Energy and Materials
The Energy and Materials Research group is committed to pioneering sustainable innovations across bioenergy, nanomaterials, and composite materials to address problems faced by our community and the industry. Our research spans diverse fields, including biofuel production from seaweed and food waste, activated carbon from palm kernel shells for removal of persistent organic pollutants, activated carbon from cattail leaves for heavy metal removal, electroporation-assisted lipid extraction from microalgae for biodiesel production. We have also explored natural dye-sensitized solar cells as renewable energy alternatives.
In materials research, we focus on wastewater treatment, gas separation and the surface functionalization of inorganic fillers, with applications in mixed matrix membranes and ceramic fabrication. Additionally, our work on biobased polyurethane foams using vegetable oil-derived polyols offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials without compromising performance.
Work on improving natural draft cooling and modular solar chimneys for drying have led to the development of patented technologies, including an improved natural draft cooling tower (MY-174980-A) and a modular solar chimney for agricultural produce and biomass waste (PI2022005388).
Through our multidisciplinary approach, we strive to drive environmental sustainability, enhance resource efficiency, and develop innovative materials and equipment to support a cleaner and greener future.
Leader: Assoc. Prof Dr Rachel Fran Mansa
Expertise: Particles, Nanoparticles, Biofuels, Sustainable energy
Focus:
- Thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes (pyrolysis, fermentation, gasification)
- Powder handling specifically on agglomeration and segregation behavior in biomass processing.
- Production of activated carbon from biomass waste. Involves surface modification and functionalization for enhanced adsorption.
Selected Publications:
- Investigations on the effect of halloysite nanotubes loading on the physicochemical properties of cellulose acetate/polysulfone asymmetric membrane, https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.32.
- The activated carbon produced from bamboo biochar and its application as methylene blue dye removal from wastewater, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-21701-2.00019-2.
- Bioconversion of Starch Base Food Waste into Bioethanol, https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811401
- Effect of PEG Molecular Weight on the Polyurethane-Based Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173603
- Effect of electrolysis treatment time, field strength and recycling flowrate on ankistrodesmus sp. lipid extraction, https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2019.230.
- Fruit based Dye Sensitized Solar Cells. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/217/1/012003
Collaborators:
Borneo Energy Sdn Bhd
VERDE Resources (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Orcid address: https://orchid.org/0000-0001-8544-1486.
Scopus ID: 36151112800
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rachel-Mansa-2?ev=hdr_xprf
Member: Prof Dr Christopher Chu Chi Ming
Expertise: Heat Transfer, Fluid flow, Heat exchangers, Solar Chimney Dryer, Chemical Engineering Design
Focus:
- Improved natural draft cooling towers (patented design)
- Solar chimney applications for drying agricultural and marine products
- Performance enhancements of heat exchangers
- Commercialisation of modular solar drying technology
Selected Publications:
Book
- Md. Mizanur Rahman and Chi-Ming Chu , Ed., “Cold Inflow-Free Solar Chimney Design and Applications”, ISBN 978-981-33-6830-9, ISBN 978-981-33-6831-6(eBook), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6831-6, Springer Nature Singapore, 2021.
- Pogaku Ravindra, Awang Bono and Christopher Chu, Ed., “Developments in Sustainable Chemical and Bioprocess Technology”, Springer, ISBN 978-1-4614-6208-8,2013.
Journal
- C. -K. Too and C. -M. Chu,(2024), A CFD Analysis of the Effective Plume-Chimney Height of Lazy Plumes and its Implications to Clear Air Turbulence, VOL 8, 2024, 146-161, eISSN 2600-8084, AIQII, http://arqiipubl.com/ams.
- Chi-Ming Chu, Md Mizanur Rahman, Sivakumar Kumaresan, (2016), Improved thermal energy discharge rate from a temperature-controlled heating source in a natural draft chimney, Applied Thermal Engineering 98 (2016) 991–1002, Elsevier.
- Hooi-Kim Phang, Chi-Ming Chu, Sivakumar Kumaresan, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Suhaimi Md. Yasir, (2015), Preliminary Study of Seaweed Drying under A Shade and in A Natural Draft Solar Dryer, International Journal of Science and Engineering, 8(1),10-14, http://www.ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ijse/article/view/7662,University of Diponegoro Semarang, Java, Indonesia.
Collaborators:
- HAN Aquacultural Enterprise with an MoA IMaP project.
- LOI with TONIBUNG in building the type-T solar chimney dryer model.
Patent:
An Improved Natural Draft Cooling Tower, Patent No. MY-174980-A, CHU CHI MING and Md. MIZANUR RAHMAN. – granted 31 May 2020.
