Lighting the Way: Innovative Photocatalysts for Sustainable Pollution Control
- UM Research
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Over the years, rapid developments have led to a significant environmental impact, resulting in increased concerns over the sustainability of currently available energy sources. Photocatalysts, a material that changes the rate of a chemical reaction on exposure to light, have emerged as a promising tool for solving the worldwide energy and environmental crisis.
According to Associate Professor Ir Ts Dr Lai Chin Wei from the Nanotechnology Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Universiti Malaya, photocatalysis, derived from the term "photo", which means "light", and catalysis, which refers to a substance that alters the rate of a chemical reaction, is an interdisciplinary innovation involving energy research, nanotechnology, photonics, environmental science, and chemical analysis.
Photocatalysis is currently used in areas like air purification, water treatment, and self-cleaning surfaces. It removes toxic substances, pathogens, and organic pollutants by breaking them down into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water. It supports sustainable energy solutions by producing hydrogen through water splitting and organic compounds for pharmaceutical uses," he said.
However, developing efficient photocatalysts requires overcoming challenges such as low photocatalysis efficiency, considerable band gap energy, and UV-light dependence, which limit real-life applications. To address this, Dr Lai incorporates methods like in-situ solvothermal doping, incorporating cationic, anionic, or transition metal oxide elements to extend light absorption into the visible spectrum and reduce energy losses. Incorporating an optimum amount of metal dopants into a photocatphotocatalyst improves the photocatalyst efficiency by enhancing visible light absorption and enabling better separation and transportation of charge carriers.
Dr Lai's research will aid in building the fundamentals of knowledge and experience, which help direct research efforts towards critical aspects in developing cost-effective functionalised nanomaterials. This ultimately enables the commercial deployment of artificial photocatalysis technology systems in sustainable environmental pollution management systems.
"My team utilises several synthesis routes and approaches to grow different types of photocatalysts based on the essential requirement for specific applications and/or systems such as thin film, nanoparticles, nano-colloidal, nanotubes/nanowires or nanocoating," he shared.
Beyond the laboratory setting, his photocatalyst research translates to environmental pollution management applications such as removing industrial dyes, heavy metals, pathogens, and volatile organic compounds, along with producing hydrogen for fuel cells and self-cleaning coatings for various surfaces. By harnessing light energy from sunlight or room light, the long-lasting photocatalysis process offers a sustainable, economical solution for deodorization, pollutant mitigation, and sterilisation without relying on UV light. This innovation proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning multiple prestigious awards, including gold at MTE 2022 and SRIE 2021.
Throughout his research journey, Dr Lai shared that he also experienced his fair share of challenges. The most prevalent were limited resources in terms of research funding and obtaining cutting-edge equipment for nanosized photocatalyst design and development.
"To resolve these challenges, I had to seek funding opportunities by looking for grants, scholarships, and fellowships that align with my research topic through government funding agencies, private industry partnerships, and research institutions that offer financial support. I also established collaborations with other researchers or institutions to pool resources, share equipment, or gain access to specialised facilities, developing a strong research collaboration with scientists from many institutions all over the world," he said.
Dr Lai added that his research project could be patented for commercialisation, and his team is currently scaling up the production of various types of photocatalysts using eco-friendly and cost-effective measures, factoring into account waste reduction and green approaches to further reduce the production cost and able to compete with current conventional materials in the market. Some MOA/MOU signing with several multinational and local companies for this purpose have also been started.
Despite the challenges encountered, Dr Lai remains enthusiastic and dedicated to research efforts. He aims to demonstrate excellence in scientific research in the field of inclusive science, technology, and innovation (photocatalysis technology) for a resilient and sustainable environment by providing leadership development opportunities that privilege to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaboration and driving innovation to impact the world by innovating new solutions, and shaping the future of green environmental using nanoscience and nanotechnology.
“Indeed, the promotion of long-lasting photocatalysis technology to solve our global warming and reduce environmental impacts has been the passion for me since my PhD study. I believe that a breakthrough in nanotechnology will positively affect the living standards of mankind,” he said.
Awards and accolades that can be highlighted when introducing Dr. Lai include:
World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, United States
World’s Top Peer Reviewer in Cross-Field | Materials Science
SJTU - Foreign Expert | Professional for Shanghai JiaoTong University, China
JCI TOYP - Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World 2024
APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE), National Winner 2023
IMechE - Best Young Member Award 2022
JCI TOYM - Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians 2021
MESTECC - National Young Scientist Award 2019
MASS - Young Researcher Award 2018
MOSTI - Finalist of National Young Scientist Award 2018
UM Excellence Awards - Outstanding Young Researcher 2015
#Sustainability #GreenTech #Photocatalysis #CleanEnergy #EnvironmentalScience #Nanotechnology #Innovation #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EcoFriendly #ScienceForGood #FutureTech #GreenSolutions #ResearchImpact #SustainableFuture
Researcher Featured:
Associate Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lai Chin Wei
Nanotechnology Catalysis Research Centre, Universiti Malaya
For inquiries, please contact:
T: 0379677022
Author:
Wong Zhi Yong
A passionate medical student who seeks a balance between science and writing. From dissecting the intricacies of the human body to weaving narratives, I am intrigued by medicine and the written word.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
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