CHE4180 Project Proposal - Sunway

CHE 4180 Chemical Engineering Projects - Proposal for Year 2016
Project code: Babak1

Project Title: Design of a continuous packed bed adsorption column used for elimination of
dye from water by Al/NCC Beads
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by:
Dr. Babak Salamati
Student requirement for this project:

2
Brief description of the project:
Continuous sorption processes behave in much the same way as ion exchange process in its
operation [1]. When wastewater is introduced at the top of a clean bed of sorbent, most solute
removal initially occurs in a rather narrow band at the top of the column, referred as the sorption
zone. The performance of packed beds sorption process is described through the concept of the
breakthrough curve. The time for breakthrough appearance and the shape of the breakthrough
curve are very important characteristics for determining the operation and the dynamic response
of a sorption column. The general position of the breakthrough curve along the volume axis
depends on the capacity of the column with respect to the feed concentration and flow rate. The
breakthrough curve would be a step function for favorable separations, i.e., there would be an
instantaneous jump in the effluent concentration from zero to the feed concentration once the
column capacity is reached [2-3]. There are parameters affecting the behaviour of the sorbent
in the column to affect the breakthrough curves such as the flowrate, column size, column
diameter, void volume etc. The students are required to use the existing data to design a lab
scale adsorption column which will be used for removal of dyes using Al/NCC adsorbents. The
students may need to use Comsol for mathematical modeling of the system. Knowledge on fluid
mechanics and separation process is necessary. Students with handson skills are more
encouraged to go for this project.
[1]
Z. Aksu and F. Gnen, "Biosorption of phenol by immobilized activated sludge in a
continuous packed bed: Prediction of breakthrough curves," Process Biochemistry, vol. 39, pp.
599-613, 2004.
[2]
Z. Aksu, et al., "Biosorption of chromium(VI) ions by MowitalB30H resin
immobilized activated sludge in a packed bed: Comparison with granular activated carbon,"
Process Biochemistry, vol. 38, pp. 175-186, 2002.
[3]
A. C. Texier, et al., "Fixed-bed study for lanthanide (La, Eu, Yb) ions removal from
aqueous solutions by immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Experimental data and
modelization," Chemosphere, vol. 47, pp. 333-342, 2002.
Specific objective of the project:

The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate an upflow adsorption column to be used
for methylyn blue dye removal using Alginate/NCC beads.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Yes all the Material/software is available. Workshop work may be required.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
UV-Viz for test run,
Project code: Babak2D

Project Title: Design of a continuous plug flow packed reactor for ultrasonic assisted
biodiesel production using heterogeneous catalyst
Project type: Process/Equipment Design
Proposed by:
Dr. Babak Salamati

2
Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, FAME) is an alternative fuel for diesel engines produced
by chemically reacting a vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol. Vegetable oils are
becoming a promising alternative to diesel fuel because they are renewable in nature and can
be produced locally and in environmentally friendly ways. However, the problem with
substituting triglycerides in vegetable oils for diesel fuel is mostly associated with high
viscosity, low volatility and polyunsaturated characters. These can be changed in at least by
four ways: pyrolysis, microemulsion, dilution and transesterification. The most common way
to produce biodiesel is through ransesterification, especially catalyzed transesterification. In
general, there are three categories of catalysts used for biodiesel production: alkalis, acids, and
enzymes [1]. The alkali and acid catalysts include homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts
Conventionally, the biodiesel production is performed by transesterification of vegetable oils
with methanol in the presence of homogeneous basic catalysts, such as sodium or potassium
hydroxides, carbonates or alkoxides. However, these catalytic systems suffer problems such as
difficulty in removing the basic catalysts after the reaction, production of large amount of
wastewater and emulsification [2]. Another problem is that the product is associated with the
soaps that are known to emulsify the biodiesel with glycerin, especially if ethanol is used.
Therefore, heterogeneous catalysts are promising for the transesterification reaction of
vegetable oils to produce biodiesel. Unlike homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts are

environmentally benign and could be operated in continuous processes. Moreover they can be
reused and regenerated. However a high molar ratio of alcohol to oil, large amount of catalyst
and high temperature and pressure are required when utilizing heterogeneous catalyst to
produce biodiesel. Using heterogenous catalyst can also make the continiuous system more
feasable since it could be packed in a reactor. By this the need for separation of the catalyst
could be ignored and a higher yield of production could be expected. Use of ultrasonic is a
transesterification system could reduce the reaction time due to better contact between the
reactants [3].
The students are required to use the existing data to design a lab scale plug flow reactor assisted
with ultrasonic, which will be used for transesterification of palm oil. The students may need
to use Comsol for mathematical modeling of the system. Knowledge on fluid mechanics and
reaction engineering is necessary. Students with handson skills are more encouraged to go for
this project.
References:
[1]
B. Salamatinia, et al., "Alkaline earth metal oxide catalysts for biodiesel production
from Palm oil: Elucidation of process behaviors and modeling using response surface
methodology," Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, vol. 32, pp. 113-126,
2013.
[2]
H. Mootabadi, et al., "Ultrasonic-assisted biodiesel production process from palm oil
using alkaline earth metal oxides as the heterogeneous catalysts," Fuel, vol. 89, pp. 1818-1825,
2010.
[3]
B. Salamatinia, et al., "Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted heterogeneous biodiesel
production from palm oil: A response surface methodology approach," Fuel Processing
Technology, vol. 91, pp. 441-448, 2010.

The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate a plug flow reactor having an ultrasonic
pre-mixing tank packed with heterogenous catalyst i.e. SrO - BaO to be used for transesterification of
palm oil.
Yes all the Material/software is available.
this project
Mechanical Workshop
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of CuO/HNT nano particles using GN-Process
method

Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO/HNT nano particles using combustion
method GN-Process method
Proposed by:
Dr. Babak Salamati

2+2
Heterogeneous metal oxide-based catalysts are reported for important processes such as the
FischerTropsch, alkylation, transesterification, oxidation of volatile organic compounds, and
the reduction of NOx [1]. A number of catalysts, such as Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt, have shown high
catalytic activity for different processes. However, their scarcity and high cost have prevented
large-scale application. Cu and Zn based catalysts are favoured because of their global
abundance and availability [2]. CuO and ZnO are binary transition metal oxide used in a wide
range of industrial applications as a catalyst, such as hydrogenation, dehydrogenation,
petroleum refining, methanation, etc. [3-4]. The magnetic and mechanical properties of nanostructured material have attracted much attention, which highlights the importance of this study.
However, catalysts usually require a support to enhance their surface area. The synthesis
method has considerable effect on the structural properties of the resulting catalysts. In addition,
the nature and frequency of flaws generated during synthesis could have a large affect on the
catalytic activity [5]. The nanostructure of the catalyst can be improved to ensure both a fast
process having higher yields.
Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) is a type of 1:1 layer silicate clay mineral which is made up of
tetrahedral (Si-O) and an octahedral (Al-OH) sheet identical to those in kaolinite [6-7]. Due to
its tubular form, HNT has attracted many interests in applications such as membrane technology
[8], adsorption [9], reinforcement of polymers [10], drug delivery [11] and self healing
polymers [12]. Strong structure of HNTs makes them a potential support for nano structure
catalysts.
GNP for Nano Catalyst Synthesis
GNP is a combustion synthesis method to prepare complex oxide ceramic powders. A precursor
is prepared by combining glycine with metal nitrates in their appropriate stoichiometric ratios
in an aqueous solution. The precursor is then heated to evaporate excess water to achieve a
viscous liquid and then it is further heated to initiate auto ignition. Combustion is usually
assisted with a fuel; however, depending on the precursor material, self-sustained combustion
is expected [13]. Ceramic powders of complex oxides with a high specific surface area have
been produced by this method [2, 13]. This method is relatively inexpensive for producing fine,
homogeneous powders.
References:
[1]
D. W. Lee and B. R. Yoo, "Advanced metal oxide (supported) catalysts: Synthesis and
applications," Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, vol. 20, pp. 3947-3959, 2014.
[2]
Y. Chen, et al., "Nickel catalyst prepared via glycine nitrate process for partial oxidation
of methane to syngas," Catalysis Communications, vol. 9, pp. 1418-1425, 2008.
[3]
M. Crian, et al., "Sol-gel based alumina powders with catalytic applications," Applied
Surface Science, vol. 258, pp. 448-455, 2011.
[4]
S. K. Yadav and P. Jeevanandam, "Synthesis of NiO-Al2O3 nanocomposites by sol-gel
process and their use as catalyst for the oxidation of styrene," Journal of Alloys and
Compounds, vol. 610, pp. 567-574, 2014.
[5]
F. Meshkani and M. Rezaei, "Preparation of mesoporous nanocrystalline iron based
catalysts for high temperature water gas shift reaction: Effect of preparation factors," Chemical
Engineering Journal, vol. 260, pp. 107-116, 2015.
[6]
G. J. Churchman, et al., "Characteristics of fine pores in some halloysites," Clay
Minerals, vol. 30, pp. 89-98, 1995.
[7]
E. Joussein, et al., "Halloysite clay minerals - A review," Clay Minerals, vol. 40, pp.
383-426, 2005.
[8]
L. Jiang, et al., "Simultaneous reinforcement and toughening of polyurethane
composites with carbon nanotube/halloysite nanotube hybrids," Composites Science and
Technology, vol. 91, pp. 98-103, 2014.
[9]
Y. Du and P. Zheng, "Adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue on TiO2halloysite adsorbents," Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2014.
[10] W. Wu, et al., "Morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene
succinate) reinforced with halloysite nanotube," Polymer Composites, vol. 35, pp. 847-855,
2014.
[11] H. Schmitt, et al., "Melt-blended halloysite nanotubes/wheat starch nanocomposites as
drug delivery system," Polymer Engineering and Science, 2014.
[12] J. D. D. Melo, et al., "Encapsulation of solvent into halloysite nanotubes to promote
self-healing ability in polymers," Advanced Composite Materials, 2014.
[13] S.-l. Lin and Z.-m. Yan, "Synthesis of complex oxides by glycine-nitrate combustion
and their electrochemical characteristics," Chinese Journal of Power Sources, vol. 24, pp. 283287, 2000.

The main objective of this research is to synthesis CuO/HNT nano particles which could be
used as a nanocatalyst for different applications. After succesfully synthesis, the prepared
nanopowders would be characterized by X-ray diffractometry, FESEM/TEM imaging, EDX
compositional analysis, FTIR, BET, and TGA analysis. A number of samples are prepared to
study the effect of calcination time, reaction stoichiometry, temperature etc.
Yes all the chemicals are available
this project
FESEM, XRD, Furnace, FTIR, TGA, BET, Syringe Pump
Project code: Bahman1

Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Crystalline Cupric Oxide (CuO)
Powder
Proposed by:
Dr Bahman Amini Horri

2
Research problem and the solution:
Cupric oxide (CuO) powders are of particular interest because of their interesting properties
and promising applications in batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, gas sensors, bio sensors,
nanofluid, catalysis, photodetectors, energetic materials, field emissions, superhydrophobic
surfaces, and removal of arsenic and organic pollutants from waste water. However, these novel
properties can be improved by synthesis CuO nanostructures that shown excellent performance
comparing to bulk powders.
Various nanostructures of CuO are synthesized in the forms of nanowire, nanorod,
nanoneedle, nano-flower and nanoparticle. In the past few decades, a variety of methods have
been proposed to produce CuO nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes such as thermal
oxidation, sonochemical, combustion, and precipitation.
In this study, it is proposed to use a novel and generic solgel method (developed for the
production of high purity nanopowders of metal oxides) using sodium alginate
(Na-ALG , NaC6H7O6) which can function as ion-exchange material. Sodium alginate (is a
polymer extracted from brown seaweed and readily dissolves in water. It forms a gel if it is
brought into contact with an aqueous solution of metal ions (e.g. copper nitrate), whereby the
sodium ion in the polymer structure is replaced by the metal ion (copper (II) ions). CuO
nanopowders is then synthesized by thermal decomposition of copper-alginate synthesized by
the above sol-gel method.
1- To assess the application of the generic sol-gel method using sodium-alginate in order
to synthesize nanocrystalline cupric oxide (CuO) powder.
2- To analyse the effect of sodium-alginate weight percent on the size, shape, and
properties of the calcined nanocrystalline cupric oxide (CuO) powder
3- To evaluate the effect of calcination temeprature on physical properties including
particle size, particle shape, surface area, chemical structure/composition of synthesized
CuO.
Scope of the project:
In this study, the students will make six samples (by two different sodium-alginate wt.% at three
calcination temepratures). All six smaples would be characterized by TGA, FTIR, FESEM,
XRD, and BET. The objecives of this work are designed to be fulfilled within 11 weeks as
follows:
2 weeks: project planning, preliminary research, literature review.
2 weeks: synthesizing the samples.
4 weeks: Characterization of the samples (XRD, BET, FESEM, TGA, FTIR).
3 Weeks: Data analysis, report writing, presentation preparation
All chemicals, except of copper nitrate are available in the chemical store. Copper nitrate will
be purchased by releasing the FYP fund (Feb/2016).
this project:
The samples will be synthesized within the first 2-4 weeks in the new lab using the following
instrument:
Synthesis: Extrusion dripping pump: avaialble
Drying: in an oven; available
Calcination: using my research group tubular furnace
The obtained samples would be characterized using:
Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):

