On November 29, Professor Lin Zeng from the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology was invited to deliver an academic report titled "Key Materials and Membrane Electrode Optimization for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Production" in Lecture Hall 1517 of the Energy Research Institute. The report was chaired by Professor Qian Xu from our institute, with participation from faculty and students.

Researcher Lin Zeng pointed out that in the pursuit of green hydrogen energy development, polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis technology offers significant advantages over traditional alkaline water electrolysis, including faster hydrogen production rates, higher energy efficiency, and superior hydrogen purity. It is particularly well-suited to efficiently adapt to the fluctuating characteristics of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, thereby enhancing the output quality and stability of green energy systems. The core challenges of this technology lie in key materials, membrane electrode structure, and bubble dynamics. Researcher Lin Zeng systematically introduced his research group's latest advancements in innovative preparation methods for high-activity catalysts, performance optimization of membrane electrodes, and the impact of catalyst morphology on bubble dynamics. These efforts aim to significantly improve the efficiency and durability of electrolyzers through material design and structural engineering, providing crucial scientific support for reducing hydrogen production costs and promoting technology commercialization.

The report featured cutting-edge content and an engaging presentation, sparking strong interest among the faculty and students of our institute. During the Q&A session, in-depth exchanges and discussions took place. The report provided valuable insights for scientific research in related fields at our university.

Lin Zeng is a Research Fellow, Tenured Associate Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology. He earned his Ph.D. from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in December 2014 and joined Southern University of Science and Technology in October 2018. His research focuses on fuel cells, water electrolysis, and the development of electrochemical energy storage materials and devices. He currently leads seven projects, including national youth talent programs and National Natural Science Foundation of China grants. He has published over 220 SCI papers in top-tier journals such as Energy & Environmental Science, Advanced Energy Materials, and Nature Communications, including more than 140 first-author or corresponding-author papers. His work has been cited over 12,000 times, and he has filed 34 patents, reflecting his prolific academic achievements. He has been consecutively listed in the "Career-Long Scientific Impact Rankings" by Stanford University and the "World’s Top 2% Scientists" for five years, demonstrating his extensive influence in the international academic community.