Engineering & Technology

A new device can light up 100 LED bulbs with a single drop of water.

Complex algorithms can be taught to predict steel corrosion rates in coastal regions, helping engineers choose the best materials for each location.

Lingnan University in Hong Kong (LU) - ‘LU Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing Project’ (the project) organised a two-day conference entitled “Gerontechnology Conference⸺Partnership Strategies for a Collaborative Society’ on 15 and 16 April 2021. The guests of honour, Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Elderly Commission and Mr Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, officiated at the launch ceremony with Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of Lingnan University , and Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President of Lingnan University .

Protons are the next big thing when it comes to fuel cell technology. The subatomic exchange produces power on a scale that challenges contemporary solid-state fuel cell technology, used to help power space shuttles. To realize the proton-based technology sooner, an international team of researchers have developed a hybrid material that effectively transports protons at high temperatures and humidity — two major challenges in past attempts.

Researchers discovered, while exploring the photomechanical properties of diarylethene, that under irradiation with UV light the crystal of the compound peels off into micrometer sized crystals at a world’s fastest speed of 260 microseconds. As the material returns to its former molecular structure when exposed to visible light, the exfoliation method positions itself as a candidate for photoactuator manufacturing.

Devices that can see shortwave infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye, could soon become cheaper and more accessible to a broader consumer base.

Rapid and accurate flood mapping following a disaster is crucial for accelerating relief and response decisions. With news crews often the first on the scene, Tohoku University researchers have created a machine learning model that harnesses the power of media photos. The model helps quickly identify flooded buildings within 24 hours of the disaster.

A research team based at Tohoku University has 3D printed the first proton exchange membrane, a critical component of batteries, electrochemical capacitors and fuel cells.

Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo examined a new method of producing concrete via direct bonding of sand particles, which may help reduce greenhouse emissions and even construct a Moon base.

Elevated levels of radon in the atmosphere before and after earthquakes is a commonly recorded phenomenon. However, Tohoku University researchers have discovered an anomaly: The 2018 Northern Osaka Earthquake. Analyzing data before and after the quake, they discovered that atmospheric radon concentration decreased. The discovery paints a more complicated picture surrounding radon and crustal movements.

The first alliance of its kind between the two countries launched on 8 April 2021

Scientists from Tohoku University have developed a new fluorine-free calcium (Ca) electrolyte based on a hydrogen (monocarborane) cluster that could potentially realize rechargeable Ca batteries.

A study by KAIST researchers revealed that an ionized gas jet blowing onto water, also known as a ‘plasma jet’, produces a more stable interaction with the water’s surface compared to a neutral gas jet. This finding reported in the April 1 issue of Nature will help improve the scientific understanding of plasma-liquid interactions and their practical applications in a wide range of industrial fields in which fluid control technology is used, including biomedical engineering, chemical production, and agriculture and food engineering.

The promotion of electric cars has dramatically increased the demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, cobalt and nickel, the main cathode materials for the batteries, are not abundant. If the consumption continues, it will inevitably elevate the costs in the long run, so scientists have been actively developing alternative materials. A joint research team co-led by a scientist from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has developed a much more stable, manganese-based cathode material. The new material has higher capacity and is more durable than the existing cobalt and nickel cathode materials - 90% of capacity is retained even when the number of charging-recharging cycles doubled. Their findings shed lights on developing low cost and high efficiency manganese-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

A review on the latest research of the various types of Heusler alloys summarizes the field’s main achievements up to 2020.

Scientists have developed a method to use lasers to control the movement of nanodiamonds with fluorescent centers.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI) and Tohoku University teamed up to increase the speed of 4-Dimensional Computed Tomography (4D-CT) a thousand-fold, making it possible to observe rubber failure in tires in real-time.

City University of Hong Kong (CityU) announced today (23 March) the launch of a large-scale flagship innovation and entrepreneurship programme, HK Tech 300. With the theme of “Venture Beyond Boundaries” and an allocation of HK$500 million, the Programme aims to establish 300 start-ups championed by CityU students in three years, and establish the largest university-based entrepreneurship programme in Asia.

Tohoku University researchers have, for the first time, developed the technology for the nanosecond operation of the spintronics-based probabilistic bit (p-bit) - dubbed the poor man's quantum bit (q-bit).

A research team from the Faculty of Engineering of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has recently developed a water-tube-based triboelectric nanogenerator that can efficiently convert various irregular and low-frequency mechanical energies, including ocean wave energy, into electricity, providing a new avenue for the development of “blue energy”.

A design concept changes how materials separate gaseous mixtures.

The theme for MTE 2021 is “Innovations for Adaption, Transformation and Growth” and this prestigious event is set to target over 10,000 online visitors from all across the globe on its virtual exhibition platform.

A nanoparticle’s size is fine-tuned to offer high-resolution images before and during surgical procedures.

The world’s first international online training session utilizing advanced 3D sinus models and a telemedicine system has taken place, highlighting a new mode of medical training in Covid-19 era.

The fine structure of barium titanite, a potential alternative to lead titanite, has been revealed by researchers employing a novel technique over the extremely short time period that the ferroelectric phenomena experienced by these materials occur. The investigation should assist further exploration of how to replace lead titanate with other materials, so that its widespread applicability may be enjoyed while avoiding its role in lead pollution.

Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces have become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Lingnan University (LU)’s development of a successful free sanitisation service for over 1,000 subdivided flats by a mobile UV-C germicidal system last year, LU has achieved another breakthrough by constructing a smart Autonomous UV-C Disinfection Robot to provide thorough and efficient UV disinfection for large indoor establishments. While the whole disinfection process is automatic, it is far more effective and five times faster than manual disinfection with 1:99 diluted bleach.

Lithium ion batteries use liquid electrolytes that have several drawbacks, which can be overcome by all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries (ASSBs). However, it is important to find efficient electrode materials for ASSBs. A research team from Japan has recently developed a novel electrode material for ASSBs by combining lithium sulfate and lithium ruthenate, which results in improved performance. The scientists hope that their novel approach will guide future research and the eventual commercialization of such high-capacity batteries.

Molecular interactions within gels and rubbers can be controlled to fabricate stronger and more elastic materials.

ARN's February newsletter features research about catalyzing plastic recycling, the mental health toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, antiperovskites and oolong tea. In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we also have tips for addressing gender bias in STEM communications, and inspirational stories about pioneering female scientists from our Giants in History series. Read on...

A research group has created a device that measures how our bodies metabolize fat via our breath, allowing for the development of efficient fat burning exercises.