Current Projects

Hybrid electrocoagulation membrane system for phosphorous recovery and water recycling

The objective of this project is to develop a hybrid electrocoagulation membrane system for the recovery of phosphorous from industrial waste streams as a value-added struvite fertilizer as well as water treatment and reuse. Novel electrode enhancement as well as membrane cleaning approaches based on standing vortices are being developed to minimize fouling and increase process productivity.

Capacitive deionization (CDI) using flow electrode (FCDI) for contaminated ions removal from water sources

CDI has emerged as a viable method for the removal of contaminating ions from waste streams. In this project, the technique is investigated for the removal of phosphorus from industrial wastewater using different flow electrodes as well as reactor and membrane configurations to maximize recovery and minimize energy consumption.

Integrated membrane distillation (MD) systems for wastewater treatment and pure water recovery

In this research, the integration of different MD systems is investigated for water treatment including DCMD, VMD, and AGMD. Different membrane materials and membrane functionalization are studied including using NP and flow modulation. Both thermal performance and system productivity are evaluated.

Novel membrane reactor for the simultaneous demulsification and treatment of O/W wastewater

This project aims at developing a new generation of treatment and demulsification of O/W waste streams. This involves integrating both photocatalysis and membrane separation techniques using super-hydrophobic/hydrophilic functionalized membranes. The project involves membrane preparation, fluid dynamics and flow modulation studies as well as reactor analysis and modelling.

Development of anticancer drug carriers using MOFs (Collaborative research project with AUS)

The objective of this project is to develop a new class of NP anti-cancer drug carriers (liposome-coated MOFs). The proposed carrier will combine the advantages of the high loading capacity of MOFs and the targeting moiety of a liposome. The project focuses on studying the effects of external stimuli such as US, NIR and MW irradiations on the in-vitro and in-vivo release profiles. In addition, the effect of other parameters such as pH, amount of drug and drug ratio will be investigated.