Prof. Irene LO’s Article Featured as Outstanding Paper and Highlight in Environmental Science: Nano
A review article authored by Prof. Irene LO, Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and her team members has been featured in two special theme collections of the journal Environmental Science: Nano. They are “Outstanding Papers 2024 – Environmental Science: Nano” and “Highlights from Environmental Science: Nano in 2024”. The article is titled “Magnetically recyclable nanophotocatalysts in photocatalysis-involving processes for organic pollutant removal from wastewater: current status and perspectives”.
This article provides a critical overview of the development and application of magnetically recyclable nanophotocatalysts, an important innovation that addresses the practical challenge of catalyst recovery. It explores advances in synthesis routes, performance enhancement strategies, and implementation in photocatalysis-involving processes, and offers forward-looking perspectives to accelerate translation toward industrial practice.
The article represents a collective effort of Prof. Lo’s current and former research students, including Prof. ZHENG Zexiao (current Research Assistant Professor at HKUST), Dr. HE Juhua (current Distinguished Scientist at Foshan University, China), Mr. ZHANG Zuyao (former MPhil student), Prof. Ashutosh KUMAR (current Assistant Professor at National University of Sciences & Technology, Pakistan), Prof. Musharib KHAN (current Assistant Professor at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, India), and Dr. C. W. LUNG (current postdoctoral fellow at HKUST).
Further exemplifying the group’s research impact and communication excellence, Dr. Jonathan CAVILLO, a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Lo’s group, received the Best Presentation Award (Early-Career Researcher Category) at the 2nd International Conference on Thermal Treatment and Resource Recovery. His awarded presentation, titled “A Tandem Electrochemical Reduction/Oxidation System (ER/EO) for the Near-Complete Mineralization of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water”, addresses one of today’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges. PFAS are persistent “forever chemicals” that are notoriously resistant to conventional water treatment. The research introduces an innovative tandem electrochemical strategy designed to achieve near-complete PFAS mineralization, representing a promising advancement toward safeguarding drinking water quality. The award recognizes both the transformative potential of the work and Dr. Cavillo’s outstanding ability to communicate complex science with clarity and engagement.
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