News & Stories

A research team from the Department of Physics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has achieved a scientific breakthrough by demonstrating that a two-dimensional superconductivity occurs at the interface between two new classes of materials. The groundbreaking discovery in the emerging field of topological superconductors could advance the development of a practical fault-tolerant quantum computer with unusually high computing power, and data storage abilities. The findings were recently reported in a paper entitled “Two-dimensional superconductivity at the interface of a Bi2Te3/FeTe heterostructure” that was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

HKUST research team has developed a comprehensive 3D mapping technology and platform which are critical for the next-generation of true 3D maps chased now by all internet giants in US and China. Led by Prof Long Quan from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST, his team uses only photographs and computer programs to produce a complete 3D picture of any place. His team plans to be the first to make a 3D map of Hong Kong.

As communities around the world are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of green and sustainable energy sources, fuel cells that convert chemical energy of hydrogen, natural gas, and alcohols directly to electricity have become a hot research topic. Current energy technologies that use fossil fuels, such as diesel, coal and oil, face many challenges including low efficiency, limited supply, air pollution, and climate change. Yet, to date, renewable energy still accounts for less than 3% of all electricity produced worldwide. Power density record Prof Zhao, Director of the HKUST Energy Institute, and his researchers have become global pioneers in raising the performance of Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells (DAFC). Among other achievements, his team holds the internationally acknowledged world record for the power density of direct ethanol fuel cells.

Dr Chi-ho Yeung and Prof Michael Wong from the Department of Physics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in collaboration with Prof David Saad from Aston University in the UK have applied polymer physics to derive a novel approach for coordinating optimal routes for individual passengers. Their simulations using data from the London underground network show that the new method reduces crowding experienced by passengers by 24%, while journeys take only 5% longer on average. The findings have been published in the   Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) of the USA.

Prof Kei-May Lau and her team have developed an advanced LED technology which can significantly improve micro-display in mobile electronics, intelligent traffic systems, portable micro-projectors, etc. (From the “HKUST Science-for-Lunch” talk series)

Prof Guanghao Chen invented an innovative green wastewater treatment technology known as SANI Process (殺泥技術). The technology successfully minimizes the adverse environmental impact of sewage treatment plant with reduced cost and space requirement. (From the “HKUST Science-for-Lunch” talk series)

Prof Weijia Wen introduced some innovative applications of nanotechnology, including the "ER fluid" for clutches, electronic valve and damper, a "smart gel" for windows to help save energy, and a "smart drug" which can target tumor. (From the "HKUST Science-for-Lunch" talk series)

Prof King-Lun Yeung has developed a "smart" anti-microbial coating for prevention of spread of infectious diseases. This coating is more long-lasting and environmentally friendly. (From the “HKUST Science-for-Lunch” talk series)