A cross-university research project led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has successfully developed an environment-friendly rechargeable liquid fuel that promises to have impact on a global scale.
It can fully recharge an electric vehicle in a matter of minutes – a great enhancement from existing battery technology which usually takes hours.
This fuel – called ‘e-fuel’ – is carbon-neutral if charged with solar or wind energy. Like fossil fuels, it can be readily dispatched to the power grid, and also rapidly recharged to vehicles.
The research, titled ‘Creation of Rechargeable Electron-fuels for Stationary Power Supplies and Electric Vehicles’, is led by Prof. ZHAO Tianshou of HKUST and supported by academics from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Prof. Zhao Tianshou is Cheong Ying Chan Professor of Engineering and Environment, Chair Professor of Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Director of the HKUST Energy Institute. The five-year research project – from 2018 to 2022 – is funded by the Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme to the tune of HK$50 million.
“We have successfully developed a stable lithium-sulfur battery that promises to be energy-dense and capable of storing energy at low cost, and can be applied to both electric vehicles and grids transmitting a high fraction of solar and wind energy,” Prof. Zhao explained.
Credit: “HKUST-led research successfully develops rechargeable liquid fuels to power electric vehicles and electricity grid”, The Hong Kong University of science and Technology