PI2022005388 - A Modular Solar Chimney Dryer for Agricultural Produce and Biomass Wastes. Chu Chi Ming, R F Mansa, HJ Tham and MD Suffian Misaran – filed 29 Sep 2022
Orcid address: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5777-0693
Scopus ID: 27167812300
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chi-Ming-Chu
Member: Dr. S M Anisuzzaman, C Eng MIChemE, FIEB
Expertise: Wax deposition, Adsorption, Separation, Waste management, Process Safety
Focus:
- Development of green adsorbents for pollutant removal
- Cattail leaves (Typha orientalis) as a potential precursor for heavy metal adsorption.
- Water treatment and soil contamination remediation.
Selected Publications:
- C G Joseph, N W Selvam, S M Anisuzzaman, Removal of sulphur and nitrogen compounds from model fuel by adsorption of modified activated carbon, International Journal of Renewable Energy Development (IJERD), 13(5), 909-928, 2024.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Nurul Syufiana Jumadil, Used lubricating oil treatment using acid activation clay as adsorbent for oil recovery, Borneo Science (The Journal of Science and Technology), 45(2), 1-25, 2024.
- C. G. Joseph, N. A. Ahmad, W.H. Tan, J. A. Asik, K. F. Rodrigues, S M Anisuzzaman, In-Situ Removal of Residual Antibiotics (Tetracycline) in Recirculating Aquaculture System using Photolysis Treatment Process, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 26(6), 91-105, 2024.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Rachel Fran Mansa, Richmond Pillai Elkes, Porous carrageenan-derived carbons for removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution, ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 23(3), 301-317, 2023.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Collin G. Joseph, Nur H. Mustafa, Sabrina Soloi, Parametric and adsorption kinetic studies of methylene blue removal from textile simulated wastewater using oil palm EFB, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 25(4), 1-12, 2023.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Collin G. Joseph, Janice L. H. Nga, Fatin Nadiah Ismail, Effect of carrier agents and operational parameters on the physical quality of spray-dried tomato powder: A review, ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 22(2), 228-247, 2022.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, N. A. Maramin, Adsorptive desulfurization of model fuel by modified activated carbon, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 23 (3), 126-135, 2021.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Nurul Nadia Mohd Nasir, The effect of fuller’s earth and different acid solvents on used engine oil through acid-clay treatment for renewable energy, International Journal of Biomass and Renewables, 10(1), 8-15, 2021.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, D. Krishnaiah, Emma Suali; Daarshini Kumaran, Environmentally Friendly Recovery and Characterization of Waste Lubricating Oil using acid with Spent Bleaching Earth, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 22 (4), 28-42, 2020.
- Duduku Krishnaiah, Ong Carrie, S.M Anisuzzaman, Jidon janaun, Non-Covalent Functionalization of Amorphous Carbon From D-Glucose as a Novel Catalyst for Renewable Fuels, International Journal of Biomass and Renewables, 9(2), 6-13, 2020
- S M Anisuzzaman, Duduku Krishnaiah, Emma Suali, Daarshini Kumaran, Environmentally friendly recovery and characterization of waste lubricating oil using acid with spent bleaching earth, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 22(4), 20-42, 2020
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, D. Krishnaiah, M. Rajin, S. Abang, N. M. Ismail, M. Madsah, Optimization study on the effects of shear rate and concentration of inhibitor on wax and asphaltene deposition from crude oil using copolymer and aromatic compounds, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry (MJChem), 21 (3), 43-49, 2019.
- S M Anisuzzaman, Bono A, Krishnaiah D, Tamotiraan D, Effect of inhibitors with aromatic solvents towards the flow properties of crude oil, Petroleum & Petrochemical Engineering Journal, 3(3), 1-13, 2019.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, D. Krishnaiah, M. Madsah, Effect of various polymeric crystal modifiers and solvents formulations on the prevention of wax and asphaltene formation in crude oil pipelines, Petroleum & Petrochemical Engineering Journal, 3 (2), 1-10, 2019.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, Sariah Abang, D Krishnaiah, Azlan N.A. Removal of used motor oil from water body using modified commercial activated carbon, Malaysian Journal of Chemistry, 21 (1) 36-46, 2019.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, Sariah Abang, Duduku Krishnaiah, M.A.R. Razlan, Adsorptive desulfurization of model fuel by activated oil palm shell, Indian Journal of Chemical Technology, 24, 206-212, 2017.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, Collin G. Joseph, D. Krishnaiah, A. Bono, E. Suali, S. Abang, L.M. Fai, Removal of chlorinated phenol from aqueous media by guava seed (Psidium guajava) tailored activated carbon, Water Resources and Industry, 16, 29-36, 2016.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, A Bono, D Krishnaiah, YZ Tan, A study on dynamic simulation of phenol adsorption in activated carbon packed bed column, Journal of King Saud University-Engineering Sciences, 28 (1), 47-55, 2016.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, C.G. Joseph, Y. H. Taufiq-Yap, D. Krishnaiah, V. V. Tay, Modification of commercial activated carbon for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from simulated wastewater, Journal of King Saud University- Sciences, 27 (4), 318–330, 2015.
