We are delighted to announce the upcoming visit of Professor Xianguo Li, a fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, University of Waterloo to the University of Bristol.
You are cordially invited to his talk on Wednesday 3rd September, entitled:
“Energy: The Past, The Present, and The Future”
Refreshments including coffee and cookies will be served.
| Date | 3rd September 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 – 12:00 |
| Q&A time | 12:00 -12:30 |
| Venue | Lecture Theatre 2, School of Chemistry
https://maps.app.goo.gl/o2iguDuGtgwLTCox5 (additional directions at the end of this invitation) |
Short Abstract
Energy:
The Past, The Present, and The Future
Energy has become the foundation, the measure of quality and the driver for human civilization, yet its use is a double edge sword, improving the quality of life on one hand and degrading the environment within which human civilization relies on – the global climate change threatens the very existence of human civilization, a worst impact arising from the use of energy and the associated emissions (harmful chemicals, thermal and global-warming greenhouse gases). In this talk, we will look back at the conceptualization, historical development over the past several thousands of years, and classification of energy; energy systems and their dynamics and evolution (energy transition) to the futuristic hydrogen-based diversified energy systems. The talk will also describe the various forms of hydrogen, from grey, blue to green hydrogen; the relation between the green hydrogen production and water supply, the energy-water-food nexus, and hydrogen status change from the secondary (energy carrier) to primary energy resources (the white hydrogen).
Speaker Bio
Dr. Xianguo Li is a Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research interests include hydrogen energy and fuel cells, liquid fuel atomization and sprays, and green energy systems, as well as the thermal management of power batteries for electric vehicles. Dr. Li has published extensively, including the book “Principles of Fuel Cells” (single-authored), “Fuel Cells for Transportation: Fundamental Principles and Applications” (co-edited), and “Progress in Green Energy” (edited). He serves as the editor in chief for the International Journal of Green Energy, Field Chief Editor for Frontiers in Thermal Engineering; Senior Vice President, Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME), and President, International Association for Green Energy (IAGE). He is a fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineering Institute of Canada and CSME.
For more information, please visit the following website.
Venue
Lecture Theatre 2 (near the chemistry library)
Chemistry School,
University of Bristol,
Cantock’s Cl, Bristol BS8 1TS
United Kingdom
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We’re delighted that two of Dr Bo Li’s colleagues – Dr Mi Tian (University of Exeter) and Dr Yutaku Kita (King’s College London) – have accepted his invitation to deliver a double-bill research seminar on this date; please see below for full details of the presentations, we’d love to see you there.
Speaker 1: Dr Mi Tian, University of Exeter
Title: Solid-State Hydrogen Storage
Abstract: Hydrogen is seen as a promising clean energy carrier, but storing it safely and efficiently remains a significant challenge because hydrogen has a very low density. Mi Tian’s research tackles this problem by developing advanced solid-state hydrogen storage materials that can hold more hydrogen and release it faster. In this talk, Mi will discuss four main research areas: sustainably creating metal–organic frameworks and metal hydrides to boost hydrogen storage, using neutron scattering to gain new insights into hydrogen’s behaviour, and applying intelligent manufacturing methods to produce porous composites for better onboard hydrogen storage. These innovations aim to make hydrogen storage more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
Biography: Mi Tian completed her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Beijing University of Technology, followed by an MSc in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA). She then pursued a PhD at UEA, focusing on hydrogen storage. After her doctoral work, she joined the University of Bath in 2015 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, where she continued to explore hydrogen-related technologies. In 2020, She moved to the University of Exeter as a Lecturer, and she currently serves as an Associate Professor.
Her research centres on hydrogen energy, particularly porous materials for gas storage and separation—including CO₂ capture—and metal hydride systems for solid-state storage. She also uses advanced characterization techniques to better understand gas storage and separation processes. In addition, she investigates the broader hydrogen supply chain as a separate research area. Her contributions have earned her recognition among the Top 50 Women in Engineering, and in 2023, she became one of the 21 EPSRC Women in Engineering Ambassadors, further highlighting her impact in this field.
Speaker 2: Dr Yutaku Kita, Kings College London.
Title: Predicting spray quenching: progress and challenges
Abstract: Spray cooling offers an exceptional cooling performance due to the continuous impact of cold droplets and evaporation. This technique has been used in steel industry and emergency cooling for nuclear power plants, while other potential applications include thermal management for electronics, lasers and motors. However, some challenges remain — due to the complex nature of spray cooling, the prediction of heat transfer characteristics remains highly challenging. More specifically, the onset of quench i.e. the transition of boiling regimes (from film boiling to nucleate boiling) has been a long-standing question. In this talk, Yutaku will present some of his team’s work on spray cooling and droplet impingement to better understand the mechanism of quenching and will attempt to pose remaining problems to further investigate.
Bio: Dr Yutaku Kita is a Lecturer of the Department of Engineering, King’s College London. Yutaku obtained his PhD at Kyushu University in 2018 and held an Assistant Professor position at the same university until December 2022, before joining King’s. Yutaku is passionate in experiments using optical techniques for phase change heat transfer such as boiling, evaporation and condensation. He is a recipient of the 2022 Asian Union of Thermal Science and Engineering (AUTSE) Young Scientist Award, presented at the 17th International Heat Transfer Conference (IHTC-17) in Cape Town, where he gave a plenary lecture.