Zoom link:

https://kaust.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtcOirqT0iHdONNV8kiZm8u7Vs8XWjWD1C

Abstract

Additive manufacturing has evolved over the past 43 years, with its history tracing back to 1981 when Dr. Hideo Kodama introduced one of the pioneering rapid prototyping machines. This machine constructed parts layer by layer using UV-light polymerizable resin. Its benefits include flexible design, fast prototyping, and minimising waste in production, paving the way for tailored solutions across various sectors from aerospace to healthcare. Despite its advantages, challenges such as restricted material options, significant capital costs for metal production, and constraints in scaling up for large volume production of multi-material items have limited its broader application.

This seminar aims to explore the developments of cutting-edge additive manufacturing (AM) processes that promise a sustainable future across various fields. I will delve into the essence of additive manufacturing, covering its diverse types and linking these innovations to the motivation for developing a low-cost Electrochemical Metal Additive Manufacturing (ECAM) system. This system stands to benefit the metal additive manufacturing community significantly by reducing costs and offering versatility in both additive and subtractive processes. Furthermore, I will discuss how other AM techniques, such as aerosol jet spraying (AJS), contribute to renewable energy harvesting, particularly in semiartificial photosynthesis. I will showcase its practical application in fabricating (bio)electrodes to enhance the performance of semiartificial photosynthesis, highlighting AJS’s role in the development of renewable energy harvesting. The seminar will also cover our ongoing research in the development of next-generation sustainable AM technologies and applications extending from renewable energy harvesting into healthcare.

Bio

Dr. Xiaolong Chen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Nottingham. He is affiliated to the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Group, and work with Centre for Additive Manufacturing as an associate member at the University of Nottingham. His professional expertise is directed towards Sustainable Engineering, with a concentrated emphasis on the intersection between sustainable additive manufacturing processes and an array of engineering applications. Prior to the role, he joined Dr Jenny Zhang’s group as a post-doctoral Research Associate at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge (2018 - 2022). His research contributions were focused on developing efficient semi-artificial photosynthesis systems utilising state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques (e.g., Aerosol Jet Spraying/printing, Inkjet Printing, and Micro/Nano Templating). His educational background includes a PhD from Imperial College London under the supervision of Professor Peter Childs (2015 - 2018).

Dr. Chen's latest research focuses on tackling key scientific issues to foster a sustainable future. His primary research objectives involve developing the next-generation additive manufacturing technologies, which will promote the sustainable use of non-renewable materials and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. This work plays a crucial role in addressing united union’s sustainable development goals of sustainable consumption and production (UN SDG 12) and climate challenges (UN SDG 13). He also plans to expand his research to investigate how to produce multiple materials and multifunctional structures through smart digital manufacturing processes for a wide range of sustainable applications. These applications are extending from renewable energy harvesting into healthcare. Dr. Chen is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including the New Lecture Award (2023), SDG Sustainability Awards (2023), and CRIP Research Associate (2023). He serves on the reviewing committees of prestigious publications, including the International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacturing, among others.