Available
Week 4-6: X-ray Diffraction (XRD): available
Week 5-7: Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, and EDX): avaialble
Week 6-7: Surface area meaurements (by BET): available
Week 7-8: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): available
Project code: Bahman2

Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Uniform Crystalline Nickel Oxalate
Powder
Proposed by:
Dr Bahman Amini Horri

2
Synthesizing crystalline particles with uniform particle size and shape is considered as an
essential parameter in application of the powder materials that are used in specific research
areas and reproducible material. Some examples of these applications include gas sensors,
catalysts, adsorbents, pigments, lubricants, drugs, prosthetic dentistry, etc. These days, a
number of research groups of material scientists and engineers in different parts of the world
have focused on establishing scientific principles under functional powders of tailored
characteristics could be generated.
Nickel oxalate is believed to have a potential precursor material for the production of NiO and
Ni nano-particles, as some of the material scientists published useful work on this material.
However, following those findings, theres believe that there exists room for further research
work in this area. As such, attempts were made in this study to explore more about the
production of uniform fine particles of nickel oxalate by precipitation process under different
experimental conditions.
In this study, solvothermal precipitation method via the oxalate route is proposed to be used as
a method to control the size and shape of nickel oxalate particles. Crystalline particles of nickel
oxalate are synthesized using oxalic acid and nickel nitrate precursor. Nickel oxalate is
precipitated as the product in a hydrothermal reactor. The reaction can be done at 20-100 C.
Then the particles of nickel oxalate would be dryed of in an oven at 50-70 C. Calcination of
the sample in a furnace at 350-600 C can result in Ni or NiO nanoparticles. The appropriate
temeprature for calcination would be determined from thermogravimetric results (TGA).
1- To assess the application of the solvothermal precipitation method via oxalate route in
order to control the size and shape of crystalline nickel oxalate powder.
2- To analyse the effect of reaction time and temperature on the size and shape of the
calcined crystalline nickel oxalate powder.
3- To evaluate the physical properties including particle size, particle shape, surface area,
chemical structure/composition of calcined nickel oxide.
In this study, the students will make 12 samples (at 4 different temperatures and at 3 different
reaction time). All 12 smaples would be characterized by SEM/FESEM, TGA, and FTIR. 3
out of 12 samples will be selected to be calcined at 500 - 600 C for further analsys by FESEM,
XRD, and BET. The objecives of this work are designed to be fulfilled within 11 weeks as
follows:
2 weeks: synthesizing the samples.
4 weeks: Characterization of the samples (XRD, BET, SEM, TGA, FTIR).
All chemicals are available in the chemical store. If the balance of the FYP grant is enough,
another small furnace will be purchased to decrease the waiting queue for the available tubular
furnace in my research group upon releasing of the grant for FYP (Feb 2016)
this project:
The samples will be synthesized within the first 2-4 weeks in the new lab using the following
instrument:
Synthesis: in a flask (glass) reactor equiped with a condenser: avaialble
Separation: centrifuging: available
Drying: in an oven: available
Calcination: using my research group tubular furnace
The obtained samples would be characterized using:
Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):

Available
Week 4-6: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): avaialble
Week 5-7: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD): available
Week 6-7: Surface area meaurements (by BET): available
Week 7-8: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), SEM:
available
Project code: Bahman3M

Project Title: Modeling and Optimization of a Successful Car Model for Chem-E-Car
Competition: A Case Study for Monash University
Project type: Modeling
Proposed by:
Dr. Bahman Horri

2
Chem-E-Car Competition is an annual event engages college students in designing and
constructing a car powered by a chemical energy source that will safely carry a specified load
over a given distance and stop. The main goal of this competition is to increases awareness of
the chemical engineering discipline among the public, industry leaders, educators, and other
students.
In this competition, team members design and construct a chemically powered vehicle within
certain size constraints. According to the Chem-E-Car rules, the vehicle must be designed to
carry a specified amount of load (such as a water beaker). The car must be equipped with a
separate stopping mechanism (by means of another chemical reaction) to stop the car at a
certain distance. The winner will be determined by a combined score considering the correct
distance traveled by the car and also by the level of creativity used in design of the car. In this
competition, a variety of chemical power resources such as chemical reactions (to generate
gaseous compounds to drive a mini-turbo engine), fuel cells (powered by hydrogen fuels), and
voltaic/galvanic cells (using various electrochemical reactions) are used by students to drive
their cars. The stopping mechanism is usually a combination of a chemical reaction associated
with an electronic/mechanical switch. For example, that is very popular by students to apply
an iodine clock (reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ionic iodine in presence of sulfate),
Galvanic corrosion (dissolution of a metal in an acid), and chemical-reaction switches (e.g. by
a reaction releasing gaseous compounds to change a push-button switch). Here at Monash
University, our past year team members have applied some techniques such as magnesiumcopper or aluminum-carbon galvanic cells for the power source and iodine clock for the
stopping mechanism.
As both car power-source and its stopping-mechanism are supported by chemical reactions, it
is essential to model the effect of the car performance influential variables such as ambient
temperature, concentration of reactants and amount of chemicals, mechanical frictions, and
total load. On the other hand, in order to be successful in this competition (stopping the car at
a specified distance), not only the design of the car is important, but also it is crucial to
theoretically model the car performance as a function of the above listed influential variables.
So, the objective of this research is to model the effect of influential variables (such as
temperature, chemical concentrations and amounts, friction, and load) on the car performance
in terms of the total generated electrical power (by determining both effective voltage and
amperage), stopping-time, car speed, and traveled distance.
In order to perform this study, it is proposed to choose the successful technologies used in one
the car models that has attended in the past year competitions as the real case study.
Mathematical modeling of the processes applied in those techniques including electrochemical
reactions (for the power source), kinetics reactions (for stopping mechanism), and
thermodynamic/physics equations (for mechanical/friction calculations) should be carried out

to perform the required calculations. To study the effect of the influential variables, the resulting
equations are defined and solved parametrically (e.g. by using one or a combination of different
modeling tools such as MATLAB, COMSOL, MS Excel or Aspen Plus). A variety of equations
such as stoichiometric chemical reactions, kinetics models, Faraday law, Nernst equation,
Gibbs free energy, standard cell potential are used to perform the sensitivity analysis of the
model functions versus the influential processing variables. The modeling results (curves,
tables) need to be discussed as a function of the influential variables and finally an optimized
condition for the best performance should be suggested by this work to the next batch of
Monash Chem-E-Car competitors
Specific objectives of the project:
4- To evaluate the effect of processing variblaes such as temeprature, concentration,
mechanical friction, and load on perfomance of a Chem-E-Car model.
5- To analyse the performance of a Chem-E-Car modle by studying the performance
functions such as electrical power, stopping time, speed, and total travelled distance.
6- To assess the Che-E-Car modle performance for suggesting the optimum condition for
the next round of competition for Monash University Competitiors.
Application of the basic equations equations governing the electrochemical reactions, kinetic
euations, and mechanical frictions (such as stoichiometric chemical reactions, kinetics models,
Faraday law, Nernst equation, Gibbs free energy, standard cell potential) using MATLAB /
COMSOL (to solve system of ODEs or PDEs) MS Excel (equations) or Aspen Plus for raction
modleing.
3 weeks: Developing the governing equations (by making the assumptions, finding
physical properties, and definig the range of variables).
4 weeks: Solving the equations, performing sensitivity analysis, optmizing the
condition.
this project:
MS Excel: available in computer rooms

MATLAB, COMSOL, Aspen Plus (just in case): available in computer rooms
A Chem-E-Car model as the case study: available in the new lab (from the past year batchs)
Project code: Chai1
Project Title:
Development of bismuth-based nanocomposite photocatalyst for efficient CO2 reduction into
energy rich hydrocarbon fuels under visible-light irradiation
Proposed by:
Assoc. Prof. Chai Siang Piao

PhD student: Kong Xin Ying
Student requirement for this project: 2

Large scale emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is known to be the main cause
of global environmental issue due to the greenhouse effect which leads to anthropogenic climate
change over the past decade. In the view of this environmental concern, much effort has been
putting in to invent new technologies to reduce the emission of CO2. Among all the existing
methods, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 an artificial photosynthesis process, is regarded as
one of the most promising and sustainable approaches due to: i) energy-rich hydrocarbon fuels
can be generated by using abandoned CO2 as starting carbon source; ii) it is driven by clean and
inexhaustible solar energy; iii) the process is carried out at mild conditions room temperature
and pressure; iv) converting solar energy into chemical energy using CO2 as reactant is an
attractive solution to relieve imminent energy crisis, which is said to kill two birds with one
stone.
To date, there are many types of photocatalysts such as TiO2, CdS, ZnO are widely studied.
However, these catalysts still suffer from low photocatalytic efficiency due to their wide energy
bandgap, high electron-hole pair recombination rate, photocorrosion, poor stability and others.
Recently, bismuth-based photocatalysts, which is a new class of 2D materials, have attracted
much attention from researchers due to their unique electronic structures. The presence of
strong internal static electric fields enables effective separation of electron-hole pairs and slows
down the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, which leads to high photocatalytic
activity. Besides, bismuth-based compounds exhibit several intriguing properties including low
energy bandgap, thermal and chemical stable. More importantly, bismuth-based photocatalysts
can be easily synthesized by facile solvothermal process, which is relatively simple and low
cost.
Owing to the fact that CO2 molecules are highly stable, large amount of electrons are needed to
take part in the reduction process and hence, the developed photocatalysts must possess high
reducing power upon light irradiation. However, at the current stage, the photocatalytic
reduction ability of bismuth-based materials is still limited due to their low efficiency of light
absorption. In this regard, the integration of bismuth-based catalysts with other materials with
excellent light absorption capability is highly desirable. Among all the potential candidates,
carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is regarded as one of the most promising dopants to enhance the
photocatalytic performance of base catalysts due to its properties of excellent up-conversion
photoluminescence and photo-induced electron transfer. Moreover, CQDs can act as good
electron acceptor and reservoir, which can further slow down the electron-hole pair
recombination rate. Therefore, the incorporation of CQDs with bismuth-based materials is

expected to be a prominent quest in the path of converting CO2 into energy-rich hydrocarbon
fuels in a highly effective and sustainable manner.
To develop CQDs/bismuth based nanocomposite photocatalysts
To characterize the as-prepared photocatalysts in order to study its physical, chemical
and optical properties
To investigate the photocatalytic efficiency of the developed nanocomposite for CO2
reduction into hydrocarbon fuels
Most of the chemicals needed are available in the laboratory. Those unavailable chemicals will
be purchased during semester break.
this project
Existing equipment at Monash Malaysia:
1. Photocatalysis rig (8 weeks)
2. FE-SEM - 3 samples / student
3. XRD 3 samples / student
4. UV-Vis 8 samples / student
5. FT-IR 8 samples / student
6. TGA 3 samples / student
7. BET 3 samples / student
Equipment available at other institutions:
8. HR-TEM 2 samples / student
9. XPS 2 samples / student
Project code: Chai2

Project Title: Novel visible-light-active metal sulfide and heteroatom doped-graphene hybrid
as synergistic photocatalyst for efficient solar water splitting
Proposed by:
Assoc Prof Chai Siang Piao

