Ir Prof. Irene Lo and her research team win first runner-up in the 2024 Net Zero Tech International Contest @Taiwan

Ir Prof. Irene Lo, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and her research team, comprising Dr. Zexiao Zheng, Mr. Taoran Dong, Mr. Justin H.K. Man, and Mr. C.W. Lung, have been awarded first runner-up in the 2024 Net Zero Tech International Contest @Taiwan along with a trophy and a prize money of NTD 600,000. The award was given by their innovative research entitled “A novel up-scaling process of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system with H2 generation for real saline sewage treatment: taking pioneering steps towards net zero wastewater treatment technology”.

This ground-breaking PEC technology features a large-size continuous flow reactor designed for effective saline sewage treatment. Utilizing newly developed reduced bismuth-vanadate-based photoanodes, the PEC system efficiently removes multiple contaminants to meet discharge standards while simultaneously generating substantial amounts of green hydrogen gas as renewable energy. Notably, this system demonstrates exceptional performance in reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions by over 99% compared to conventional activated sludge processes. Prof. Lo and her team’s pioneering innovation marks a significant advancement toward net-zero wastewater treatment technology, addressing the urgent global need for reduced carbon emissions and minimized chemical use in wastewater treatment.

The Net Zero Tech International Contest, organized by TECO Technology Foundation and National Taiwan University, is one of the most representative international net-zero competitions. The competition this year brings together 240 teams from 13 countries to showcase their inventions and facilitate academia-industry collaborations between interdisciplinary professionals, offering pioneering and sustainable solutions for our zero-carbon future.

Congratulations to Ir Prof. Irene Lo and her team!