HKUST Launches the Research Laboratory for Advanced Energy Materials and Devices with Support from the Bright Future Charitable Foundation

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has established the Research Laboratory for Advanced Energy Materials and Devices to revolutionize innovation in next-generation batteries, sustainable energy conversion, and materials science. The Laboratory will inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong and the nation's energy and green technology transformation and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future.

The establishment of this Laboratory has been made possible through the generous donation and support of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation. A plaque unveiling ceremony was recently held on the HKUST campus, officiated by Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Dr. Roy CHUNG Chi-Ping, Founder and Chairman of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation; Prof. Charles NG Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of HKUST; Prof. Hong K. LO, Dean of Engineering of HKUST; and Prof. CHEN Guohua, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Director of the Research Laboratory for Advanced Energy Materials and Devices of HKUST.

President Ip said, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Roy Chung for his unwavering support of HKUST. Over the years, Dr. Chung has stood alongside the University in nurturing young engineering talent, advancing energy technologies, and championing cutting‑edge research and innovation. His generous contributions embody a visionary commitment to education, innovation, and sustainable social development. Coinciding with HKUST’s 35th anniversary, the establishment of the Research Laboratory for Advanced Energy Materials and Devices marks a pivotal stride in driving energy innovation for the benefit of society. It also reflects the strong foundation of Dr. Chung’s support and our shared pursuit of excellence."

Dr. Chung remarked, "It is truly inspiring to witness the remarkable achievements HKUST has accomplished in just 35 years, from nurturing future leaders and driving research innovation to translating outcomes with far‑reaching impact. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers at HKUST. I am proud that the seeds planted a decade ago have successfully inspired countless secondary school students to engage in real-world engineering experiences, encouraging them to think creatively with an engineer's mindset and cultivating generations of innovative talent.

The establishment of the Research Laboratory for Advanced Energy Materials and Devices represents another milestone in the collaboration between the Bright Future Charitable Foundation and HKUST, underscoring our shared commitment to building a sustainable, low-carbon future. I sincerely thank HKUST and my colleagues at the Foundation for their dedication, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to nurture talent, drive innovation, and create greater value for society."

The development of next-generation energy storage technologies, highly efficient batteries, innovative semiconductor devices, and advanced energy materials serve as key drivers for global carbon reduction and green transformation. Under the leadership of Prof. Chen Guohua, the Laboratory will be built into a world-class research platform for energy conversion and storage systems. Through cutting‑edge studies in advanced energy materials and devices, the Laboratory will drive the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

The Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support researchers in synthesizing materials for battery electrodes, separators, and electrolytes, advancing electrode materials engineering, and developing next-generation batteries. It also houses comprehensive facilities for the analysis, testing, and fabrication of advanced energy storage systems.

Lithium-ion batteries are a core technology for high-energy storage, powering electronic devices and electric vehicles, as well as serving in renewable energy plants for electricity storage and grid load balancing. The major research projects undertaken by Prof. Chen's team in the Laboratory include:

(1) Synthesis of Highly Stable NCM Materials: By applying the chemical vapor deposition technology developed by Prof. Chen's team, the stability of NiCoMn (NCM) materials is enhanced, thereby improving both the safety and processability of the materials during battery manufacturing.

(2) AI-Driven Battery Material Screening: By integrating AI and machine learning technologies, researchers identify candidate lithium battery materials with strong conductivity and propose methods to enhance the performance of cathode materials in lithium‑ion batteries.

(3) Li-S Batteries for Low-Altitude Economy Applications: Further research into solid-state electrolytes is being conducted to significantly improve the performance and capacity of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. These batteries serve as vital energy source for unmanned aerial vehicles and other low‑altitude economy applications.