Research at FAST

24 Owing to both sustainability and cost advantages, Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are considered better alternatives to Li-ion batteries for stationary energy storage. High-performance hard carbon and Sn anodes are being developed through microstructure design and interphase regulation. Coupled with a Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F 3 cathode, the NIBs could deliver an energy density of 300 Wh/kg (based on the mass of electrode materials) with a round-trip energy efficiency of over 90%. Prof. Feng Yan’s ‘Low-Cost Highly Sensitive Glucose Sensors for Noninvasive Glucose Detection’ We have developed technology for non-invasive glucose detection, so diabetics and the elderly can easily and conveniently monitor their glucose levels. The high sensitivity sensors, prepared with low-cost printing technology, can detect glucose levels in body fluids like saliva. Measurements can be taken using a mobile phone and transferred to a database for analysis. Prof. Jiyan Dai’s ‘High-frequency Phase Array Medical Ultrasound Transducer for Small Animal and Eye Imaging’ This project aims at developing high-frequency medical ultrasound transducers with broader bandwidth and higher sensitivity for imaging small animals’ organs. New fabrication processes and advanced acoustic materials have been developed. Obtained fisheye images and dynamic imaging of a rat’s heart demonstrate higher spatial resolution compared to low-frequency ultrasound images. Prof. Jianhua Hao’s ‘Development of Upconversion Luminescence Nanoprobes for Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of Influenza Virus’ P rof. Hao, in co llaboration with a local special biomedical laboratory and medical school, will perform further biomedical evaluation using clinical samples to test the developed assays functionality and compare the per formance of their nano probes with commercially available diagnostic tests. The detection scheme will be expanded to more epidemic viruses. The team will develop ultrasensitive, rapid and cost effective diagnostic technology for virus detection to safeguard global health. Dr Biao Zhang’s ‘Development of High-performance, Low-cost Na-Ion Batteries’ Department of Applied Physics Large photocatalytic reactor for water decontamination using sunlight AP proactively collaborates with industry, turning our research outputs into successful commercial products and immediate applications. Industry Collaborations • Dr Xuming Zhang, supported by Chongqing Huiyulan Survey and Planning Consultancy Co Ltd., is developing prototype UV/ozonation wastewater decontamination reactors. These optimized devices will provide sustainable strategies for next-generation wastewater treatment. • Dr Yang Chai, sponsored by Zhejiang Laxcen Information Technology Inc Ltd., has developed nanostructured films for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries. • Dr Chee Leung Mak, in collaboration with Wilson Acoustics Ltd. and supported by the Innovative Technology Fund, has investigated novel orthogonal resilient materials for acoustic damper applications. Dr Mak’s newly developed material permits targeted absorption of vibration modes along different directions using the same mass blocks, enabling more compact acoustic damper design for railtrack silencing. Our Research Collaborations with Industry AP has been awarded Innovation and Technology Funds (ITF) for our application-oriented research with great commercial potential. Highlights of ITF projects with AP colleagues as PI include: