On June 4, 2025, Professor Yu Weilai was invited to Westlake University to deliver an academic lecture titled "Logical Design in Electrochemical Engineering: From Interface to Interphase". 

The presentation began with an introduction to Professor Yu's research at Caltech, focusing on achieving stable and efficient solar water splitting for hydrogen production using III-V semiconductors. He provided an in-depth analysis of interfacial phenomena such as catalytic kinetics and surface states in determining photoelectrode stability.

Subsequently, he shared his latest research achievements from Stanford University: the development of a cleaning-free X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique for in-situ investigation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation mechanisms. Through molecular engineering approaches that modulate surface polarity and adsorption behavior, the study established a systematic design framework for electrode-electrolyte interactions.

Professor Yu emphasized that while these two research directions differ in application, they both exemplify the core concept of "interface engineering", offering novel pathways to enhance the efficiency and longevity of energy systems. The lecture stimulated vibrant discussions among faculty and students, particularly regarding semiconductor material selection and in-situ characterization techniques.