Hamid Kazemi Hakki | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Hamid Kazemi Hakki | Chemical Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Soran University | Iraq

Dr. Hamid Kazemi Hakki research focuses on advancing photocatalysis, surface engineering, and material design through the development of highly efficient TiO₂- and ZnO-based thin films, nanocomposites, and hybrid photocatalysts. Significant work has explored sol–gel dip-coated TiO₂–ZnO films, where investigations into surface properties, crystal structure, and film adherence have provided key insights into optimizing photocatalytic performance for pollutant degradation. Additional contributions examine the influence of thermal annealing on TiO₂ film morphology and crystallinity, demonstrating how controlled heat treatments enhance adhesion, surface uniformity, and photocatalytic activity. A major research direction includes the synthesis of Fe-ZnO photocatalysts supported on hydrophobic silica aerogels, enabling floating systems capable of highly efficient photodecomposition of BTX compounds in wastewater. These studies integrate sol–gel chemistry, sequential impregnation, and nanomaterial modification to achieve improved light absorption, charge separation, and catalytic durability. Across multiple projects, the research advances fundamental understanding of structure–function relationships while contributing practical solutions for environmental remediation, solar-driven oxidation processes, and sustainable catalytic technologies. This body of work supports ongoing innovation in photocatalytic materials with enhanced stability, reusability, and performance under real-world conditions.

Featured Publications

Hakki, H. K., Allahyari, S., Rahemi, N., & Tasbihi, M. (2019). Surface properties, adherence, and photocatalytic activity of sol–gel dip-coated TiO₂–ZnO films on glass plates. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 22(5), 393–405.

Najafidoust, A., Asl, E. A., Hakki, H. K., Sarani, M., Bananifard, H., Sillanpaa, M., … (2021). Sequential impregnation and sol–gel synthesis of Fe-ZnO over hydrophobic silica aerogel as a floating photocatalyst with highly enhanced photodecomposition of BTX compounds. Solar Energy, 225, 344–356.

Hakki, H. K., Allahyari, S., Rahemi, N., & Tasbihi, M. (2018). The role of thermal annealing in controlling morphology, crystal structure and adherence of dip-coated TiO₂ film on glass and its photocatalytic activity. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 85, 24–32

Debdeep Bhattacharjee | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Debdeep Bhattacharjee | Chemical Engineering
| Young Scientist Award

Reliance Industries Limited, R&D | India

Dr. Debdeep Bhattacharjee research portfolio demonstrates a strong foundation in multiphase flow dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and ferrofluidic systems, emphasizing the coupling of magnetic fields with interfacial fluid behavior at micro and meso scales. The work focuses on understanding and manipulating ferrofluid droplet deformation, coalescence, and wettability under varying magnetic field configurations, contributing to advancements in droplet-based microfluidics, lab-on-chip technologies, and tunable surface engineering. Investigations into the deformation dynamics of ferrofluid drops with field-dependent local magnetization have revealed critical insights into magneto-capillary interactions and droplet morphology control. The exploration of magnetowetting and magneto-dewetting phenomena has expanded the understanding of field-induced wetting transitions on hydrophobic and textured substrates. Complementary studies on compound droplet dynamics, passive droplet sorting in microchannels, and topology optimization of packed-bed microreactors integrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD), topology optimization, and non-Newtonian flow modeling to enhance microreactor design and process intensification. The research employs both analytical modeling and high-fidelity numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics and Ansys Fluent, bridging theoretical and applied aspects of magnetically driven flows. Collectively, these contributions advance the frontiers of microfluidic transport, smart interface control, and ferrohydrodynamic applications for next-generation energy, biomedical, and process engineering technologies.

Featured Publication

Bhattacharjee, D., Chakraborty, S., & Atta, A. (2024). Magnetowetting dynamics of compound droplets. ACS Engineering Au, 4(6), 524–532. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsengineeringau.4c00023

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Magnetic field-mediated ferrofluid droplet deformation in extensional flow. Physics of Fluids, 36(9), 092020. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0227028

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Revisiting the Young’s model for ferrofluid droplets: Magnetowetting or magneto-dewetting? Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 691, 133878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.133878

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Evolution of ferrofluid droplet deformation under magnetic field in a uniaxial flow. In Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power (Vol. 5, pp. 451–461). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6074-3_42

Nabila Tabassum | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

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Ms. Nabila Tabassum | Chemical Engineering
| Excellence in Research Award

