The Distinguished Lecture on “Atomaterials for Sustainability” will take place as follows:
Date: 10 April 2026 (Friday)
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Venue: Research Building N21, G/F, G013
The speaker is:
Prof. Baohua JIA, RMIT University, Australia
The Lecture is:
Atomaterials for Sustainability
Abstract:
“Atomaterials” represents materials with at least one dimension on the atomic scale. Their properties depend on the precise configuration of their atoms. It is a new but rapidly developing field. A typical atomaterials is graphene, which is made of carbon atoms. Unlike diamond, in which the carbon atoms form a rigid three-dimensional structure, graphene is made of single layer of carbon atoms, bonded together in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. They show exceptional properties due to their atomaterials nature. Using atomaterials, our lab has been working on a range of innovations, at various stages of development, for example: A diurnal cooling film without consuming electricity. This film can cool the environment by up to 15°C without using any electricity. By integrating such a film into a building, the electricity used for air conditioning can be dramatically reduced. This will not only save electricity bills but also reduce greenhouse emissions; Heat-absorbing film, achieving over 97% of energy conversion rate with an ultrathin film arrangement. These materials play critical role in improving energy efficiency and providing innovative sustainable solutions for our society.
Biography:
Distinguished Professor Baohua Jia is a leading photonics and nanomaterials researcher at RMIT University and the inaugural Director of the Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing (CAN). She is widely recognised as a global leader in photonics technology and nanomaterials, with a strong focus on translating research into technologies for sustainable development. Prior to joining RMIT in 2022, she was a Full Professor, Founding Director of the Centre for Translational Atomaterials, and Research Leader at Swinburne University of Technology. She received her BSc and MSc degrees from Nankai University and her PhD from Swinburne University of Technology. Dist. Prof. Jia is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Optica, and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. She has also served as a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts since 2019. Her research focuses on light–matter interactions in nanomaterials, particularly laser manipulation of two-dimensional materials for applications in clean energy harvesting and storage, environmental purification, advanced imaging and spectroscopy, and ultrafast laser nanofabrication for next-generation optical communications and intelligent manufacturing.
