Key Materials and Membrane Electrode Optimization for Hydrogen Production via Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis

Lecture Topic: Key Materials and Membrane Electrode Optimization for Hydrogen Production via Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolysis
Expert: Zeng Lin
Date: November 29, 2025
Time: 16:00
Location: Lecture Hall 1517, Energy Research Institute
Organizer: Energy Research Institute

Speaker Profile:
Zeng Lin 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 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-level young talent programs (overseas), general projects of the National Natural Science Foundation, youth projects, and key projects of the Guangdong Regional Joint Fund, as well as four industry-sponsored collaborative projects. He has also participated in six key projects such as the National Key R&D Program of China and key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation. He has published over 220 SCI papers in journals including Energy & Environmental Science, Advanced Energy Materials, Advanced Materials, and Nature Communications, with more than 140 as first or corresponding author. His work has been cited over 12,000 times, with an H-index of 55. He has filed 34 patents (15 granted, including one PCT patent) and contributed to two book chapters. He has been consecutively listed in the global "Career-Long Scientific Impact Rankings" released by Stanford University (2024–2025) and selected as one of the "World's Top 2% Scientists" for five consecutive years (2021–2025).
Research Expertise: Key materials and membrane electrode optimization for hydrogen production via polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis.

Lecture Summary:
Compared to traditional alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production, polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis offers advantages such as faster hydrogen production rates, higher energy efficiency, and superior hydrogen purity. It is well-suited to accommodate the intermittency of renewable energy generation, thereby enhancing the quality of energy output from renewable sources. Based on an overview of the current development status of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis for hydrogen production, this presentation will introduce the research work conducted by our group in this field, including the preparation of highly active catalysts and the optimization of membrane electrode performance.

Faculty and students are welcome to attend!