PhD student: Lutfi Kurnianditia Putri
Ng Boon Junn

Owing to global energy consumption continue to escalate and the incapability of energy
replenishment from finite supply of conventional fossil fuel, a devotion for seeking renewable
and promising energy medium is indispensable. Hydrogen is considered as an ideal fuel for the
future, with the advantages of high energy density (140 MJ kg1) which far exceeds those of
gasoline and coal, no carbon emission, and produces a useful by-product of water after
combustion. At present, hydrogen is mainly produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas by
steam reforming which is severely restricted by its low efficiency and high cost. Moreover,
carbon dioxide is also emitted in this process. Coincidentally, solar radiation is a seemingly
infinite and clean source of energy. As is known, nature abundantly stores hydrogen in the form
of water. In that context, hydrogen production by efficient combination of water and solar
energy has enormous capacity to fulfill the present and future demand of energy around the
world in an eco-friendly manner. This project will in particular cover on the direct
photocatalytic water splitting by semiconductors.
To date, a diversity of semiconductors have been broadly studied for photocatalytic splitting of
water, for instance, TiO2, WO3, ZnO and BiVO4. However, application of aforementioned
photocatalyst in water splitting is practically hindered by several technical barriers. First and
foremost, the large band gap structure of semiconductor denotes that only UV component (ca.
4%) in the solar spectrum is being absorbed. Thus, it is crucial to extent its photo-response into
highly abundant visible region (ca. 50%). Second limitation will be the rapid electron-hole
recombination which in turn reducing the supply of charge carriers adsorbed to the catalyst
surface. For the last aspect, a suitable redox potential must be achieved by the semiconductor
in order to fulfill the thermodynamic law of redox reaction. It indicates that for a reduction
reaction to occur, the potential level of bottom conduction band (BCB) must be more negative
or analogously higher than the redox potential of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)
of the acceptor molecule, ie., hydrogen production level (EH2 /H2O ).
Metal chalcogenides come into view as potential candidates for visible-light-active
photocatalyst due to their narrow band gap and suitable band position. Among them, metal
sulfides are intriguing active materials to be serve as a sole photocatalyst in water splitting. This
is attributed to its small band gap nature and excellent in redox ability. Thus, it surmounts the
limitation of large band gap structure and unsuitable band potential. However, things cut both
ways since metal sulfides suffer from high charge recombination rate which impede the
application of metal sulfide to larger extent of photocatalysis.
To address the aforementioned problem, a viable approach is proposed: metal sulfide
photocatalyst is hybridized with tailor-made carbonaceous material, for instance graphene, to
form nanocarbon hybrid. Graphene, a 2D network of hexagonal structured sp2-hybridized
carbon atom, has been a popular selection as a cocatalyst for solar H2 generation from water
splitting. Due to its high work function (4.42 eV) graphene can accept photogenerated electrons
from lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) of most semicondutors with no barrier,
which will efficiently suppress recombination of photogenerated charges and significantly
enhance photocatalytic H2 activity. Though recently, there has been an increasing research
focus on the heteroatom (N, B, P and etc.) doping of graphene and the consequential properties
entailed to it. We would thus like to investigate the implication of heteroatom doped graphene
in photocatalysts, as contrary to the norm which utilizes an undoped case of graphene.
1. To synthesize metal sulfide/doped-graphene nanocomposite photocatalyst
2. To characterize as synthesized catalyst and correlate respective characterization results
to photocatalytic performance
3. To investigate the photocatalytic activity of the as synthesized catalyst for water
splitting application.
Chemicals are already available. Additional chemicals can be purchased upon request by the
student.
this project
1. Photocatalysis rig (8 weeks)
2. FE-SEM 3 samples/student
3. XRD 5 samples/student
4. UV-Vis 10 samples/student
5. FTIR 10 samples/student
6. TGA 3 samples/student
7. Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
8. Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL)
Equipment available at other institutions:
1. HR-TEM 2 samples / student
2. XPS 2 samples / student
Project code: Chai3

Project Title:
Studies of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for transition metal dichalcogenide as cocatalyst for visible-light photocatalysis
Project type: Experimental / Modeling /
Proposed by:

PhD student: Cathie Lee

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials with a general formula of MX2, where M
represents transition metals and X is chalcogen. TMD is an emerging material and possesses an
average band gap of 2.0 eV. It has the great potential to be an alternative to noble metals as a
co-catalyst for photocatalytic reaction.
On the other hand, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), are a new class of materials that have
captured the attention of community recently due to their tune-able functionality. A pristine
MOF can have a simultaneous and yet inter-dependable adsorption and reduction capabilities.
However, owing to its large band gap energy, the photocatalytic ability of a MOF as a
photocatalyst is limited to the ultra-violate range.
It is of great interest to combine the advantages of both materials to create hybrid composite for
effective photocatalytic applications. It is believed that TMD materials will reduce the band gap
energy of the hybrid material to be responsive in the visible light range and the electron
recombination rate will be prolonged. The collegial effect of MOFs and TMD in photocatalysis
will be thoroughly investigated with in-house electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
The analyses include photocurrent time response, cyclic voltammetry (CV), Mott schottkys
plot, Nyquist plot, etc.
(1) To develop visible-light active photocatalyst with TMD as co-catalyst
(2) To study the electrochemical properties of the developed photocatalyst
Most of the chemicals needed are available in the laboratory. Those unavailable chemicals will
be purchased during semester break.
this project
1. Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) (8 weeks)
Project code: Chai4D

Project Title:
Design of an experimental set-up for integrated filtration and degradation of dye molecules in
visible light
Project type: Experimental / Process or Equipment Design

Proposed by:

PhD student: Cathie Lee

It is rather common for membrane filtration to be used in dye removal due to its high efficiency
as compared to various other treatment systems such as ozonation and coagulation and
flocculation process. However, fouling still remains a major problem in membrane filtration as
it impedes the filtration process and renders the membrane unusable. Various measures have
been taken to reduce the fouling of a membrane such as pre and post synthesis modification and
reducing the hydrophobicity of the membrane with the addition of additives. Though these
methods were able to reduce the fouling effect on a membrane, however, the fouling effect is
inevitable.
Another common method for dye removal is the use of a photocatalysis. This method uses a
photocatalyst to reduce the dye molecules with the aid of a light source. A very common
photocatalyst for dye degradation is titanium oxide (TiO2) based photocatalyst where the
removal of dye molecules can be achieved in a batch system. However, the problem arises in
the recovery of the photocatalyst from the remaining solution.
Having this problem in mind a hybrid system has been proposed, a photoreactive filtration
system that combines the best of membrane filtration and photocatalysis into a single system to
simultaneously remove and degrade dye. This project involves the design of a dead-end
filtration system with a visible light source for continuous photoreduction of dye while retaining
the photocatalyst within the system. The general idea of this system is to integrate a simple and
yet effective photocatalyst onto the membrane to reduce the dye particles while the unreacted
dye will be filtered off by membrane.
(1) To develop a filtration-photoreduction system for dye removal
(2) To study the effieciency of dye removal with the developed system
chemicals and the funding source? Yes
this project
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dead-end filtration set (8 weeks)

FESEM - 3 samples / student
UV-Vis 10 samples / student
FTIR 10 samples / student
Fluorescence spectrophotometer 10 samples / student
TGA 3 samples / student
Project code: Chan1 and Chan2

Project Title: Super-hydrophobic adsorbent for oil-water separation and recovery
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Proposed by:
Assoc. Prof. Chan Eng Seng
Student requirement for this project: 4 (2 students x 2 groups)

Super-hydrophobic surfaces are surfaces that strongly repel water. Typically, the contact angle
of water droplet resting on a super-hydrophobic surface would exceed 150o and droplet
impacting on the surface can fully rebound like an elastic ball. Super-hydrophobic materials
has since found many new and exciting applications, such as self-cleaning glasses, anticorrosion pipelines, anti-wetting clothing, etc.
The objective of this research is to develop a high performance adsorbent that is superhydrophobic for application in oil-water separation. This adsorbent should be able to separate
residual oil from water, and more importantly, to allow the adsorbed oil to be recovered with
ease.
This adsorbent will find useful application in industries, particularly in oil refining and palm oil
industries to improve the oil yield. The adsorbent can also be used for pollution control
applications such as to reduce the oil contamination in the process effluent and to clean-up oil
spillage.
This is an industry motivated project.
Figure showing water droplets resting on super-hydrophobic surfaces

1. To review the literature and to propose a suitable super-hydrophobic materials (during
semester break)
2. To develop a super-hydrophobic adsorbent (3 weeks)
3. To characterize the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent (3 weeks)
4. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent and its reusability (3 weeks)
To wrap-up the project, write-up and prepare presentation slides 3 weeks
Adsorbent, Trichloro(octadecyl)silane (OTS) , Ethanol all are available
The project is currently on-going
this project.
1
To review the literature and to propose a suitable super-hydrophobic materials

Equipment: computer and Monash library database
To develop a super-hydrophobic adsorbent

Equipment: beakers and stirrer (plenty in my lab!)
To characterize the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent

Equipment: Goniometer, FTIR, FESEM (1 unit each)
To evaluate the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent and its reusability

Equipment: beakers, balance (plenty in my lab!)
Adsorbent, polydopamine, graphene, ethanol all are available
this project.
1. To review the literature and to propose a suitable super-hydrophobic materials
Equipment: computer and Monash library database
2. To develop a super-hydrophobic needle nozzle
Equipment: beakers and stirrer (plenty in my lab!)
3. To characterize the physicochemical properties of the super-hydrophobic coating
Equipment: Goniometer, FTIR, FESEM (1 unit each)
4. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent and its reusability
Equipment: beakers, balance (plenty in my lab!)
Project code: Chan3
Project Title: Formation of oil-core microcapsules from hydrophobically-modified
alginate particles by the self-assembled Pickering emulsion method
Proposed by:

Recently, our research group has developed and patented a novel method to synthesize oil-core
microcapsules from biopolymers via Pickering emulsion templating route (see ACS Applied
Materials and Interfaces 2015 Aug 21;7(30):16169-76). The microcapsules formed can be used
for the stabilization and controlled delivery of a variety of lipophilic materials such as phase
change materials, self-healing agents, corrosion inhibitors, drugs, food compounds, fragrance,
flavour, etc.
In the existing method, an O/W Pickering emulsion stabilized by Calcium Carbonate
nanoparticles is first prepared. A polyanionic biopolymer (e.g. alginate) is subsequently
introduced to the water phase. Finally, the system pH is lowered to trigger the dissolution of
the Calcium Carbonate nanoparticles to release the Calcium ions, thus resulting in
instantaneuous cross-linking between the Calcium ions and polymers at the O/W interface. As
a result, a polymer shell that engulfs an oil droplet is formed.
The objective of this research is to inverse the cross-linking process by preparing the
microcapsules from Pickering emulsion templates stabilized by the alginate polymers (or
particles), instead of the Calcium Carbonate nanoparticles. In this way, the presence of
unreacted alginate polymers in the water phase can be avoided to eliminate some of the process
difficulties encountered in the current method.
However, alginate posseses carboxyl and hydroxyl groups along its backbone, making it very
hydrophilic, with purely no surface activity. This means that alginate polymers will not be
adsorbed at the O/W interface. The introduction of hydrophobic moieties (e.g. OSA or DSA)
to some of the hydrophilic groups can enhance the surface activity of alginate, thus promoting
the adsoprtion of the alginate polymers at the O/W interface.
Figure showing the reaction scheme for formation of oil-core microcapsules using the Pickering emulsion
template stabilized by CaCO3 nanoparticles

1. To develop a process to prepare hydophobically-modified alginate (2-3 weeks)
2. To prepare O/W emulsions using the modified alginate and to evaluate their physical
properties (2-3 weeks)
3. To prepare Calcium cross-linked microcapsules from the Pickering emulsions and to
evaluate their physicochemical properties (3-4 weeks)
Alginate, ethanol, and calcium chloride, OSA, DSA are all available.
this project.
1. To develop a process to prepare hydophobically-modified alginate (3 weeks)
Equipment: beakers, stirrer (plenty in my group!)
2. To prepare O/W emulsions using the modified alginate and to evaluate their
physical properties (3 weeks)
Equipment: goniometer (1 unit), tensiometer (1unit), SLR camera (1 unit), Zetasizer (1
unit), FTIR (1 unit), Particle Size Analyzer (1 unit)
3. To prepare Calcium cross-linked microcapsules from the Pickering emulsions and
to evaluate their physicochemical properties (3 weeks)
Equipment: Flourescence microscope, FTIR (1 unit), Particle Size Analyzer (1 unit)
Project code: Chan4D

Project Title: Development of a mini-fluidic device for the production of O/W Pickering
emulsions with controlled drop size
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process/Equipment Design
Proposed by:

Recently, our research group has developed and patented a novel method to synthesize oil-core
microcapsules from biopolymers via Pickering emulsion templating route (see ACS Applied
Materials and Interfaces 2015 Aug 21;7(30):16169-76). To form the Pickering emulsion, we
used the conventionally available emulsification methods such as mechanical stirring, highspeed homogenizer and membrane emulsification.
Whilst we were able to produce emulsion drop size of small diameter (< 50 microns) using
these methods, the size distribution of the emulsion drops were generally very broad. These two
issues (i.e. small and broad drop size) resulted in the difficulty in performing fundamental
studies that are critical in revealing the kinetics/equilibrium of the adsorption process, or the
intrinsic mechanical properties of the droplets stabilized by the solid particles.
The objective of this project is to design and develop a mini-fluidic device that can produce
O/W Pickering emulsions with controlled drop size. The device is crucial to allow us to
undertake fundmanetal studies in the future so that the production process or the mechanical
properties of the microcapsules can be better controlled and manipulated to suit specific
application.
Figures showing the microfluidic devise in operation and its set-up

