Bioenergy
The Bioenergy Research Group is committed to advancing innovative solutions for a sustainable future through the power of renewable energy.
With a strong foundation in nanoparticle synthesis and renewable energy, our group specializes in developing nanoparticles that serve as catalysts, bridging the gap between material science and renewable energy applications. Currently, we are shifting our focus toward green synthesis methods, aiming to develop more sustainable technologies in nanomaterial synthesis.
This group specializes in renewable energy, with expertise in bioenergy, biofuel, biogas, microalgae-based energy solutions, and bio-compound extraction. The work includes investigating the potential of bamboo and coal co-firing to enhance energy output while reducing emissions. Aligned with sustainable energy policies, the group also designs and optimizes ion exchange membranes to improve fuel cell performance, enabling efficient energy generation with a reduced environmental footprint. Additionally, we are developing advanced nanocomposite polymeric membranes to enhance water-splitting processes for hydrogen production and pioneering electricity generation through innovative photocatalytic systems.
Leader: Dr. Fiona Ling Wang Ming
Expertise: Nanomaterials, Green Synthesis, Microfluidics, Chemical Reaction, Plant Compounds Extraction.
Focus:
• Green synthesis of nanoparticles
• Nanoparticles and deposition in microfluidics
• Esterification using biocatalyst
• Nano-adsorbents for heavy metal removal
Selected Publications:
• Fiona W. M. Ling, Hayder A. Abdulbari, Sim-Yee Chin (2021). Microfluidic Chips for Formulation of Silica Nanoparticles and Enzyme Immobilization, Chemical Engineering & Technology, 44(8), 1423-1431 (doi.org/10.1002/ceat.202100098).
• Fiona W. M. Ling, Hayder A. Abdulbari, Sim-Yee Chin (2021). Investigating the effect of nonionic surfactant on the silica nanoparticles formation and morphology in a microfluidic reactor, Journal of Flow Chemistry, 11, 737–750 (doi.org/10.1007/s41981-021-00139-4).
• Fiona W. M. Ling, Hayder A. Abdulbari, Sim-Yee Chin (2022). Effect of residence time on the morphology of silica nanoparticles synthesized in a microfluidic reactor, Journal of Flow Chemistry, 12(1), 17–30 (doi.org/10.1007/s41981-021-00175-0).
• Fiona W. M. Ling, Hayder A. Abdulbari, Sim-Yee Chin, Wafaa K. Mahmood (2023). Synthesis of biocatalyst in microfluidic reactor for β-sitosterol esterification, 210(12), 2073 - 2086 (doi.org/10.1080/00986445.2023.2183122).
Member: Dr. Emma Suali
Expertise: Renewable Energy, Bioenergy, Biofuel, Biogas, Drag Reduction, Microalgae, Bioreactor, Bio Compound Extraction from Plant, Membrane.
Current projects:
• Bamboo - coal blend for energy production
• Formulation of drag reduction agent from shell and plant
Postgraduate Students:
• PhD - Carla Goncalves De Oliveira Sarmento: Bamboo-coal blend investigation and carbon emission
• Master - Wann Mas Anum Binti Mohd Yakub: Combustion and energy efficiency of bamboo-coal blend
• Master - Vivian Ell Fera: Formulation of polymeric drag reducing agent from plant and shell
Selected Publications:
• A. Z. Yaser, J. Lamaming, E. Suali, M. Rajin, S. Saalah, Z. Kamin, N. Wid (2022). Composting and Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste and Sewage Sludge for Campus Sustainability: A Review. International Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2022, 6455889 (doi.org/10.1155/2022/6455889).
• M.A. Asidin, E. Suali, F.A. Lahin (2021).Comparison of experimental and simulation result on drag reducing effect of low concentration chitosan in turbulent flow, Transactions on Science and Technology, 8(3-2), 252-259.
• M.A. Asidin, E. Suali, T. Jusnukin, F.A. Lahin (2019). Review on the applications and developments of drag-reducing polymer in turbulent pipe flow. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 27(8) 1921-1932 (doi.org/10.1016/j.cjche.2019.03.003).
• S.M. Anisuzzaman, D. Krishnaiah, A. Bono, F.A. Lahin, E. Suali, I.A.Z. Zuyyin (2018). Simulation and optimisation of bioethanol purification using extractive distillation with additive solvent. Pertanika Journal of Science And Technology, 26(2), 707-717.
• N.A. Kadar, S.R.M. Shaleh, E. Suali (2018). Molecular and phylogenetic identification of marine microalgae inferred by 18s rDNA gene. Malaysian Applied Biology, 47(6), 41-45.
• E Suali (2020). Extraction of phytochemicals from saffron by supercritical carbon dioxide in green sustainable processes for chemical and environmental engineering and science: Supercritical Carbon Dioxide As Green Solvent,133-148 (doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817388-6.00007-6).