Shiv Nadar Institution fo Eminence, Greater Noida | India

Ms. Nabila Tabassum research trajectory focuses on the intersection of computational materials science, catalysis, and high-temperature materials engineering, emphasizing atomistic simulations and experimental validation for sustainable technological advancement. The work encompasses Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations for understanding the structural, mechanical, and thermal behavior of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs), High Entropy Ceramics (HECs), and High Entropy Oxides (HEOs), specifically for applications in thermal barrier coatings and energy systems. The studies explore thermal stability, phase transformations, and electronic properties of multi-component alloys such as AlCoCrFeNi, contributing to the prediction of thermodynamic behavior and optimization of mechanical strength under extreme conditions. Experimental research complements computational findings through synthesis, sintering, and characterization of high entropy materials, bridging modeling with practical performance. Additional work includes catalytic conversion of ethanol and methanol into hydrocarbons, glycerol reforming for hydrogen generation, and development of amine–ionic liquid-based solvents for CO₂ capture, aligning with global sustainability goals. The outcomes, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and international conferences, demonstrate a cohesive integration of computational chemistry, thermomechanical modeling, and green energy research, advancing the understanding and design of next-generation materials for energy-efficient and environmentally resilient applications.

Featured Publication

Tabassum, N. (2025). Thermal stability assessment of mixed phase AlCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy: In silico studies. Physica B: Condensed Matter. https://doi.org/[Insert DOI if available]

Zhenyu Ouyang | Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Zhenyu Ouyang l Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Ningbo University | China

Prof. Dr. Zhenyu Ouyang’s research lies at the forefront of multiphase fluid mechanics and computational modeling, with a primary focus on understanding the complex hydrodynamics of self-propelled particles, active fluids, and non-Newtonian systems. His work combines theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental validation to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing particle-fluid interactions, microswimmer dynamics, and flow instabilities in both Newtonian and viscoelastic environments. Through high-resolution simulations and advanced modeling frameworks such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and lattice Boltzmann methods, he investigates the motion, sedimentation, and collective behavior of active and inertial squirmers under confined geometries and shear-dependent fluids. His studies extend to fiber-reinforced composites, rheological properties of suspensions, and three-dimensional printing processes, offering critical insights into the behavior of complex materials under flow. Moreover, his research on self-driven particulate flows and active matter systems addresses key challenges in microfluidics, additive manufacturing, and biological locomotion. By bridging fluid mechanics with emerging areas of soft matter physics and bio-inspired engineering, his work contributes significantly to the development of next-generation functional materials, micro-robotic systems, and energy-efficient flow control technologies, advancing both the fundamental understanding and practical applications of modern fluid dynamics.

Featured Publications

Lin, Z., Li, R., Xia, Y., Ouyang, Z., Yu, Z., & Lu, W. (2025). Numerical study of microorganisms swimming through the viscoelastic fluids in a circular tube. Physics of Fluids, 37(9). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0234567 (DOI placeholder—replace with actual DOI when available)

Wang, W., Shi, H., Jiang, W., Ren, R., Huang, H., Ouyang, Z., Ding, Y., & Wang, Y. (2025). Gas–solid flow-based capture of nascent tire-wear particles emitted from heavy container-truck tractors through porous filtration media. Physics of Fluids, 37(9). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0234568 (DOI placeholder)

Ye, H., Ouyang, Z., & Lin, J. (2025). Particle sedimentation in active nematic fluid within a square tube. Physical Review Fluids, 10(9), 093102. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.10.093102

Mi, L., Ying, Y., Yang, X., Du, J., Yu, W., Wang, D., Yuan, F., & Ouyang, Z. (2025). Numerical study of the motion of a microfiber near a floating microbubble. Physics of Fluids, 37(8). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0234569

Yarong Liu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Yarong Liu l Chemical Engineering
| Best Researcher Award

Zhengzhou University | China

Dr. Liu Yarong ,  is a Han Chinese researcher and Ph.D. candidate at Beijing Institute of Technology, specializing in chemistry with a focus on the microenvironment regulation mechanisms of transition metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts for hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells under the guidance of Prof. Bo Wang and Prof. Wenxiu Yang. She earned her M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Zhengzhou University, where she worked on the preparation and performance enhancement of proton exchange membranes for high-temperature hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells under Prof. Jingtao Wang, and her B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Xinxiang University. Dr. Liu has made significant contributions to fuel cell research, authoring four SCI papers as first author and three as corresponding author, with publications in top-tier journals including J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., and Adv. Energy Mater, and has applied for or been granted four patents, covering single-atom iron catalysts, carbon quantum dot functionalized graphene oxide membranes, transition metal diatomic catalysts, and two-dimensional N/O mixed-metal organic frameworks. She has served as principal investigator for projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, with ongoing funding through 2028. Her academic excellence has been recognized with multiple awards and scholarships, including first- and second-class graduate scholarships at Beijing Institute of Technology and sponsored scholarships from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and her research impact is reflected by 141 citations, seven documents, and an h-index of 5 (Scopus ID: 59854412500).

