Dr. Jin Xuan
Heriot-Watt University, UK
Title: 3D printing: Unlocking the evolution of energy materials and devices
Abstract:
The global energy infrastructure is undergoing a drastic transformation towards renewable energy, posing huge challenges on the energy materials and chemistry research. Additive manufacturing has shown its promise to change the way how future energy system can be designed and delivered. It offers capability in manufacturing complex 3D structures, with near-complete design freedom and high sustainability due to minimal use of materials and toxic chemicals. Recent literatures have reported that additive manufacturing could unlock the evolution of energy materials and chemistries with unprecedented performance in the way that could never be achieved by conventional manufacturing techniques.
In our lab, we use Design+Energy approach to create functional energy structures, customise AM solution to print various bespoke energy materials, and integrate the additively manufactured devices into energy systems. This presentation will cover our on-going work and future directions of energy additive manufacturing, including 3D printing of bio-inspired heat exchanges for low carbon system integration, 3D printing of functional carbon for fuel cell electrodes, and 3D printing of organic photocatalysts for solar energy harvesting. Finally, I will discuss our vision on how additive manufacturing will act as an enabler to tackle the energy poverty in developing countries.
Biography:
Dr. Jin Xuan obtained his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Hong Kong in 2012. He was a Faculty member in East China University of Science and Technology and a visiting researcher in The University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong during 2012-2014. In 2014, he moved his academic career to U.K., taking his current position in Heriot-Watt University as Assistant Professor.
Dr. Xuan’s research interests include microfluidics, microreactor and micro-systems for energy and carbon conversion via novel chemical, electrochemical and photocatalysis reactions. He has published 1 edited book, 70+ journal papers (a number of which are Invited Article, ‘ESI 1% Highly Cited Papers’, ‘Top 25 Hottest Articles’ and ‘Most Accessed Articles‘), 50+ conference papers, filed 10+ US, international and Chinese patents, and delivered 10+ invited speeches in conference. He is Specialty Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Science, Guest Editor of Micro and Nanosystems, and reviewer for 20+ leading journals such as Journal of Power Sources, Electrochemistry Communications & International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.