1. To perform literature review on similar device (e.g. microfluidic) and to set-up the
design criteria (during semester break)
2. To prepare a P&ID for your design and to fabricate/assemble the mini-fluidic device
(during semester break or early Sem 1)
3. To test the performance of the device in forming O/W Pickering emulsion (6-9 weeks)
Mostly, if not all components, are available in the lab.
If your design (or some components of it) needs to be custom-made, or fabricated by local
workshop, then we have to complete this job during the semester break.
this project.
1. To perform literature review on similar device (e.g. microfluidic) and to set-up the
design criteria
Equipment: Computer and paper
2. To prepare a P&ID of your design and to fabricate/assemble the mini-fluidic device

Equipment: Computer, paper, and your hands
3. To test the performance of the device in forming O/W Pickering emulsion in controlling
the size of droplets
Equipment: your developed minifluidic devise, SLR camera, image analyzer
Project code: Chong1

Project Title: Synthesis and characterisation of nanostructured heterojunction photoelectrode
for application in solar hydrogen production from photoelectrochemical water splitting
Project Type: Experimental
Proposed by:
Dr. Chong Meng Nan

Energy is one of the most important challenges facing humanity in the coming years. Therefore,
the exploitation of renewable energy sources is required in order to replace the conventional
energy source. Hydrogen (H2) has featured prominently as a renewable and potential alternative
energy source to fuel for future developments. However, H2 is not readily available and required
further processing steps. Currently, 95% of H2 is produced from fossil fuels and the cost of
production is high. The remaining 5% of H2 is produced from renewable energy sources such
as solar and wind energy. In fact, H2 can be produced through a carbon emission-free method
known as photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting by utilising semiconductor-based
photoelectrodes. PEC water splitting is a photodriven conversion process of water molecules
into individual hydrogen and oxygen molecules through the use of semiconductor-based
photoelectrodes. Therefore, the type of photocatalysts used will affect the solar conversion
efficiency and stability of water-to-hydrogen conversion process. However, the key challenge
to the wider utilisation of these photocatalysts is that they can only be activated under ultraviolet
(UV) irradiation due to their wide band gap energy requirements.
In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been devoted toward the synthesis of heterojunction
structures to improve the photoactivity of photocatalysts. A heterojunction photoelectrode is
consisting of a narrow band gap semiconductor as light absorber and a wide band gap
semiconductor as stabiliser. Heterojunction structures can lead to improved and enhanced PEC
water splitting efficiency by expanding the spectral range of light adsorption, as well as
minimising the electron-hole pairs recombination.
The main objectives of the project are:
1. To screen and synthesize different heterojunction photoelectrode structures for

application in PEC water splitting.
2. To characterise and determine the best heterojunction photoelectrode structure that is
able to achieve the highest photo-efficiency for PEC water splitting.
In order to complete this proposed research within the stipulated 12 weeks time, it is
recommended that the students should be highly independent and discipline. The followings
are the suggested timeline to achieve best outcomes when undertaking this research project:
1-2 weeks: project planning and experiment trials;
7-8 weeks: lab works (data collection);
2-3 weeks: preparing presentation slides and report writing.
No, not all the chemicals are currently available in the laboratory. The purchase of chemicals
will subject to the availability of FYP funding.
this project
1.
2.
3.
4.
FE-SEM 4 to 6 samples.
EDX 4 to 6 samples.
XRD 4 to 6 samples.
BET 3 samples.
Project code: Chong2

Project Title:
Synthesis and characterisation of fullerene/rGO incorporated nanostructured hematite thin
films for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Proposed by:
Dr. Chong Meng Nan

Hematite (-Fe2O3) is a promising semiconductor material for photoelectrochemical (PEC)
water splitting due to its abundance, low-cost, low band gap energy of 2-2.2 eV and good
chemical stability. However, its short lifetime and poor mobility of photo-generated charge
carriers and short hole diffusion length have significantly limit its efficiency in charge
separation and collection as a photoanode in PEC water splitting process. These serious
drawbacks can be improved by incorporating hematite particles with carbonaceous materials

such as fullerene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Recently, fullerene and rGO have gained
considerable attentions for their attractive properties due to its excellent electron accepting
ability, large specific surface area and delocalised combined structures. When incorporating the
photocatalysts with fullerene and graphene, it is expected that the fullerene/rGO hematite thin
films can provide an expressway to shuttle the photogenerated electrons. Therefore, the main
aim of this project is to study the effect of fullerene and rGO on structural, optical, electrical
and PEC properties of fullerene/rGO incorporated nanostructured hematite thin films for PEC
water splitting application.
The specific objectives of this proposed research are:
1. To determine the optimum fullerene and rGO concentrations for the nanostructured hematite
thin films that are effective for the water splitting process.
2. To investigate the structural and morphological properties as well as the optical and
electronic properties of the fullerene/RGO incorporated hematite thin films.
In order to complete this proposed research within the stipulated 12 weeks time, it is
recommended that the students should be highly independent and discipline. The followings
are the suggested timeline to achieve best outcomes when undertaking this research project:
1-2 weeks: project planning and experiment trials;
7-8 weeks: lab works (data collection);
No, not all the chemicals are currently available in the laboratory. The purchase of chemicals
will subject to the availability of FYP funding.
this project
1. FESEM 4 to 6 samples
2. EDX 4 to 6 samples
3. FTIR 4 to 6 samples
4. UV-Vis 4 to 6 samples
5. XRD 4 to 6 samples
Project code: Chong3M

Project Title: Evaluating wastewater treatment technologies for application in cluster-scale
urban developments: Feasibility, economic of scale and sustainability analysis
Project type: Simulation & Modeling

Proposed by:
Dr. Chong Meng Nan

Significant and continued population growth in most of the major urban centres around the
world have placed an increasing pressure on wastewater service providers. Our exisiting
centralised wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) might be facing a bottleneck in the coming
decades, in coping with the increasing treatment loads. In order to provide a transitional solution
before the next major investment in centralised wastewater infrastructures, decentralised
systems are viewed as an alternative for sewerage servicing before environmental discharge,
with a further potential to recycle and reuse the treated effluents within local households.
Decentralised systems also remove the high capital cost and pumping energy for long-distance
water conveyance associated with the conventional centralised systems. However, the adoption
of decentralised systems in new cluster-scale urban developments is highly impacted by the
lack of underpinning sciences in wastewater treatment technologies, economic of scale and
sustainability benefits entailed. Thus, the main aim of this project is to evaluate different
wastewater treatment technologies for application in cluster-scale urban developments. The
commercial wastewater simulation software, BioWin, will be used to provide simulation and
modelling activities using our currently available raw wastewater quality datasets. Further firstprinciple analysis is expected to complete the economic of scale and sustainability analysis.
1. To simulate and model different wastewater treatment technologies using commercial
BioWin software, that can satisfy the influent and effluent wastewater regulatory
requirements.
2. To determine and optimise the cost of treatment per capita ($ per litre) based on the firstprinciple economic of scale analysis .
3. To evaluate the energy requirement and potential carbon emission from first-principle
sustainability analysis.
1-2 weeks: project planning and trials;
7-8 weeks: simulation and modelling activities (data collection);
No chemicals are required for this proposed project.
this project
This proposed project requires the usage of BioWin, which is currently licensed to 200 users.
Project code: Chong4M

Project Title: Water balance modelling for potential mains water saving from the installation
of plumbed rainwater tanks in major Australian airports
Project type: Simulation & Modeling
Proposed by:
Dr. Chong Meng Nan

Demands on traditional water supply from water grid are escalating in conjunction with
population growth, rapid industrialisation and booming commercial activities in most of the
densely urbanised centres. This is further exacerbated by the potential adverse impacts of
climate change, which are likely to affect the adequate and reliable supply of urban water
resources from local dams. Airports are major water consumers owing to the handling of tens
of millions of passengers each year. However, airports also possess a good potential for
rainwater harvesting owing to the availability of large roof catchment areas. Apart from the
roof catchments, the potential of rainwater harvesting is also strongly affected by the size of
rainwater tank, number of plumbed end uses and to a lesser extent, the seasonal variation of
rainfall climatic conditions. The harvested rainwater could be utilised to augment the
availability of mains water for non-potable applications such as WC and urinal flushings,
general washing and cleaning purposes, as well as green irrigation. To date, however, there is
no study that exploits the rainwater harvesting potential across major Australian airports. The
main aim of this study is to perform water balance modelling on the installation of plumbed
rainwater tanks in major Australian airports. The Rainwater TANK model will be used for the
water balance modelling activities. Historical rainfall datasets at daily resolution will be
provided for the analysis. Further first-principle analysis is expected to estimate the cost of
rainwater supplied per capita ($ per litre) and other environmental cost benefit analysis.
1. To evaluate and optimise for the best combination in terms of roof catchment area, size of
rainwater tank and number of plumbed end uses for major Australian airport sites using
water balance modelling (i.e. Rainwater TANK model).
2. To assess the cost of rainwater supplied per capita ($ per litre) and perform other
environmental cost benefit analysis.
1-2 weeks: project planning and trials;
7-8 weeks: simulation and modelling activities (data collection);
this project
No processing and analytical equipment are required for this proposed project.
Project code: Chew1M

Project Title: Evaluating absorption chilling technologies for application in industry
Project type: Simulation
Proposed by:
Irene Chew

1 or 2 students
Absorption conditioning system is a green technology that can be powered by low grade heat
sources include solar and industrial waste heat which subsequently reduces the electricity
demand. Studies have shown the triple-effect absorption system offers great thermal
efficiencies with the highest reported coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.7. On the other
hand, the cost efficiency of an absorption conditioning system is another important performance
parameter interest the industrial practitioner. However, most technoeconomical study is done
on an ac-hoc basis limiting to a single heat source-sink application. To meet the ever
increasing electricity demand on air conditioning, one would need to look into the integration
of multiple heat sources include waste heat, hot air, steams, hot water and biogas. In our
previous work, we have demonstrated how the free cooling has reduces industry power
consumption by integrating cooling and chilled water system (CCWS). The main contribution
of this project is the application of free cooling in the development of a cost and energy efficient
absorption conditioning system using simulation software.
Use TRNSYS simulation software and excel spreadsheet to:

1.1. Evaluate different absorption chiller technology for application in a specific industry.
1.2. Simulate a non integrated absorption conditioning system that is optimal in terms of energy
saving (sustainability) and cost effectiveness.
1.3 Perform stability analysis for the proposed optional non integrated absorption conditioning
system
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory?
this project
This proposed project requires the usage of TRNSYS 17, a new software which cost about
RM12,700 (10-user license) (see attached quotation)
Project code: Chew2M
Project Title: Synthesis of integrated energy system using absorption chiller as green
technology in an eco-industry park
Project type: Modeling
Proposed by:
Irene Chew

1 student
Absorption conditioning system is a green technology that can be powered by low grade heat
sources include solar and industrial waste heat which subsequently reduces the electricity
demand. Studies have shown the triple-effect absorption system offers great thermal
efficiencies with the highest reported coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.7. On the other
hand, the cost efficiency of an absorption conditioning system is another important performance
parameter interest the industrial practitioner. However, most technoeconomical study is done
on an ac-hoc basis limiting to a single heat source-sink application. To meet the ever
increasing electricity demand on air conditioning, one would need to look into the integration
of multiple heat sources include waste heat, hot air, steams, hot water and biogas. In our
previous work, we have demonstrated how the free cooling has reduces industry power
consumption by integrating cooling and chilled water system (CCWS). The main contribution
of this project is the application of free cooling in the development of a cost and energy efficient
absorption conditioning system.
Use LINGO modeling and optimization software and excel spreadsheet to:
2.1. Model a multi-periodic time-dependant cooling and chilled water network with the
application of absorption chiller in an eco-industrial park.
2.2. Synthesize an integrated chilled and cooling water network that is optimal in terms of
energy saving (sustainability) and cost effectiveness.
2.3. Perform stability analysis for the proposed integrated chilled and cooling water network.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory?
this project
This proposed project requires the usage of LINGO software which is an existing software.
Project code: EDW1M

Project title: Development of prediction tool for phase equilibrium in aqueous two-phase
system
Project type: Modelling
Proposed by:
Edward Ooi

Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is an attractive alternative to conventional downstream
processing techniques for the separation of biomolecules. However, the design and process
optimization of ATPS require the detailed information on phase composition and
physiochemical properties. The practical application of ATPS heavily relies on the availability
of the phase diagram in database. However, the construction of phase diagram is mainly done
empirically, thus necessitating a great amount of lab works. The aim of this project is to develop
a model that can predict the position of a binodal curve in the phase diagram. Alcohol+saltbased ATPS is chosen as the target of the prediction and the available data in the literature
sources will be compiled for analysis using MATLAB. The formulated models will be verified
by the results of the experimental works.
1. To compile the available literature and data on the liquid-liquid equilibrium of ATPS
2. To model the phase equilibrium by using data available from literature sources.
3. To predict the position of binodal curve by correlating the experimental data with the phase
equilibrium models
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks:
5 weeks:
2 weeks:
2 weeks:
Project planning and data gathering

Development of prediction tool for the formation of alcohol+salt ATPS
Evaluation of the performace of the prediction tool
Report writing and presentation
Is the proposed project a new project? Yes

Is the proposed project a part of an existing project? No
Most of the chemicals are available in the laboratory. Other chemicals will be purchased before
the semester using FYP budget.
this project.
Water bath (1 unit): 5 days
Refractometer (1 unit): 7 days
Weighing balance (own unit): 4 weeks
Freeze drier (1 unit): 5 days
Project code: EDW2

Project title: Formation of microgel beads in aqueous two-phase system
Proposed by:
Edward Ooi

Microemulsion is conventionally formed in oil-water system due to the high interfacial tension.
The use of oil phase in microemulsion is undesirable in some processing methods and therefore
the formation of microemulsion in all-aqueous environment is worth of further exploration.
Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is a useful tool for generating the water-in-water emulsion,
which can be then used to form microgel beads. Microgel beads have been widely used in
applications such as cell entrapment and delivery of food or drug. This study aims to achieve
the formation of microgel beads in an ATPS composed of polyethylene glycol and a gelforming polymers (e.g. agarose, alginate and carrageenan). The formation of microgel beads
will be triggered by a change in the working temperature. The effects working parameters of
synthesis process (e.g., stirring speed, composition of ATPS) on the formed microgels will be
evaluated systematically in this study.
1. To establish the liquid-liquid equilibrium of the selected ATPS for microgel formation
2. To synthesize the microgel beads with uniform size and morphology
3. To evaluate the effect of operating parameters on the formation of microgel beads
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks:
Project planning and selection of phase-forming components for ATPS
7 weeks:
Synthesis of microgel beads
2 weeks:
this project.
Zetasizer (1 unit): 12 days
UV-Vis spectrophotometer (1 unit): 5 days
Fluorescence microscope (1 unit): 10 days
Ultrasonicator (1 unit): 3 days
Overhead stirrer (1 unit): 3 days
Scanning electron microscope: 2 days
Project code: EDW3

Project title: Stabilization of dual-responsive Pickering emulsion using microgel
Proposed by:
Edward Ooi

In food industry, emulsion system has been viewed as a potential encapsulation and protection
technology for the delivery of food-grade compounds such as vitamins, minerals, and bioactive
compounds. The use of biopolymers in stabilizing emulsion at low energy emulsification is
attractive because the nano-sized biopolymers can replace surfactant as the emulsifier.
Polysaccharide-based biopolymers are well suited in the preparation of Pickering emulsion
owing to their beneficial properties like non-toxicity, renewability, biodegradability and
biocompatibility. In this study, the microgel with responsivity towards pH and temperature will
first be formed. The synthesized microgel will be used to encapsulate food-grade ingredients
via the principle of Pickering emulsion. The long-term stability of Pickering emulsion will be
subsequently studied under various conditions.
1. To produce Pickering emulsion using microgels derived from biopolymers such as chitosan
and carrageenan
2. To investigate the encapsulation efficiency and the stability of Pickering emulsion
Suggested timeline:
2 weeks:
Formation of microgels; characterization of the formed microgels
8 weeks:
Preparation of Pickering emulsion; investigation on the stability and stimuliresponsivity of Pickering emulsion
2 weeks:
Is the proposed project a new project? No
Is the proposed project a part of an existing project? Yes
this project.
Zetasizer (1 unit): 12 days
Goniometer (contact angle measurement) (1 unit): 3 days
FTIR (1 unit): 2 days
Inverted optical microscope (To be purchased): 8 days
Atomic force microscopy: 2 days
Project code: EDW4

Project title: Synthesis and characterization of thermo- and pH-responsive superabsorbent
microgel
Proposed by:
Edward Ooi

Microgels are colloidal hydrogels in micro size and are able to swell in a solvent. Stimuliresponsive microgel is a variant of hydrogels reacting to the change in environmental
parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, ionic strength and specific chemical compound) by varying
their state of swelling and shrinking. Microgels can function as a type of water-absorbing
materials, namely superabsorbents, which are capable of absorbing and retaining aqueous
liquids thousand times of their weights. Superabsorbent polymers have been ubiquitously used
in disposable infant diapers, feminine hygiene products, liquid absorbent pads for packaging,
and coating materials for cables. In this study, the dual thermo- and pH-responsive microgel
will be synthesized from monomer (2-dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate, or known as
DMAEMA. The water absorbency of synthesized microgels will be determined gravimetrically
at the state of absorption equilibrium. The sensitivity of microgel particles towards stimulus
will be evaluated by detecting the size change in particles incubated at different temperature
and pH conditions.
1. To synthesize microgel with desired physical properties from DMAEMA monomers
2. To evaluate the performance of the synthesized microgel as superabsorbent
3. To assess the stimuli-responsiveness of the synthesized microgel
Suggested timeline:
2 weeks:
Project planning
4 weeks:
Synthesis of microgel
4 weeks:
Characterization of microgel
2 weeks:
this project.

Ultrasonicator (1 unit): 4 days
Magnetic stirrer (2 units): 5 days
Atomic force microscopy: 2 days
Project code: Ho1M

Project Title: Modeling Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Starch by Glucoamylase A
Population Balance Approach
Project type: Modeling and Simulation

Proposed by:
Dr. Ho Yong Kuen (new staff member)

Two (2)
The hydrolysis of starch by glucoamylase is an important industrial process to produce glucose.
In this process, glucoamylase (a chain-end scission enzyme) is used to remove one glucose
monomer at a time from the non-reducing ends of starch polymers. As glucoamylase attacks
different polymers with different chain length in varying rates, it is crucial that the modeling of
such a process accounts for the entire distribution of starch. For this purpose, the Population
Balance Modeling is the natural approach. The recent development of the numerical solver for
solving chain-end population balance problem (Ho, Doshi, Yeoh & Ngoh, 2014) enabled such
a rigorous model to be developed (Ho, Doshi, Yeoh & Ngoh, 2015). With the governing
equations established, it remains to be seen how the model fared in predicting the data in the
open literature. In this project, the main task is to appropriately calibrate and validate the model
with data from the literature. The successful calibration and validation of the model would
provide useful insights in to the hydrolysis of starch by glucoamylase.
Ho, Y. K., Doshi, P., Yeoh, H. K., & Ngoh, G. C. (2014). Modeling chain-end scission using
the fixed pivot technique. Chemical Engineering Science, 116, 601 - 610.
Ho, Y. K., Doshi, P., Yeoh, H. K., & Ngoh, G. C. (2015). Interlinked population balance and
cybernetic models for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of natural polymers.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

1. To gather and consolidate the appropriate experimental data on starch hydrolysis by
glucoamylase from the open literature.
2. To calibrate the existing model with data from the literature and if necessary revisit the
model assumptions and make appropriate changes to the model.
3. To assess the performance of the model and to justify the departure from the experimental
data.
Note: All simulations will be done using MATLAB.
Not applicable as no experimental work is required.
this project
Project code: Ho2M
Project Title: A Population Balance Based Model for the Hydrolysis of Starch by amylase
Proposed by:

TWO (2)
The hydrolysis of starch by -amylase is an important industrial process to produce a blend of
different sugars. In this process, -amylase (a random scission enzyme) is used to break the
polymeric bonds in the starch chains randomly. As -amylase attacks different polymers with
different chain length in varying rates, it is crucial that the modeling of such a process accounts
for the entire distribution of starch. In a recent work, a population balance based model
framework for the hydrolysis of starch by -amylase was developed (Ho, Doshi, Yeoh & Ngoh,
2015). With the governing equations established, it remains to be seen how the model fared in
predicting the data in the open literature. In this project, the model will be calibrated and
validated with data from the literature. The successful calibration and validation of the model
would provide useful insights in to the hydrolysis of starch by -amylase.
Ho, Y. K., Doshi, P., Yeoh, H. K., & Ngoh, G. C. (2015). Why are two enzymes better than one
for the efficient simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of natural polymers?
Hints from inside and outside a yeast. Industrial & engineering chemistry research.
doi:10.1021/acs.iecr.5b01667
1. To gather and consolidate the appropriate experimental data on starch hydrolysis by amylase from the open literature.
2. To calibrate the existing model with data from the literature and if necessary revisit the
model assumptions and make appropriate changes to the model.
3. To assess the performance of the model and to justify the departure from the experimental
data.
Note: All simulations will be done using MATLAB.
this project
Project code: Ho3M
Project Title: Easing the Design of Adaptive PID Controllers through the Continuous
Recursive Least Squares (RLS) Algorithm
Proposed by:

TWO (2)

In designing adaptive controllers, the traditional way is to employ the discrete Recursive Least
Squares (RLS) algorithm for online parameter estimation of a linear time invariant transfer
function model and to subsequently use the model parameters to design the controller. As most
of the controller design correlations are based on the continuous transfer function model, an
additional step is required to convert the discrete model parameters to its continuous equivalent.
In this project, this step is bypassed by directly estimating the model parameters in its
continuous domain by using the continuous RLS algorithm (Mikle & Fikar, 2007). The
estimated parameters will then be used to design an adaptive PID controller using existing
tuning correlations and the controller will be implemented on a biodiesel reactor model (Mjalli,
Lee, Kiew, & Hussain, 2009). The contribution of this project will be towards easing the design
of adaptive controllers.
Mikle, J., & Fikar, M. (2007). Process Modelling, Identification and Control. Berlin: Springerverlag.
Mjalli, F. S., Lee, K. S., Kiew, C. Y., & Hussain, M. A. (2009). Dynamics and control of a
biodiesel transesterification reactor. Chemical Engineering & Technology, 32(1), 13-26.
1. To develop a working code for the continuous RLS algorithm.
2. To relate the output of the RLS to an existing PID controller tuning correlation.
3. To implement the RLS-PID adaptive control strategy on a biodiesel reactor model and
simulate the servo and regulatory control performance.
Note: All simulations will be done in the Simulink environment.
this project
Project code: Patrick1
Project Title: Stabilization of Curcumin-loaded Pickering Emulsions by Fe3O4-Cellulose
Nanocrystals
Proposed by:
Patrick Tang

Possessing excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility properties, cellulose nanocrystal
(CNC)-based nanocomposites has recently gained immense research interest and holds great
potential as novel drug carrier. The use of novel CNC-based nanomaterials to deliver drugs is
an attractive idea, however many of these class of CNC-based nanocarrier generally lack active
targeting or triggered drug release components, making them difficult to obtain effective drug
delivery, thus limiting the dose achievable within the tumor. The incorporation of magnetic
nanoparticles (MNPs) into CNC matrix is a feasible solution to improve the drug delivery and
targeting properties. The utilization of magnetic cellulose nanomaterials with tailored surface
functionalities have, in fact, been reported and suggested as magnetic aerogel, magnetically
retrievable oil absorbent, and recyclable catalyst. Nonetheless, the application of magnetic
cellulosic nanomaterials has yet to be explored in literature for the preparation of Pickering
emulsions and this is an interesting aspect. Thus the aim of present study is to develop a
magnetically responsive Pickering emulsions using Fe3O4-cellulose nanocrystals (MCNC)
composites with the goal of utilizing them as controlled drug delivery carrier. In this research
project, the sonochemically-induced MCNCs will be used to form Pickering emulsions and
their impact on the emulsion stability will be investigated systematically. The influence of pH,
oil loading, and drug loading on the physicochemical properties of MCNCs-stabilized Pickering
emulsions (MCNC-PE) will also be studied by using curcumin as a model drug. Formulation
and characterizations of MCNC-PE are the core elements of this project.
1. To produce stable Pickering emulsion droplets using MCNC composites and determine its
colloidal stability
2. To investigate pH, oil loading, and drug loading effects on the properties of MCNC
Pickering emulsion
Yes
this project
High-speed homogenizer : 6 days
Ultrasound probe: 10 days
UV-Vis spechtrophotometer : 3 days
Goniometer (contact angle measurement) : 3 days
Malvern Mastersizer, Zetasizer (droplet size & zeta potential measurement) : 12 days
Inverted optical microscope : 3 days

Field emission scanning electron microscope : 2 days
Atomic force microscopy : 3 days
Thermogravimetric analyzer : 2 days

Project Title:
Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Palm Oil-Encapsulating Crosslinked
Biopolymeric Nanocapsules
Proposed by:
Patrick Tang

2
Microcapsules have recently gained growing interest in biomedical application because of their
oil-based central cavities, which allow a high encapsulation level for lipophilic substances and
thereby improve drug delivery. In recent years, pharmaceutical scientist have started examining
the use of sodium alginate and locust bean gum (LBG) for designing and development of
natural polymer-based drug delivery systems. Sodium alginate, a linear anionic polysaccharide
extracted from brown algae is known to biodegradable and non-toxic while locust bean gum is
derived from the endosperm of the seeds of the carob tree. However, these drug loaded alginate
or LBG carriers exhibit several problems associated with the stability and rapid release of drugs
at higher pH values. To overcome these drawbacks, we proposed to develop reinforced
polymeric oil-filled nanocapsules using a dual combination of LBG and alginate by addition of
a crosslinking agent. It is hypothesized that the crosslinking reactions at the emulsion interfaces
will lead to the improved mechanical stability of the alginate-LBG composite shell layer. In the
present study, the overall aim is to design novel nanocarrier platform encapsulating red palm
oil could be potentially applied for sustained oral delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.
Fabrication and characterizations of alginate-LBG hybrid nanocapsules are the main scope of
this project.
Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of nanocapsule consisting of an encased red palm oil and a skin layer of
crosslinked polymer network.