- S. M. Anisuzzaman, Collin G. Joseph, W M A W Daud, Duduku Krishnaiah, Ho Sie Yee, Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from Typha orientalis leaves, International Journal of Industrial Chemistry, 6 (1), 9-21, 2015.
Orcid address: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6555-1768
Scopus ID: 55444058500
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sm-Anisuzzaman
Member: Ts Dr Maizura Ismail
Expertise: Membrane, Nanomaterials, Composite Materials
Focus:
- Wastewater treatment and gas separation
- Surface functionalization of inorganic filler and material characterizations
- Mixed matrix membrane, ceramics fabrication
Selected Publications:
- N.A. Arjuna, N. M. Ismail, S. M. Anisuzzaman, R. F. Mansa, Murni Sundang, Akhtar Razul Razali (2024). Investigations on the effect of halloysite nanotubes loading on the physicochemical properties of cellulose acetate/polysulfone asymmetric membrane. Express Polymer Letters, 19 (4): 441-454. DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.32
- X. Zeng, C.S. Sipaut, N.M. Ismail, Y. Liu, Y.Y. Farm, J. He (2024). Mechanical properties and biological activity of 3D printed silicon nitride materials. Ceramics International, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.02.041.
- C-K. Chiam, A. Darmarajoo, Z. Kamin, N.M. Ismail, R. Sarbatly (2024). Coalescence of stable oil/water emulsion through microporous polyvinylidene fluoride membranes, Chemical Engineering Communications, 211 (3): 388-399. https://doi.org/10.1080/00986445.2022.2081563
- D. Ginting, F. Perdana, R.F. Syahputra, N.M. Ismail (2023). Enhanced Performance of Solid Polymer Electrolyte Separator Lithium Battery with Cellulose Acetate from Empty Fruit Bunch Coated Al2O3 – Polyacrylic Acid. Jurnal Penelitian Fisika dan Aplikasinya, 13 (2): 160-173. DOI: 10.26740/jpfa.v13n2.p160-173
- J. Lamaming, S. Saalah, M. Rajin, N.M. Ismail, A.Z. Yaser (2022). A Review on Bamboo as an Adsorbent for Removal of Pollutants for Wastewater Treatment. International Journal of Chemical Engineering Volume 2022, Article ID 7218759, 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7218759
- S. Mulyati, S. Aprilia, S. Muchtar, Y. Syamsuddin, C.M. Rosnelly, M.R. Bilad, S. Samsuri, N.M. Ismail (2022). Fabrication of Polyvinylidene Difluoride Membrane with Enhanced Pore and Filtration Properties by Using Tannic Acid as an Additive. Polymers, 14 (1), 186. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010186
- T.S. Hung, M.R. Bilad, N. Shamsuddin, H. Suhaimi, N.M. Ismail, J. Jaafar, A.F. Ismail (2022). Confounding Effect of Wetting, Compaction, and Fouling in an Ultra-Low-Pressure Membrane Filtration: A Review. Polymers, 14 (10), 2073. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102073
- N.M. Ismail, N.N. Safie, M. Subramaniam, N.S. Junaidi, A.Z. Yaser (2022). Comparison Between Fresh and Degraded Biochar for Ammonium Ion (NH4+) Removal from Wastewater. Waste Management, Processing and Valorisation, 119-133. DOI:10.1007/978-981-16-7653-6_7
- A. Gunasakaran, J. Jafa, S. Saalah, C.S. Sipaut, N. Yusof, F. Aziz, A.F. Ismail, M.R. Bilad, N.Y. Yahya, N.M. Ismail (2021). Activated carbon and halloysite nanotubes membrane for CO2 and CH4 separation. IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng. 1142 012012. DOI 10.1088/1757-899X/1142/1/012012
- N. M. Ismail, A. F. Ismail, A. Mustafa, A. Z. Yaser, N. A. H. M. Nordin (2021). Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/CH4 Separation with Natural Clay Cloisite15A® Modified with 3-Aminopropyltryethoxysilane as a Coupling Agent. Green Materials and Environmental Chemistry, 1-28.
Collaborators:
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies, University Brunei Darussalam
- Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang
- Chemical Enginering Dept, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Patent:
Patent Filing (Application No:PI2024002052) Title: Design, Processing & Production Plant of Indigo Denim Dye Fixing Agent.
Orcid address: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4469-0993
Scopus ID: 57215831400
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Noor-Ismail-5?ev=hdr_xprf
Member: Pn Murni Sundang
Expertise: Polyurethane foam, Sustainable Materials
Focus:
- Development of biobased polyurethane foam using vegetable oil-derived polyols
Selected Publications:
- Synthesis of Jatropha-Oil-Based Polyester Polyol as Sustainable Biobased Material for Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersion. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183715
Left: Raw cattail leaf x1000 magnification
Right: Activated carbon cattail leaf x1000 magnification
