Chinese-born chemical engineer Yong Wang, a U.S. National Academy of Engineering member with 111 U.S. patents, has joined University of Hong Kong (HKU) after 37 years in the U.S.
HKU, ranked first in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, announced on Sept. 25 that Wang had been appointed chair professor of catalysis for sustainability and associate dean for industry engagement in its Faculty of Engineering.
The appointment came shortly after his retirement on Sept. 14 from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Wang previously directed the laboratory’s Institute for Integrated Catalysis and held the title of Laboratory Fellow, its highest distinction for research staff. He is also an emeritus Regents Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington State University (WSU).
His research focuses on catalysis, a process in which substances called catalysts speed up chemical reactions without being consumed. His work aims to make industrial production more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
He has developed technologies to turn agricultural waste, carbon dioxide and discarded plastics into useful chemicals and fuels, as well as catalysts designed to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions.
His inventions include a commercially used process that converts plant-derived glycerol into propylene glycol, an ingredient used in foods, medicines and other consumer products. He also helped establish a company developing compact reactors that turn waste into fuel, according to PNNL.
Of his 111 issued U.S. patents, more than 90% have been licensed to industry, according to HKU. He has also published nearly 500 scientific papers, including research in Nature, Science and Nature Catalysis, receiving more than 55,000 citations.
Source: VN Express