1. To develop and characterize locus bean gum-alginate (Lbg-Al) nanocapsules
encapsulating red palm oil in respect of their size, zeta potential, morphology, shell
thickness, and encapsulation efficiency.
2. To optimize the effect of alginate:gum ratio and the effect of crosslinker PSMC and to
determine their optimum concentration that leads to enhanced mechanical polymeric shell
strength
3. To examine the physical storage stability of the as-syntheiszed Lbg-Al nanocapsules.
Materials are partly available in the laboratory. Others will be purchased shortly when the FYP
budget comes in.
this project
Zetasizer (droplet size & zeta potential measurement) : 12 days
Microfluidizer : 6 days
X-ray Diffraction : 1 day
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: 2 days
Confocal laser scanning microscope
Project Title: Novel Topical Nanoemulsion-based Delivery for Plant-derived

Antibacterial Compound
Project Type: Experimental + Modelling
Proposed by:
Patrick Tang

With the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is an increased demand for
novel therapeutic treatments. Although a common strategy is the isolation and identification of
novel antimicrobial compounds, such compounds are becoming increasingly difficult to come
by. Therefore, there is value in potentially improving, or even restoring the activity of known
antibiotics. Thus far, we have previously demonstrated synergistic activity between antibiotics
and phenolic compounds: a large group of secondary metabolites found mainly in plants and
renowned for their antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-cancer activity. The different
antimicrobial mechanisms by which phenolic compounds operate show promise in potentially
compromising bacterial defenses against antibiotics, thereby improving antibiotic efficacy. In
this study, we proposed to formulate a novel nanoemulsion to facilitate the delivery of these
combinations to the skin via topical application. The main objective of this project is to establish
the parameters necessary to prepare an antibiotics-phenolic-loaded nanoemulsion (AP-NE) gel
topical formulation and monitor the change of droplet sizes and rheological properties as a
function of the storage time.
Fig.1. (Left) Schematic diagram of a Microfluidizer (Right) Nanoemulsion containing curcumin

1. To produce highly stable sesame oil-in-water based AP-NEs using Microfluidizer
technology and determine its colloidal stability
2. To investigate and optimize the effects of emulsifying conditions including

homogenization pressure, number of processing cycles and oil loading on the mean
diameters and viscosities of AP-Nes using Response Surface Methodology.
Materials are partly available in the laboratory. Others will be purchased shortly when the FYP
budget comes in.
this project
Microfluidizer: 10 days
Viscometer: 5 days
Tensionmeter : 3 days
Atomic force microscopy : 3 days

Project Title: Preparation of Poly(methyl methacrylate)-silica Microcapsules with
Encapsulated Natural Moisturizing Agents
Proposed by:
Patrick Tang

Microencapsulation is a process in which small particles or tiny droplets are surrounded or
coated by a thin solid layer of polymeric material to form so-called microcapsules. In the past
decade, the use of microcapsules has attracted a great deal of attentions because of their
potential applications in drug delivery, the food industry, phase transfer catalysis and for phase
change materials. Microcapsules are commonly employed in many consumer products, ranging
from cosmetics, detergents, fabric softeners, functional fabric to persona healthcare products.
The mechanical robustness is the most important challenge restricting the application of
synthesized microcapsules. The strength of the supracolloidal structures can be enhanced by
fabricating rigid hybrid microcapsules. The main goal of this work is to develop PMMA-coated
silica microcapsules (PSMCs) encapsulating moisturizing ingredients, to which could be
imparted control of both release and strength characteristics. The oil core may contain active
moisturizing compounds. The core templates will be prepared through the microemulsion oilin-water in a single stage polymerization process that leads to the formation of monodisperse
oil-containing silica microcapsules. The silica microcapsules will subsequently be coated via
facile deposition technique with PMMA polymer to produce double shell microcapsules.

1. To develop and characterize PMMA-silica coated microcapsules in respect of their
chemical structure, surface morphology, particle size distribution and encapsulation
efficiency.
2. To study the effect of catalyst and crosslinker on capsule shell thickness of PSMCs.
Materials will be purchased shortly when the FYP budget comes in.
this project
Microfluidizer: 10 days
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: 1 day
Inverted optical microscope : 3 days
Scanning electron microscope : 3 days
Project code: Poh1D & Poh2D

Project Title: Design and evaluating the performance of a compact decentralized greywater
treatment system
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong and Dr. Darwin Gouwanda
2 (per project)
Greywater is generated from various activities such as shower, laundry and kitchen preparation
in a household that uses water. Treatment and reuse of greywater for non-potable activities has
the potential to reduce water scarcity issues as the demand for freshwater can be reduced.
Current greywater treatment systems are typically complicated and expensive (i.e.: requiring
various unit operations) in order to treat greywater to suitable standards.
Therefore, students involved in this project will propose, fabricate and evaluate a design
compact greywater treatment system with low energy requirement, consisting of a single unit
that can treat greywater to Class IV of Malaysias National Water Quality Standards. It is
expected that the outcome of this project will contribute to reduce the nations reliance on
freshwater for non-potable usage. Students that have great interest in equipment design and
fabrication are encouraged to take up this project.
The main objective is to develop a compact decentralized greywater treatment system for smallscale treatment. Specific objectives of this project are listed below:
1. To conduct a literature review to identify advantages and shortcoming of currently available
greywater treatment systems.
2. To propose a design of a single system for greywater treatment to produce non-potable treated
effluent that achieves the Malaysias National Water Quality Standards (Class IV for
irrigation).
3. To fabricate and evaluate the performance of the proposed greywater treatment system on
the treatment of bathroom/kitchen/laundry greywater.
Yes. All chemicals are available in the laboratory. However, we will need to do early planning
to purchase materials for fabrication of the greywater treatment system.
this project
Spectrophotometer and reactor for wastewater analysis (2 units available) Week 6-10
Oven for drying of solids and preparation of material Week 4-8
Incubator (1 unit available) for bacteria enumeration study Week 6-10
Project code: Poh3

Project Title: Investigating the effect of storage time on the performance of dehydrated
thermophilic mixed culture for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong
2
Preservation of mixed bacterial culture is an important application for ease of storage and
handling. One of the most commonly chosen methods of preservation is drying due to the many
advantages it gives. Conversion of mixed culture into dry particulates greatly reduces its volume
and enables more flexible transportation at room temperature. Conversion into dried product is
beneficial especially in the case of thermophilic mixed culture, which in its semi-liquid form
will have to be transported in a heated pressure vessel to prevent decline in the thermophile
population and overpressurisation. Relatively inexpensive and easily scalable convective
drying has been proposed for application in microorganism preservation. Before the product
can be commercialized, it is important to study the length of storage time on the performance
of the dehydrated microbes to set a suitable shelf life for the product. Students that are
disciplined (punctual, organized) and interested in biological treatment of wastewater are
encouraged to attempt this project.
The main objective is to investigate the effect of storage time on the performance of dehydrated
thermophilic mixed culture for POME treatment. Specific objectives of the project are listed
below:
1. To produce dried thermophilic mixed culture (with and without protectants) using hot air
circulation oven.
2. To study the influence of protectants on the survivability of microbes and the decay rate
under storage.
3. To evaluate the performance of the dehydrated microbes under different storage period on
thermophilic POME treatment.
Most of the chemicals are available in the laboratory but some of the consumables needs to be
restocked prior start of FYP. i.e.: Tryptic soy broth, anaerobic sachets and COD vials.
this project
Hot Air Circulation Oven and Mass Balance 5 days
Hirayama Autoclave 2 times per week (3 hours each)
Biobase Biosafety Cabinet 2 times per week (6 hours each)
RedLine Incubator 7 weeks of lab at 55 (65% of overall space)
Project code: Poh4M

Project Title: Application of ADM1 to thermophilic treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
(POME) using UASB-HCPB reactor
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong and Dr. Darwin Gouwanda
2 (per project)
Palm oil industry contributes largely to Malaysias economic with the export of crude palm oil
(CPO) and other end products to many parts of the world. Due to the increasing demand of
palm oil in many parts of the world, the production of crude palm oil (CPO) has steadily
increased over the years. Nevertheless, the increased CPO production simultaneously created
huge amount of wastewater discharge palm oil mill effluent (POME) from palm oil mills.
Many efforts were made to prevent POME from polluting the water sources and also emission
of greenhouse gases through production of methane from biodegradation. This includes the
introduction of high-rate anaerobic reactors for POME treatment. One of the most significant
problems which deters palm oil mills to adopt high-rate anaerobic reactors is the sensitivity of
these reactors. Performance of anaerobic reactors are dependent on various parameters that will
affect the growth of bacteria in the system. One of the most common problem is the variation
of POME characteristics based on different seasons and fruit species. This may lead to changes
in the reactor conditions that will influence the quality of biogas produced by the reactor.
Change in the quality of biogas is undesirable as it will reduce the efficiency of turbines or
cause corrosion to equipment due to high composition of hydrogen sulphide. As a result, there
is a need to devise an effective control system to respond to changes in operating conditions.
Before an effective control system can be devised and having an automated system, there is a
need to understand and develop a model that could predict the output of the anaerobic digestion
proecess. Therefore, the specific objectives of this project are as listed below:
1. To modify the anaerobic digestion model 1 (ADM1) to suit thermophilic treatment of
Palm Oil Mill Effluent.
2. Compare the ADM1 model for thermophilic treatment to other existing control models.
3. To investigate the different packing on thermophilic POME treatment performance and
changes to the modified ADM1.
Chemicals not required for this project
this project
Not applicable
Project code: Poo1
Project Title:
Self-healing coatings for corrosion resistance of automobile industry
Proposed by:
Poovarasi Balan

2
Corrosion is a major issue in industry. In the past, chromate has been used to pre-treat the metals
in order to delay the corrosion of metal. We have used silanes as environmental friendly
coatings by incorporating nano-particles. In this project, we will focus on obtaining self-healing
coatings. New additives need to be added in order to measure the self-healing characteristics of
the coatings under study, which can serve as self-healing coatings on cars. This is done by using
using heat-expansion encapsulations. Self healing coatings are the future of coatings industry.
Some prominent industries are already looking into these technologies.
1. To identify and assess different technologies which are self-healable that has been
used in automobile industries
2. To propose the suitable additives that can be used for self-healing properties
alongside with silane coatings
3. To develop coating that can self-heal and evaluate their corrosion behavior by
studying surface morphology and electrochemical methods
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks project planning, literature review and experimental design
8 weeks development of containers, characterization
2 weeks preparation of presentation slides and report writing
Partially. Other chemicals will be ordered in January.
this project
1.
2.
3.
4.
Zeta Potential measurements

UV-Vis
FESEM
EIS and DC
Project code: Poo2

Project Title: Corrosion and biofouling resistance of chitosan-grafted polydopamine
coating on stainless steel
Proposed by:
Poovarasi Balan (Main), A/P Chan (co-supervisor)

2
Corrosion and biofouling poses significant health risks and financial losses in the medical field.
Biofouling is described as the adhesion of proteins or micro-organisms to the device (biofilm).
Medical biofouling occurs commonly on prosthetic implants, biosensors, catheters, dental
implants and medical equipment. Problems include spread of infectious diseases. Furthermore,
protein fouling on biological implants reduces efficiency and may lead to thrombosis (blood
clots).
This project will focus on coatings on catherers used for biomedical applications in order to
reduce the effect of corrosion and biofouling. For this purpose, chitosan-polydoapmine coating
on stainless steel needles will be used to test its corrosion resistance and biofouling
characteristics. Students are also required to find an alternative to chitosan under similar
conditions. Their respective characteritics in terms of surface morphology, corrosion behavior
and other characteritics will be compared.
1. To evaluate surface morphology, corrosion resistance and biofouling properties of the
chitosan-grafted-polydopamine coatings on stainless steel
2. To identify and assess the effectiveness of the replacement material to chitosan. Upon
identification, to be able to develop coating using alternative material along with PDA
as the first layer.
3. To design the experiment by varying the concentration and different materials in order
to evaluate the corrosion and biofouling characteritics.
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks: project planning and experiment trials;
8 weeks: lab works (data collection) corrosion and biofouling charcaterisation;
2 weeks: preparing presentation slides and report writing)
No. Beginning January onwards.
this project
-
FESEM ( Week 4 and 7 3 slots)

SEM
Contact angle measurements (Week 4)
DC ( Week 5 and 6)
EIS ( Week 6 - 8)
Project code: Poo3

Project Title:
conditions
Lubricity of biopolymer coated stainless steel needle under wet and dry
Proposed by:
Poovarasi Balan (Main), A/P Chan ( Co-supervisor)

2
Hypodermic needles are made of stainless steel (SS) and normally lubricated to reduce
frictional forces during insertion into human body. The current lubrication method involves the
use of silicone-based coating. However, a suitable lubricant which can work under both wet
and dry conditions is highly desirable. In addition, some biopolymers impart anti-microbial and
anti-thrombogenic properties, which can be advantageous for prolonged usage of the needles
in human body. This project focuses on development of new type of lubricant which can go
alongside with polydopamine coating on top of the stainless steel substrates.

