Profile: Alex Yip calls his research ‘nothing more ambitious than solving the biggest problem of mankind’

This is Campus Review's Profile series, in which we visit with an academic or researcher to learn more about them and their work. Alex Yip takes great pride in working with colleagues to solve the greatest challenges of our times. And he also likes Batman. CR: Where are you based and what do you do? AY: I am based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I am a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Canterbury. What is your educational background? Bachelor in chemical engineering from the University of New South Wales. Master of philosophy in environmental engineering from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Doctor of philosophy in chemical engineering, nanotechnology, from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Why did you choose this path of study? It is nothing more ambitious than solving the biggest problem of mankind in the 21st century. You’ve been researching greenhouse gases – can you provide an overview of these findings? An important approach for converting waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful fuels and chemicals is the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in the presence of water, known as artificial photosynthesis. Use of sunlight as an abundant and readily available energy source to drive this important reaction still remains a key challenge for sustainable carbon capture and usage (CCU). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a well-known, well-researched semiconductor in the field of photocatalysis; however, its band edges lie within the ultraviolet spectra, limiting energy absorption above wavelengths of 400 nanometers and resulting in it being inactive under visible light. On the other hand, natural leaves are known for their excellent light-harvesting efficiency due to their unique structure, with extremely high surface area and photosynthesis function. With a joint effort from the University of Canterbury (UC) and the City University of Hong Kong in China, this research aims to fabricate a metal-doped titanium dioxide catalyst with leaf-like characteristics to narrow the band gap and yield greater photocatalytic activity under visible light for CCU. The key to success is to employ a robust, reliable method to produce metallic nanoparticles, with controllable formulation and size, to decorate the TiO2 leaves via photodeposition. Therefore, the research gap in this project is methodological. We identified an opportunity to apply the Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technology developed by associate professor Wey-Yang Teoh (City U, Hong Kong) to respond to that gap. The proposed research provides a unique opportunity to use the properties of both TiO2 and leaves in artificial photosynthesis to convert CO2 into useful products or fuel. A photo-reactor integrated into a sun tracker will be built and placed atop a UC building for demonstration purposes. Why is this important to you? Being able to work with a group of elite young academics who have the same passion and goals, on an important, meaningful research topic is a privilege. What’s next in your academic career? Continue to develop novel catalysts for important chemical reactions that benefit our society and economy. To gain a professorial status within six to eight years. What book are you reading at the moment? Nirvana in Fire by Hai Yan. What are your three favourite films? From Beijing With Love Flirting Scholar The Dark Knight Trilogy What was your first concert? And what was your most recent? Anita Mui and Miriam Yeung. What’s the best holiday you’ve been on? Honeymoon in Koh Samui, Thailand, with a group of my 16 best friends. What’s your favourite food and drink? Satay chicken, tom yum soup and Taro bubble milk tea. What’s your ultimate Sunday Funday activity? A nice afternoon nap on a sunny Sunday without having to worry about any manuscripts in progress. If you would like to nominate an academic or researcher – even yourself (No one will ever know!) – to be profiled and have their work featured, please email the news editor.