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publication

Liu, Y., Zhang, W., Li, H., Mai, Z., Li, H., Xiao, S., Dang, J., Li, G., & Wang, J. (2026). Synergistic confinement of Keggin POMs in DUT-67 for enhanced proton conductivity in proton exchange membranes. Chemical Engineering Science, 320, 122534. https://doi.org/

Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

National University of Singapore | Singapore

Dr. Shi Xiansong is an accomplished chemical engineer and researcher specializing in the design and synthesis of advanced membranes using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University, China, where his research focused on developing innovative membrane technologies for molecular separation. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Shi conducted postdoctoral research at Nanjing Tech University, where he contributed to the development of high-performance 3D COF membranes for pharmaceutical purification and organic solvent nanofiltration. Currently, he is a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, concentrating on structurally oriented 2D COF membranes for precise molecular sieving and topologically defective MOF membranes for enhanced separation applications. Dr. Shi’s research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating materials chemistry, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology. His work addresses critical industrial challenges, including water purification, pharmaceutical refining, organic solvent recycling, and energy storage, providing sustainable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency and reduce environmental impact. His academic output includes 52 SCI-indexed publications, with 26 as first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemical Engineering, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and ACS Nano. Additionally, he has contributed to 8 patent applications and serves as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals like Nature and Advanced Materials. His impactful contributions have been recognized through awards such as the Best Researcher Award in Research Chemistry and the Innovation Team distinction by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. Dr. Shi actively engages in international conferences, having chaired sessions and presented pioneering research. With a total of 2,044 citations across 1,461 documents and an h-index of 26, Dr. Shi remains a leading figure in membrane science, driving the development of advanced molecular separation technologies and promoting sustainable practices in chemical engineering and materials science.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Wei, M., Sun, W., Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2016). Homoporous membranes with tailored pores by soaking block copolymer/homopolymer blends in selective solvents: Dissolution versus swelling. Macromolecules, 49, 215–223.

  2. Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2017). Highly permeable nanoporous block copolymer membranes by machinecasting on nonwoven supports: An upscalable route. Journal of Membrane Science, 533, 201–209.

  1. Shi, X., Xu, Z., Huang, C., Wang, Y., & Cui, Z. (2018). Selective swelling of electrospun block copolymers: From perforated nanofibers to high flux and responsive ultrafiltration membranes. Macromolecules, 51, 2283–2292.

  2. Wang, R., Shi, X., Xiao, A., Zhou, W., & Wang, Y. (2018). Interfacial polymerization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on polymeric substrates for molecular separations. Journal of Membrane Science, 566, 197–204.

  3. Shi, X., Wang, R., Xiao, A., Jia, T., Sun, S., & Wang, Y. (2018). Layer-by-layer synthesis of covalent organic frameworks on porous substrates for fast molecular separations. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 1, 6320–6326.

 

Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia

Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi is a research assistant and academic with a strong focus on carbon capture and conversion technologies. With a background in Chemical Engineering, his work centers on designing advanced porous adsorbents and catalysts, particularly for Direct Air Capture (DAC) and CO₂ utilization. His approach integrates material synthesis, detailed characterization, and process simulation to develop scalable solutions for real-world environmental challenges. Currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, he aspires to continue into a Ph.D. program. Syed is a published researcher with multiple Q1/Q3 journal articles and conference proceedings, and he collaborates internationally on projects related to chemical process optimization, renewable energy, and membrane design. With teaching and laboratory engineering experience, Syed combines practical instruction with cutting-edge research. Fluent in English and Mandarin, and skilled in Aspen, MATLAB, ChemDraw, and Material Studio, he is driven to create sustainable impact through scientific innovation.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi holds a B.Sc. (Dean’s List) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wah (2016–2020), where he developed an integrated gasification system with post-combustion carbon capture using Aspen Plus and ANSYS. He is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (2023–2025) at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, researching “Amine Grafted Hierarchical Zeolites for Direct Air Capture.” His work focuses on porous material synthesis, breakthrough adsorption experiments, and process simulations for CO₂ capture. Key techniques used include hydrothermal synthesis, IAST evaluations, and advanced characterization such as BET, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and NMR. His research has led to improved CO₂ selectivity, adsorption capacity (1.74 mmol/g at 400 ppm), and material stability under dry, low-pressure environments. Moiz is technically proficient in simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, and ANSYS, and has been trained in international workshops and certified in advanced AspenTech modules and composite material development.

🧪 Experience

Syed has diverse academic and industrial experience. He is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, lecturing in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and chemistry, and conducting lab sessions with heat exchangers. Previously, he served as a Lab Engineer (2021–2022) at the University of Wah, where he led experiments in fluid dynamics and trained students on thermodynamic systems and reactors. He worked as a Design Engineer at Phitech Solutions (2020–2021), solving industrial chemical problems using Aspen HYSYS and ANSYS. During internships at Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Fauji Cement in 2019, he gained hands-on experience with explosives analysis and cement plant process optimization. His roles consistently blend simulation, material design, and practical implementation, and he has contributed to international research collaborations with universities in Turkey and the Philippines. With strong computational and experimental skills, Syed bridges academic theory with industrial application, advancing sustainable and innovative solutions in chemical engineering.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi has earned several academic and professional accolades. He received the Postgraduate Publication Recognition Award (2024) from Universiti Teknologi Petronas for his outstanding research outputs. In 2025, he completed a specialized training in Front End Engineering Design using AspenTech, furthering his expertise in process simulations. He was listed on the Dean’s List (2016) during his undergraduate studies at the University of Wah. Syed has also completed technical boot camps on Aspen HYSYS, Petroleum Assays, and Composite Material Development. His consistent participation in academic workshops, such as those on composite processing and membrane design, showcases his proactive engagement in skill enhancement. With multiple publications in high-impact journals (Q1/Q3), accepted book chapters, and conference presentations, his academic performance and technical competencies are widely recognized. These honors underscore his capability, dedication, and leadership in research focused on CO₂ capture and sustainable chemical process design.

🔬 Research Focus

Syed’s research is centered on advanced materials for carbon capture, specifically adsorbents and catalysts for Direct Air Capture (DAC) and post-combustion CO₂ utilization. He engineers hierarchical zeolites and functionalized porous materials using hydrothermal and templating methods, optimizing them for low-pressure CO₂ adsorption. His expertise includes adsorption kinetics, amine grafting, and material characterization (BET, SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, NMR). He conducts breakthrough experiments and IAST evaluations to analyze gas selectivity and diffusion mechanisms. His research extends to simulation and energy optimization using Aspen HYSYS and MATLAB. Key focus areas include CO₂/CH₄ separation, membrane-integrated systems, metal-organic frameworks, and green solvents. Moiz contributes to international projects on DAC plant design, bio-refineries, and process recovery from sour water treatment. His goal is to develop scalable, cost-effective carbon mitigation technologies, combining theoretical modeling with practical feasibility. With over 10 published works, his research significantly advances sustainable technologies in chemical and environmental engineering.

 Conclusion

Syed Abdul Moiz Hashmi is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research outputs, practical engineering skills, and international collaborative work in the field of sustainable chemical engineering position him as a rising star in climate-focused research. With continued mentorship and strategic expansion of his scholarly influence, he is well on track to becoming a leading figure in carbon capture science.

Publication

  1. Title: Advances in H₂-selective metallic membranes for pre-combustion CO₂ capture: A critical review
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi, C.Y. Chuah, E. Yang, W.C. Poon

  2. Title: A novel potassium chloride based natural deep eutectic solvent: in-house synthesis and characterization
    Year: 2023
    Authors: M.H. Rasool, M. Ahmad, S.A.M. Hashmi

  3. Title: Applicability of adsorbents in direct air capture (DAC): Recent progress and future perspectives
    Year: 2025
    Authors: C.Y. Chuah, Y.L. Ho, A.M.H. Syed, K.G.K. Thivyalakshmi, E. Yang, K. Johari, …

  4. Title: Enhanced CO₂ capture performance of mesoporous Ca-A zeolite functionalized with amines for post-combustion applications
    Year: 2024
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi, M.H. Rasool, S. Ahmad

  5. Title: Comparative and economic analysis of conventional and extractive distillation to separate a mixture of heptane–toluene using Aspen Hysys
    Year: 2021
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi

  6. Title: Enhanced CO₂ adsorption kinetics with hierarchical zeolite 5A
    Year: 2025
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi, N.G. Xiuxin, C.C. Yang, J. Khairiraihana, P.W. Ching

  7. Title: Activated Carbons for Direct Air Capture: Adsorption Mechanisms
    Year: 2025
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi, M.H. Rasool, W. Husain, H. Moiz

  8. Title: Optimizing heat recovery in sour water treatment process: A comparative study using Aspen Hysys
    Year: 2023
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi, S. Ahmad

  9. Title: Design and modeling of a carbon capturing membrane for integrated gasification combined cycle power plant
    Year: Not specified (System 4, 5 – likely internal or conference proceeding)
    Authors: S.A.M. Hashmi