1. To identify and assess the dry lubricants that can be coated with poly-dopamine-coatings
on stainless steel needle (requires through literature review)
2. To develop the coating using layer-by-layer method on SS upon identification.
3. To evaluate the lubricity, penetration profile and other characteristics by varying the
concentration of the lubricant / using different combination of coating layers on SS
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks: project planning and experiment trials;
8 weeks: lab works (data collection)
No. In January
this project
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
SEM
FESEM
Texture Analyser
FTIR
Contact angle measurements
Project code: Poo4M

Project Title: Carbon footprint evaluation and reduction strategies in Monash
Malaysia Campus
Proposed by:
Poovarasi Balan (Main), Poh Phaik Eong ( Co-supervisor)

2
Carbon emissions are contributed by antroprogenic activities and increased carbon footprint
can cause hazardous effects towards environment. In the efforts of becoming a green campus,
a proper research mechanism is important in identifying the sources of carbon footprint,
evaluation and ways to reduce them.
1. Identify the carbon footprint emission sources, data collection and carbon footprint
calculation
2. Design carbon footprint calculation and ways to reduce carbon emission
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks: project planning and design of study;
8 weeks: data collection and modelling
N/A
this project
LCA software
Project code: Ram1M

Project Title: Dynamic Process Simulation for assessing plant efficiency
(Industry Project: Have an option to have intern with Linde Malaysia)
Proposed by:
Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan/ Mr. Yong Niam Pyng (Linde Malaysia)

Dr. Bahman Amini Horri

2
Briefly describe the research problem and the solution.
The demand for the chemicals are increasing due to the increase in world population and its
consumption. To meet the market demand, the production capacity of the existing plants will
be varied and often new chemical plants will be built. In both the cases, the plant efficiency is
an important decision making tool to evaluate the economics of the plant. This has been
evaluated based on material and energy balances with the various inputs from the processes.
The main aim of this project is to build a tool based on Excel/HYSYS/Aspen plus to simulate
the plant efficiency from the real time data of Mox-Linde plant.
1. To evaluate the mass and energy balance of the plant provided by Linde to check
current plant efficiency.
2. To simulate the condition and efficiency at design or commisioning ensure tool are
reliable, and design data are correct
3. To evaluate the key parameters required to simulate the tools matching plant control
method and equipment design. Ensuring the key parameter are manipulable for plant
tuning/improvement.
4. To develop a tool based on key parameters. Simulation tools will be developed in Aspen
or Hysis, with output developed into VBA for linking to excel, to provide easier
interface and linkage to Historian.
Note: The students have given the opportunity to know the process through intern
This needs Aspen plus/HYSYS/Excel software, which are available in the campus.
this project
Project code: Ram2M

Project Title: Feasibility study of bio refinery by evaluating the composition of algae
and co-products
Proposed by:
Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan,

Dr. Bahman Amini Horri

6
Microalgae are considered to be one of the oldest microorganisms that grow 100 times faster
than terrestrial plants yet utilizing the simple nutrients source and CO2. A variety of strains are
available for producing lipids which can be converted to Biodiesel, a non-toxic and greener
fuel. However producing Biodiesel alone from microalgae involves multistep process and
hence the estimated cost of producing the product (US$4.34 per gallon) is higher than the
current price of diesel. Hence there need a process that could target for multiproducts rather
than just focusing on one product. By producing different chemicals such as biodiesel,
hydrogen and propylene glycol, the price of biodiesel could be further reduced to US$2.79 per
gallon which is similar to the current price of diesel. Even though, the price could be reduced,
the incorporation of many chemicals need separate processing units including reactors and
separators which lead to high capital cost. Alternatively, the price could be reduced by
targeting high value products such as proteins, pigments and omega 3 fatty acids along with
the production of biodiesel. This would need just multiple separation units rather than
separate reactor for each product. Thus, the aim of this research project is to identify feasible
processing technologies for producing different high and medium value products along with
biodiesel using selected strains of microalgae.
1. To evaluate the strains, products and process options based on the detailed composition
of the algae and sustainability (2 weeks).
2. To develop a simulation using Aspen plus (7 weeks).
3. To estimated the product yield and quality based on the feed characterisitics (1week)
Note: priority to the Design project students
This needs Aspen plus which is available in the campus.
this project
Project code: Ram3
Project Title: Optimization of extraction of geraniin from the rind of rambutan
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan
4
Rambutan is one of the indigenous fruit of Malaysia and its peel (rind
as shown in the figure) is discarded as waste by the fruit canning
industry. However, the peel is rich in geraniin a phenolic compound
possessing various health benefits. Geraniin could be used to treat
cancer, hypertension, malaria, hepatitis and diabetes. Presently,
graniin is extracted using ethanolic extraction which cost around
37% of processing cost. Presently, the product is quantified using
High performance liquid chromatography which requires longer
time for processing many number of samples. The aims of this
project are to develop a faster quantification tool based on thin layer
chromatography and to optimize the condition of extraction through
response surface methodology.

Sub-project 1
1. To evaluate the effect of different solvent for the separation of geraniin from other
impurities in thin layer chromatography
2. To determine the retardation factor and to quantify the band using densitometer
3. To compare the quantification using high performace liquid chromatography
Sub-project 2
1. To evaluate the important factors for the extraction of geraniin through factorial
screening
2. To optimize the extraction of geraniin through response surface methodology
All the necessary chemicals will be purchased via FYP consumables.
this project
1. Thin layer chromatography (School of Medicine)
2. Biorad Densitometer
3. High performance liquid chromatography ( weekly 16 h from week 2 to 12)(I will ask
Isha to create a spreadsheet to see the usage frequency for equipment which are in high
demand)
Project code: Ram4

Project Title: Preservation for recombinant Escherichia coli using combined osmotic
shock and drying
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan
2
Escherichia coli is widely used for recombinant protein production. Currently, glycerol
cryopreservation is used to preserve and to transport bacteria like recombinant E. coli for
future revival and applications such as fermentation. The addition of glycerol mitigates the
crystal formation of the cells at lower temperature (-80oC). Lower temperature protects the
biomolecules such as protein from denaturation and halts the cellular activity. However, the
cell viability and subsequent production of protein may affect due to the extreme change in
temperature. Further, cryopreservation technique is an energy intensive technique to
maintain the stock. Thus alternative approach is warranted to overcome the aforementioned
problem. The present project aims to develop a technique based on combined osmotic shock
and drying to preserve the Escherichia coli for future use.
Sub-project 1
1. To evaluate the effect of concentration of sugars and time for determining the
subsequent growth of Escherichia coli
2. To evaluate the effect of drying kinetics on the subsequent growth of Escherichia coli
Sucrose, and choline based ionic liquids are available. Trehalose (purchased vial FYP budget)
and media for growth will be purchased via FYP budget
this project
4. Orbital Shaker (week 3 to 10, 2 days a week)
5. Oven (week 3 to 10, 2 days a week)
6. Microplate reader
7. Centrifuge
8. Normal Microscope (week 4 to 8)
9. Atomic force microscope (week 6 to 10)
10. Scanning Electron Microscope (Week 8 to 10)
Project code: Saman1, Saman2

Project Title:
1. Investigation of improved inter-particle models for two-phase packed bed
hydrodynamics.
2. Investigation of multiple hydrodynamic states (hysteresis) in two-phase packed bed
fluid flow systems
Proposed by:
Saman Ilankoon

2 for each proposed project
General Description:
Modelling of two-phase hydrodynamics in packed bed systems (eg. trickle bed reactors) is
crucial to number of industrial applications in chemical, petroleum, petrochemical and waste
water treatment industries such as hydrogenation, hydrotreating, hydrocracking,
hydrodesulfurization, oxidation and removal of dissolved organic compounds from industrial
wastewaters. An understanding of underlying flow mechanisms in these systems is essential to
accurately model and design the packed bed reactor systems. The particle bed systems typically
employ both non-porous and porous particles and there have been a number of studies of fluid
flow in two-phase systems.
Project 1:
However, the effect of particle porosity on liquid holdup in packed bed hydrodynamics has not
been extensively studied. Packed bed in a trickle bed reactor typically constitutes porous
particles that are mainly in the size range of millimeters. Thus, the porosity of the packed
particles has two distinct length scales, namely that of the channels between the particles and
that within the particles. This means that the liquid holdup within the particles will not have the
same effect on fluid flow as the holdup between the particles. The use of a direct relationship
between the liquid holdup and the flow permeability of the system is thus not entirely
appropriate and the inter- and intra-particle liquid contents must be considered separately.
However, none of the previous works in two-phase packed bed systems have addressed this
important question. In order to investigate this, two-phase (both liquid and gas flow) fluid flow
experiments in a packed bed system will be purposed in this project and the experimental results
will be used to develop improved inter-particle flow models. It will also provide better
understanding about underlying flow mechanisms in trickle bed reactors.
Project 2:
Multiple hydrodynamics states or hysteresis in trickle bed reactor systems has also been
observed by several researchers. Typically liquid holdup hysteresis and pressure drop hysteresis
have been reported in the trickle bed reactor literature. Rather than studying this effect some
investigators simply eliminated this by initially pre-wetting the experimental system, but Maiti
et al., (2006) reviewed the hysteresis effects in TBRs. In addition, Maiti et al., (2008) introduced
a new framework and a number of hypotheses have also been proposed to explain hysteresis
behaviour. Ilankoon (supervisor of this proposed project) and Neethling (2012) explained the
liquid holdup hysteresis behaviour in single-phase packed bed systems by performing novel set
of experiments and demonstrated that the dominant cause is a change in the number of liquid
rivulets flowing through the bed as the liquid flow rate is varied rather than a change in the
shape or structure of the individual rivulets (Ilankoon and Neethling, 2012, 2013). In order to
verify the same effect for two-phase packed bed systems (liquid and gas flow), fluid flow
experiments in a laboratory TBR system will be purposed in this project and the experimental
results will be used to explain hysteresis behaviour in two-phase fluid flow systems.
Project 1:
1. To evaluate the applicability of the single phase inter-particle flow model in two-phase
fluid flow systems.
2. To develop an improved theoritical model that predicts two-phase fluid flow behaviour.
Project 2:
1. To evaluate the possible mechanisms for hysteresis in two-phase fluid flow systems.
2. To develop an improved model for two-phase hydrodynamics that accounts liquid
holdup hysteresis in the system.
No, the materials will be purchased in Jan 2016 using FYP budgets.
this project
Packed bed system - available (will be used for 12 weeks)
Peristaltic pump - Not sure about the availability (7-8 weeks)

Compressed air supply (7-8 weeks)
Liquid distributor - will be designed
Packing materials - available (will be used for 12 weeks)
Balance - Not sure about the availability (7-8 weeks)
Deionised water (7-8 weeks)
Project code: Syed1D

Project Title: Lake Thermal Energy Conversion (LTEC).
Proposed by:
Syed Tauqir Haider

6 Students, 3 Groups.

LTEC as a renewable energy technology will produce electricity using temperature gradient
between lake water and hot solar water reserve, concept is derived from the Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion (OTEC). OCTE is a marine renewable energy technology that harnesses the
solar energy absorbed by the oceans to generate electric power.
Figure: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

OTEC uses the oceans warm surface water with a temperature of around 25C (77F) to
vaporize a working fluid, which has a low-boiling point, such as ammonia. The vapor expands
and spins a turbine coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The vapor is then cooled by
seawater that has been pumped from the deeper ocean layer, where the temperature is about
5C (41F). That condenses the working fluid back into a liquid, so it can be reused. This is a
continuous electricity generating cycle. The efficiency of the cycle is strongly determined by
the temperature differential. The bigger the temperature difference, the higher the efficiency.
LTEC has various advantages over OTEC. Firstly, LTEC will be using clean lake water compared
to corrosive sea water. Secondly, less cost of pumping water from lake rather than from deep
sea plus flexibility in selection of location, near populated area, saving in electricity
transmission.
Students working on this project will develop in-depth knowledge base.