• L.O. Morris, C.M. Chu, E. Suali (2021). Lipid yields of algae dried in an enhanced solar chimney. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 195(1), 012002 (10.1088/1757-899X/1195/1/012002).
• E Suali, N.S.I. Juasin, F.A.A. Hamit, S.M. Anisuzzaman, M.A. Asidin (2019). Preliminary study on oil extraction and biogas production from Cymbopogon nardus (Serai Wangi). IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 606(1), 012011.
• M.A. Asidin, E. Suali, T. Jusnukin, F.A. Lahin (2019). Observation on the drag-reducing effect of low concentration chitosan solution in turbulent pipe flow. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 606(1), 012008 (10.1088/1757-899X/606/1/012011).
• E. Suali, R. Sarbatly (2012). Conversion of microalgae to biofuel. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(6), 4316-4342 (doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.03.047).
• R. Sarbatly, E. Suali (2013). Membrane photobioreactor as a device to increase CO2 mitigation by microalgae, Advances in Biofuels, 241-258 (10.1007/978-1-4614-6249-1_14).
• R. Sarbatly, E. Suali (2014). Indirect membrane-based bubbling as an alternative technique to increase the carbonation of microalgal media, Algal Research, 5, 274-282 (10.1016/j.algal.2014.04.001).
Member: Dr. Nor Azureen binti Mohamad Nor
Expertise: Nanomaterials, Polymeric Membrane, Ion Exchange Membrane, Fuel Cell, Water Treatment.
Focus:
• Ion exchange membrane for energy generation through fuel cell technology
• Nanocomposite polymeric membrane for water splitting for hydrogen production
• Photocatalytic of water to generate hydrogen, electricity, and water purification.
Selected Publications:
• Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Fumichika Tanaka, Naoko Yoshida, Juhana Jaafar, Muhamad Zulhilmi Zailani, Siti Nur Afifi Ahmad (2024). Preliminary evaluation of electricity recovery from palm oil mill effluent by anion exchange microbial fuel cell, Bioelectrochemistry, 160, 108770 (doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108770).
• Nor, Nor Azureen Mohamad, Hasnan, Nur Shamimie Nadzwin, Nordin, Nurul Atikah, Anuar, Nornastasha Azida, Sukur, Muhamad Firdaus Abdul, Mohamed, Mohamad Azuwa (2023). Conversion techniques for hydrogen production and recovery using membrane separation, Materials for Hydrogen Production, Conversion, and Storage, 319-341 (doi.org/10.1002/9781119829584.ch11).
• Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Mohamad Azuwa Mohamed, Juhana Jaafar (2022). Modified Sulfonated Polyphenylsulfone Proton Exchange Membrane with Enhanced Fuel Cell Performance: A Review, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 116, 32-59 (doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2022.09.006).
• Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Kenji Tamura, Juhana Jaafar, Je-Deok Kim, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Mukhlis A. Rahman (2021). A novel imogolite-reinforced sulfonated polyphenylsulfone as proton exchange membrane in fuel cell applications, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(4), 105641 (doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105641).
• Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Juhana Jaafar, Je-Deok Kim (2020). Improved properties of sulfonated octaphenyl polyhedral silsequioxane cross-link with highly sulfonated polyphenylsulfone as proton exchange membrane, Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, 24(5), 1185–1195 (doi.org/10.1007/s10008-020-04594-2).
• S. A. Muhmed, Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Juhana Jaafar, A. F. Ismail, M. H. D. Othman, Mukhlis A. Rahman, F. Aziz, N. Yusof (2019). Emerging chitosan and cellulose green materials for ion exchange membrane fuel cell: a review, Energy, Ecology and Environment, 5(2), 85–107 (doi.org/10.1007/s40974-019-00127-4).
• Nor Azureen Mohamad Nor, Hidenobu Nakao, Juhana Jaafar, Je-Deok Kim (2020). Crosslinked carbon nanodots with highly sulfonated polyphenylsulfone as proton exchange membrane for fuel cell applications, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(16), 9979-9988 (doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.01.142).
• N.A.M. Nor, Juhana Jaafar, A.F. Ismail, Mukhlis A. Rahman, M.H.D. Othman, T. Matsuura, F. Aziz, N. Yusof, W.N.W. Salleh, M.N. Subramaniam (2017). Effects of heat treatment of TiO2 nanofibers on the morphological structure of PVDF nanocomposite membrane under UV irradiation, Journal of Water Process Engineering, 20, 193-200 (doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2017.11.007).
• N.A.M. Nor, Juhana Jaafar, A.F. Ismail, Mohamad, Azuwa Mohamed, M.A. Rahman, M.H.D. Othman, W.J. Lau, N. Yusof (2016). Preparation and performance of PVDF-based nanocomposite membrane consisting of TiO2 nanofibers for organic pollutant decomposition in wastewater under UV irradiation, Desalination, 391, 89-97 (doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2016.01.015).
Collaborators:
• Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
• Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), UTM
Silica Nanoparticles (top left). Bamboo – coal blend (bottom left). Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) (right)
