In summary:
UTS researcher Professor Guoxiu Wang has won the Renewable Energy Innovation category at the 2012 NSW Science and Engineering Awards
Professor Wang was recognised for his team's recent leading work on battery technology, energy storage and conversion, and graphene-based function materials
Professor Guoxiu Wang has been recognised for his leading UTS research in renewable energy technologies at the 2012 NSW Science and Engineering Awards announced on 14 November.
Professor Wang won the Renewable Energy Innovation category. He is Director of the Centre for Clean Energy Technology at UTS and an internationally-recognised expert on battery technology, energy storage and conversion, and graphene-based function materials.
"I’m very excited to accept such a prestigious award," Professor Wang said.
"It is an honour to receive recognition of the hard work of my team and the strong support provided by UTS over the past two years."
The electrochemistry professor and his team of post-doctoral fellows and PhD students have recently made ground-breaking developments in lithium-air battery technology, as well as demonstrating higher power and energy capability outcomes for rechargeable lithium batteries.
"As UTS is part of the Automotive Co-operative Research Centre's (AutoCRC) focus on vehicle electrification, our research can make a major contribution to Australia's strong position in the global trend towards electric vehicles (EVs)," Professor Wang said.
Professor Wang is also considered a pioneer in Australia for his research on graphene, a carbon-based material that can be made as thin as paper and 10 times stronger than steel.
In 2011, his team built on preliminary research done at the University of Wollongong to improve the mechanical properties of graphene, with the potential to impact the automotive, aviation, electrical and optical industries.
Professor Attila Brungs, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) congratulated Professor Wang on his achievement.
"This is a wonderful accomplishment for Professor Wang, who has dedicated his career to the ultimate goal of realising sustainable development through both fundamental and applied research," Professor Brungs said.
"This award not only recognises the quality and innovation of research at UTS, but demonstrates the increasing impact that it is having in Australia and beyond."
For a list of all the winners and more information on the awards, visit the NSW Trade and Investment website (links to an external site).