Bicheng Zhu
2024: Dr Bicheng Zhu of Waipapa Taumata Rau The University of Auckland will develop hydrogel soils from electrically conducting polymers to enhance agricultural productivity
Agriculture is currently a mainstay of the economy in Aotearoa New Zealand. To meet increasing consumer demand, more productive and sustainable food production methods are required. Dr Zhu will load conductive hydrogels with nutrients, and apply a small electric charge to plant roots to allow controlled release of these nutrients directly to the agricultural crop. The development of this conductive hydrogel soil technology will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that is capable of addressing current and future food-security challenges.
Dr Bicheng Zhu in the laboratory, performing electrochemistry experiments (Supplied)