Group #: Scope of work for various groups
1. Investigate Organic Rankine cycle and Kalina cycle. Select working fluid, study
thermal and phase behavior of the working fluids.
2. Detail engineering drawings, Plant layout, equipment selection, sizing and costing
3. Detail Investigation, slection and design of solar concentrator for hot water
resiervior /storage required for LTCE.
chemicals and the funding source? N/A
this project N/A
Project code: Tey1

Project Title: Thermoresponsive microgels as Pickering emulsifier
Proposed by:
Prof. Tey Beng Ti

The use of pickeiring emulsifier has been tremendously increased due to its higher
biocaompatibility and stronger adhesion to the droplet surface compares to surfactant.
Furthermore, different stimuli-responsive emulsion systems can be developed via
functionalization of the pickering emulsifier. One of the most commonly used thermoresponsive pickering emulsifiers is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels.
However, the responsive temperature of PNIPAM microgels is fixed at 32 oC, which has limited
its applicability. Recently, poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (POEGMA) has been
used widely in different applications due to its tunable resposive temperature via
copolymerization of different OEGMA derivatives. Therefore, the development of thermoresponsive microgel with desired responsive temperature can be achieved.
To fabricate respective thermo-responsive microgels using different copolymerizations of
OEGMA derivatives.
To characterize the responsive temperature of microgel, stability of the pickering emulsions by
the POEGMA microgels and demonstration of destabilized of emulsion through modulation of
temperature.
The project is suggested to be completed within 6-8 weeks, excluding the planning, experiment
trials and report writing.
Yes, they are all available.
this project.
Malvern Mastersizer
- 1-2 weeks
Malvern Zetasizer NanoZs 1-2 weeks
Homogenizer
- 1-2 weeks
Magnetic stirrer
- 3-4 weeks
SEM/FE-SEM
- 5 sample slots
Project code: Tey2

Project Title: Poly High Internal Phase Emulsion in monolith synthesis for
chromatography
Proposed by:
Prof. Tey Beng Ti

Emulsions where the droplet phase occupies more than 74 vol% of internal phase are known as
HIPEs (High Internal Phase Emulsions). The external continuous phase can be converted into
a solid polymer and the emulsion droplets later removed yielding (in most cases) a highly
interconnected network of micron sized. PolyHIPEs garnered research interest due to rising
popularity of supermacroporous monolith as stationary phase for chromatography. HIPEs are
commonly stabilized with surfactants that can prove costly and troublesome to remove after
polymerisation. PHIPE can alternatively be stabilized with nanoparticle (NP) with desirable
functional group for post modification. Hence, this study aims to design an oil in water HIPE
stabilized with chitosan NP with water soluble acrylamide monomers as base polymer of the
continuous phase.
To fabricate polyHIPE monoliths using different proportion of base monomer HEMA
(hydroxyethyl metharylate), crosslinker N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide, chitosan NP
To characterize the specific surface area and mechanical strength of pHIPE monolith
The project is suggested to be completed within 6-8 weeks, excluding the planning, experiment
trials and report writing.
Yes, they are all available.
this project.
BET surface area analyser- 3-4 weeks
Malvern Zetasizer NanoZs 1-2 weeks
Homogenizer
- 1-2 weeks
Magnetic stirrer
- 3-4 weeks
SEM/FE-SEM
- 5 sample slots
Project code: Wu1

Project title: Biochemical conversion of palm oil mill fronds into xylitol
Proposed by:
Dr. Wu Ta Yeong

Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to chemicals has greatly attracted attention for
establishing the sustainable society. The use of lignocellulose in agricultural waste for
conversion purpose is desirable because it can eliminate the competition against food.
Agricultural waste such as palm oil fronds is renewable and abundantly available in Malaysia.
In this study, palm oil fronds are pre-treated chemically so that the waste could be easily
transformed into xylose. By using biotechnological mean, the xylose is then bio-transformed
into xylitol by the yeast. Effects of bio-transformation such as temperature, initial pH and
stirring speed are investigated. Both xylitol concentration and yield are accessed throughout
this study.
To evaluate the effectiveness of bio-transformation from palm oil mill fronds into xylitol
by determining both xylitol concentration and yield.
To determine the specific substrate-consumption rate.
Basically, all the chemicals are available in the laboratory.
this project
Incubator shaker (Week 2 Week 7)
Bioreactor (Week 8 Week 9)
High performace liquid chromatograpghy (HPLC) (Week 2 Week 9)
Project code: Wu2

Project Title: Bio-transformation of wastewater sludge into organic fertilizer through
vermicomposting
Proposed by:
Dr. Wu Ta Yeong

Vermicomposting is a composting process involving interactions between microorganisms and
earthworms to transform organic wastes into organic fertilizer, known as vermicompost. The
objective of this research is to investigate the potential of using Eudrilus eugeniae in
vermicomposting of wastewater sludge with rice straw as an amendment in different weight
ratio to obtain the best quality of vermicompost. The growth and reproduction of E. eugeniae
will be monitored weekly under controlled experimental condition. Besides, the maturity and
quality of vermicompost are assessed through fertilizer parameters such as total Kjeldahl
nitrogen (TKN), carbon (C), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium
(Mg). The parameters such moisture content, pH and electrical conductivity will also be
discussed in this research.
To evaluate the effectiveness of vermicomposting in bio-transforming wastewater
sludge into fertilizer by monitoring the vermicompost maturity.
To determine the growth and mortality (if any) of the earthworms used during
vermicomposting process.
Basically, all the chemicals are available in the laboratory.
this project
TOC analyzer (Week 2 Week 9)
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) instrument (Week 8 9)
Oven (Week 2 Week 9)
Project code: Wu3M

Project Title: A preliminary life cycle assessment (LCA) of sugars produced from palm
oil mill fronds.
Project type: Cradle-to-grave analysis/Case study
Proposed by:
Dr. Wu Ta Yeong

Nowadays one of the most important environmental issues is the exponential increase of the
greenhouse effect by the polluting action of the industrial and transport sectors. Sugars are the
simplest biofuels alternatives that have the promise of reducing imported petroleum, creating
regional agricultural and energy sector employment, and decreasing emission of greenhouse
gases. The production of biofuels is considered a viable alternative for the pollution mitigation
but also to promote rural development. The proposed work presents an analysis of the
environmental impacts of the sugar production from palm oil mill fronds, taking into
consideration the balance of the energy life cycle and its net environmental impacts, both are
included in a LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) approach. The sugar is produced through the BTL
(Biomass to Liquid) route. The results of the environmental impacts were compared to others
LCA studies of biofuels.
To compare and analyze greenhouse gas emissions of sugars (biofuels) to fossil fuels
for determining savings of greenhouse gas emissions.
To determine the appalicability of reusing palm oil fronds in sugars production.
No chemicals are required.
this project
Laptop (Week 2 Week 9)
Statistical software such as Excel (Week 2 9)
Project code: Yong1
Project Title: Optimization of acid pretreatment on palm shell-Concentration and

stirring rate
Proposed by:
Estee Yong

2
Biomass in its raw state does not possess suitable chemical and physical properties for fueling
Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC). For this purpose, chemical treatment such as acid etching is
required for physicochemical properties modifications prior to pyrolysis. In this study,
optimization of the acid etching using different concentrations and stirring rates, will be tested.
A series of characterization analyses will be performed to examine the changes in
physicochemical properties. Furthermore, all samples will be tested in a button fuel cell to study
the electrochemical performance.
1. To prepare a series of palm shell samples treated with different conditions
2. To evaluate the characterizations of the pretreated palm shell
3. To evaluate the electrochemical performanc of the pretreated palm shell
Yes
this project
Thermogravimetric analysis (6 samples)
X-ray Diffraction (6 samples)
Scanning electron microscopy (6 samples)
Project code: Yong2

Project Title: Optimization of acid pretreatment on palm shell-Reaction temperature
and duration
Proposed by:
Estee Yong

2
Biomass in its raw state does not possess suitable chemical and physical properties for fueling
Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC). For this purpose, chemical treatment such as acid etching is
required for physicochemical properties modifications prior to pyrolysis. In this study,
optimization of the acid etching using different reaction temperature and duration, will be
tested. A series of characterization analyses will be performed to examine the changes in
physicochemical properties. Furthermore, all samples will be tested in a button fuel cell to study
the electrochemical performance.
1. To prepare a series of palm shell samples treated with different conditions
2. To evaluate the characterizations of the pretreated palm shell
3. To evaluate the electrochemical performanc of the pretreated palm shell
Yes
this project
Thermogravimetric analysis (6 samples)
X-ray Diffraction (6 samples)
Scanning electron microscopy (6 samples)
Project code: Yong3

Project Title: Synthesis of button cell and stability test
Proposed by:
Estee Yong

2

Direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) can achive almost 100 % theoretical efficiency. However the
high temperature operation may affect the stability of the button cell. It is hence important to
synthesize a unique button call that can withstand high temperature and show good stability
over a long period of time.
1. To synthesize the unique button cell
2. To evaluate the charactistic of the button cell
3. To evaluate the stability of the button cell
Yes
this project
FSEM (6 samples)
Project code: Yong4M

Project Title: Modelling of resistivity of button cell
Project type: Modelling
Proposed by:
Estee Yong

1
Direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) has attracted plenty of attention due to its very high theoretical
efficiency. To facilitate the conversion of bench scale experiment into commercilization scale,
it is important to perform modelling to represent the reaction. The different resistivities over
the electrochemical reaction will be evaluated using EIS NOVA software.
1. To evaluate different resistivities present in the electrochemical reaction
2. To model the resistivity circuit
3. To evaluate the accuracy of modelling
No
this project
N.A

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CHE 4180 Chemical Engineering Projects - Proposal for Year 2016

Project code: Babak1

Dr. Babak Salamati

Student requirement for this project:

Specific objective of the project:

Project code: Babak2D

Dr. Babak Salamati

Student requirement for this project:

vegetable oils to produce biodiesel. Unlike homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts are

Specific objective of the project:

Project code: Babak4

Dr. Babak Salamati

Student requirement for this project:

Specific objective of the project:

Project code: Bahman1

Dr Bahman Amini Horri

Student requirement for this project:

Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):

Project code: Bahman2

Dr Bahman Amini Horri

Student requirement for this project:

Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):

Project code: Bahman3M

Dr. Bahman Horri

Student requirement for this project:

thermodynamic/physics equations (for mechanical/friction calculations) should be carried out

MS Excel: available in computer rooms

Project code: Chai1

Assoc. Prof. Chai Siang Piao

Student requirement for this project: 2

recombination rate. Therefore, the incorporation of CQDs with bismuth-based materials is

Project code: Chai2

Assoc Prof Chai Siang Piao

Student requirement for this project: 2

Project code: Chai3

Assoc Prof Chai Siang Piao

Student requirement for this project: 2

Project code: Chai4D

Project type: Experimental / Process or Equipment Design

Assoc Prof Chai Siang Piao

Student requirement for this project: 2

Dead-end filtration set (8 weeks)

Project code: Chan1 and Chan2

Assoc. Prof. Chan Eng Seng

Student requirement for this project: 4 (2 students x 2 groups)

Figure showing water droplets resting on super-hydrophobic surfaces

Specific objective of the project:

To review the literature and to propose a suitable super-hydrophobic materials

To develop a super-hydrophobic adsorbent

To characterize the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent

To evaluate the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent and its reusability

Assoc. Prof. Chan Eng Seng

Student requirement for this project: 2

Specific objectives of the project:

Project code: Chan4D

Assoc. Prof. Chan Eng Seng

Student requirement for this project: 2

Figures showing the microfluidic devise in operation and its set-up

Specific objectives of the project: