Invited by Professor Haifeng Yu of Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Professor Kwang-Leong Choy from University College London gave a lecture entitled “Sustainable chemical vapour synthesis of advanced nanostructured materials” on November 20th. Students and teachers from MSE and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of College of Engineering attended the lecture.

Professor Choy (DSc, FIMMM, FRSC) leads a team of 20 researchers performing pioneering research into novel, sustainable, and cost-effective processing of nanostructured thin films and thick coatings using non-vacuum and environmentally friendly Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) based methods, characterized by unique nanocrystalline microstructure and superior properties for structural and functional applications. She has over 25 years experience in surface coating and nanomaterials.

During the lecture, Prof. Choy gave an overview of various fabrication methods of nanostructured materials. Special highlight was given on the use of sustainable Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) based technologies which can create a wide range of materials including ceramics, polymer, composite, semiconductor and biomaterials. These materials are of unique nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanowires and nanocomposites, which can be finely controlled at molecular level.

Besides, case studies of nanomaterials fabricated by AACVD for structural, electrical, catalytic, clean energy and biomedical applications was presented. The non vacuum AACVD based methods are costless and may possibly be used for industrial production, which is of great technological significance.

Following the lecture, Prof. Choy had further communications with the attending professors and students, shared her feelings and gave suggestions for young students.