best outcomes,” said Prof. Wong.
Building an environment for quality chemical research
A scientific spirit includes doing rigorous research and fostering an environment that nurtures scientific rigour. Prof. Wong has been leading the set-up of the first Fourier-transform Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (FT-EPR) spectrometer facility in Hong Kong (funded by the 2021/22 Collaborative Research Fund of RGC). “It will expand the characterisation for molecular and nano-functional materials, since the facility can determine the local and microenvironment of paramagnetic spin-active nuclei, and the electronic communication between these entities within small distances,” Prof. Wong explained.
The new facility marks Prof. Wong’s dedication to improving research quality and steering the Faculty and the University community towards continued improvement. “My responsibility is to support the University in achieving a balanced development among different aspects of the Faculty,” Prof. Wong reflected. “This involves many elements, for example, providing a conducive platform for research by young scientists, facilitating knowledge transfer, and offering a vibrant environment for professional education.”
Looking back at the chemistry journey
With great power comes great responsibility. His dual role as administrator and chemist essentially means that Prof. Wong is handling a double or even greater workload. However, this superman finds purpose in his busy schedule. He believes in the power of research—but this did not occur until he was in graduate school.
“My interest in chemistry became stronger during my postgraduate study at the University of Hong Kong supervised by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost. I was deeply inspired by my supervisor’s passion for research at that time,” Prof. Wong said, recalling how he was captivated by the intriguing nature of science. “I realised how special and magical scientific research was, and this prompted me to achieve more.”
Looking back at his postgraduate study, Prof. Wong recalled how that journey laid the cornerstone for his success today. “Certain qualities that I developed, such as analytical thinking and creative thinking, are the key factors that help me handle my job well nowadays,” Prof. Wong said. “Patience, diligence, perseverance and confidence are the prerequisites for successful research work.”