News & Stories

A research team led by the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed full-color fiber light-emitting diodes utilizing perovskite quantum wires (PeQWs), paving the way for innovative wearable lighting and display devices. Fiber light-emitting diodes (Fi-LEDs) stand out as a key component in the realm of flexible LEDs because of their compatibility with textile fabrication and excellent spatial luminance uniformity. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as promising light-emitting materials for next-generation LEDs due to their superior optoelectronic properties. Despite the potential, the fabrication of MHP-based Fi-LEDs has faced challenges such as gravity- and surface tension-induced nonuniform coating, low-quality crystallization, and complex electrode deposition processes, which all culminate in uneven and inefficient light emission.

A research team led by the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has constructed an unprecedented chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, which enhances the reliability and power conversion efficiency of this fast-advancing solar technology and accelerates its commercialization.

A research team at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has recently developed a novel artificial compound eye system that is not only more cost-effective, but demonstrates a sensitivity at least twice that of existing market products in small areas. The system promises to revolutionize robotic vision, enhance robots' abilities in navigation, perception and decision-making, while promoting commercial application and further development in human-robot collaboration. 

Photovoltaic (PV) technologies, which convert light into electricity, are increasingly applied worldwide to generate renewable energy. Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a molecular treatment that significantly enhances the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells. Their breakthrough will potentially accelerate the large-scale production of this clean energy. A key to the solution was their successful identification of critical parameters that determine the performance and lifespan of halide perovskites, a next-generation photovoltaic material which has emerged as one of the most promising materials in PV devices for its unique crystal structure. The findings have been published in Science.

An international cross-disciplinary research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has revealed critical insights into how strategic emission cap choices can lead to cost-effective, near-100% ammonia industry decarbonization while avoiding issues such as land use constraints and grid congestion. This groundbreaking study is the first to identify cost-optimal characteristics for ammonia production plants and emission reduction targets.

A research team of the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) revealed the existence of surface concavities on individual crystal grains – which are the fundamental blocks – of perovskite thin films, and unravel their significant effects on the film properties and reliability. Based on this fundamental science discovery, the team pioneered a new way of making perovskite solar cells more efficient and stable via a chemo-elimination of these grain surface concavities.

Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently developed a new generation of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), that can greatly improve the safety and performance. This groundbreaking discovery can help advance the development of energy storage technologies for battery applications like electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power grids. Compared to traditional liquid electrolyte LMBs, all-solid-state LMBs offer enhanced safety and higher energy density by replacing the flammable organic solvent electrolytes with solid electrolytes and suppressing a harmful phenomenon called dendrite growths. They present a promising future for developing energy storage technologies. However, their wider adoption has been limited by low ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number at room temperature.

Three research projects led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) were awarded a total funding of HK$212.5 million by the Research Grants Council (RGC)’s Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme and the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2024/25, the highest funding amount among all local universities. It also marks a record-high result for the University.  The three studies cover a wide array of aspects, including a frontier and human-centric AI and robotics technology for geriatric care, the development of “Hong Kong Coastal Twin” for management of extreme weather on coastlines, as well as a technological approach to enhance Hong Kong’s role in sustainable supply chains.