Projects

Title	PI	Status	Funding	Outcomes
Biocide properties of novel polyelectrolytes nanofilms	Dr. Mazen Khaled	Completed	CENT
Production of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) by using Gas/Solid Atomizer Chemical Vapor	Dr. Mo’taz Ali	Completed	CENT
Study of the Structural Properties and Hydrodesulfurization Activity of MoS₂ and Co/MoS₂ Catalysts Prepared by Laser Pyrolysis	Dr. Zain Yamani	End this semester	CENT
Development of High Performance CNTs and SiC Reinforced Metal Matrix Nanocomposites for Pistons Applications	Dr. Saheb Nouari	End this semester	CENT

Title	PI	Status	Funding
Production of Carbon Nanotubes by using a Vertical Orifice Chemical Vapor Deposition (VO-CVD) for Water Purifications and Polymerization of Polystyrene Nanocomposite	Dr. Mo’taz Ali	Running	NSTIP
Synthesis of Nanostructured ZnO and Development of sensing and biomedical applications	Prof. Nouar Tabet	Running	NSTIP
Applications Of Nanoscale Materials (Metal Oxides) Using Laser Induced Photo-Catalytic Process	Prof. M.A. Gondal	Running	NSTIP
Development of Metal-Oxide Zeolite Nanostructures for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Sulfide Detection	Dr. Zain Yamani	Running	NSTIP
Treatment of water contaminated with MTBE by Photo- TiO₂ system and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)	Dr. Bassam S Tawabini	Running	NSTIP
Effect Of Radiation Vulcanization And Conventional Vulcanization On The Mechanical And Physical Properties Natural Rubber/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite	Dr. Mo’taz Ali	Running	NSTIP
Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymer Nanoparticles for Cancer Cell Imaging.	Dr. N. Maalej	Running	NSTIP
Development of Point-of-Care Biosensors for Breast Cancer Diagnosis	Dr. Abdel-Nasser Kawde	Running	NSTIP

Title	PI	Status	Funding
Development of Carbon Nanotube-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Monitoring of Toxic Phenolic Contaminants in Petroleum Industrial Wastewater	Dr. Kawde	Approved	CENT
Development of Tin Oxide/ Tin Oxide Alloys Nano- Structured Materials for Gas Sensing and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production	Dr. Zain Yamani	Under pier-review	KAUST
Novel Hybrid Reservoir Nano-Agents for Enhanced Oil Recovery	Dr. Zain Yamani	Consortium, contract being drafted	S. Aramco

Proposed CENT projects to S. Aramco

Ø Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Ø Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

Ø Sub-quality gas Treatment (SQGT)

Ø Oil to Chemical (OTC)

Proposed CENT hosted projects KACST-NSTIP (3rd Cycle, submitted, October 2010)

Development of advanced and functional nano-structured mesoporous zeolites for hydrodesulphurization and other catalytic applications in petroleum and petrochemicals (Qamar)
Development of highly efficient visible-light-driven nanostructured materials for photocatalytic applications (Qamar)
Carbon Nanofibers Grown on 3-D Solid Structures for Applications in Energy-Related Catalysis (Oki)
Zeolite Nanosheets as a Materials Platform for Improved Refining Catalysts (Oki)
Development of nano-structured metal phosphides for ultra-clean fuel & fuel cell applications (Belabbes)
Development of Nitrogen-Modified CNTs as Pt-Free Catalysts for Fuel Cells (Belabbes)
Development and characterization of high surface area metal carbides modified mesoporous carbons and ceramics for clean fuel and catalysis applications (Belabbes)
Synthesis of Mesoporous and Microporous Metal-oxides Nanostructured Materials for Hydrocarbons and NOx Sensors (Ahsan)
Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Nanostructures for uptake of CO2 and Hydrogen Storage (Ahsan)
Comparative Study of Conversion of Carbon dioxide into high-value hydrocarbons using nano- structured materials by solar and laser irradiation (Gondal)
Activity of laser enhanced nano-structured oxides of tungsten, nickel, zinc, iron and titanium against Candida and Aspergillus (Gondal)
Photocatalytic Splitting of Water over mixed metal oxyhalides-based Catalyst using Laser Radiation (Gondal)
Lanthanide-doped oxide nanoparticles for Multi-modality Molecular Imaging Agents (Maalej)
Design of Smart Fluids for Acid Delivery in Well Stimulation Treatment (A. Sultan)
Electrochemical engineering of nano-structured materials for clean energy and energy conversion applications
Electrospinning of Semiconductor Metal-oxide and Polymer Nanofibres for Ultra-sensitive Amperometric Sensor

Project Details

Dr. Zain Yamani Projects

1. Title: Study of the Structural Properties and Hydrodesulfurization Activity of MoS₂ and Co/Ni/MoS₂ Catalysts Prepared by Laser Pyrolysis

Team:

i. PI- Dr. Zain Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

ii. co-I- Dr. Nouar Tabet: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/PHYS/natabet)

iii. co-I- Dr. Syed Ahmed Ali

iv. Collaborators from CEA-France

Status: on-going

Abstract: The objective of this project is to use laser pyrolysis to develop MoS₂ and Co/Ni/MoS₂ catalysts hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity for naphtha feedstock. The proposed project attempts to develop a highly active hydrotreating catalyst by a process that results in well-dispersed metal components at the nano-scale. Specifically, the proposed project will engineer and optimize the dispersion of MoS₂ and Co/Ni/MoS₂ nanostructures on alumina. The material will be characterized and evaluated as a novel hydrotreating catalyst having highly dispersed active metal component in the nanoparticles range (<50 nm). A Laser Pyrolysis system will be used to synthesize Mo-Co and/ or Ni-Co nanoparticles supported by alumina. Tests will also be carried out to impregnate nanostructured molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) with cobalt and/ or nickel nanoparticles. The prepared catalysts will be characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Electron Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS and TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The performance of prepared catalysts will be evaluated using a flow reactor system for naphtha hydrogen desulfurization (HDS) activity and their performance will be compared with commercially available reference catalysts.

Students: MSc. or Ph.D. students in chemistry or chemical engineering are invited to this project.

2. Title: Development of Metal-Oxide Zeolite Nanostructures for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Sulfide Detection

Team:

i- PI-Zain Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

ii- co-I-Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/ahsanulhaq)

iii- co-I-Qamar Azmi

iv- co-I-Nageh Allam

v- Consultant: professor Ishaque Khan

Status: on-going

Abstract: This project is centered around the development of metal-oxide zeolite nanostructures which will be synthesized by wet chemistry including hydrothermal synthesis and simple chemical approach followed by centrifugation and calcination. The properties of these metal-oxide materials will be modified depending on the ligands, preparation schemes, and treatments. Researchers will build up their knowledge and skills to optimize parameters in order to produce zeolites that are designed to be able to better detect hydrogen and hydrogen sulfide in terms of sensitivity, selectively and stability.

Different analytical and microscopic techniques (XRD-SAXS, XPS, in situ Raman, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, BET) will be used to characterize the material so as to relate the material structure and quality with its efficiency to perform under real testing conditions. The materials would then be redesigned for further improvement and optimization of the intended functions.

Broadly speaking, there are three objectives for this project. First, to train and build up competency in synthesis of metal-oxide zeolites. Second, to compliment the current efforts on campus and improve our campus potential to do research in the field of gas sensors including building up the infrastructure/ equipment needed for gas sensing applications. Third, the research team hopes to be able to create intellectual property from mastering the synthesis of these materials and their ability in sensing applications which will later develop our metal-oxide zeolite nanostructured materials into prototype devices.

We are very fortunate to have a world-expert in the field as our project consultant. This will jump-start the project as materials development often relates as much to skill and ‘art’ as it does to science and technology!

As for targeted end-users, they are industries that might use the developed materials technology to sense hydrogen and hydrogen sulfide leaks in the petroleum and petrochemical plants; they include Saudi Aramco up-stream and down-stream in addition to SABIC and other petrochemicals companies.

Students: MSc. and Ph.D students in physics, chemistry, environmental science and environmental engineering are invited to this project. MSc. in electrical engineering could also be considered.

3. Title: Nano Agents for Residual Oil Sensing

Team:

i- PI-Zain Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

ii- co-I-Rafil Basheer: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/rbasheer)

iii- co-I-Abdullah Al-Sultan

iv- co-I Abdullah Al-Sunaidi

v- Munir Nayfeh (University of Illinois)
vi- Noha Elhalawany (University of Illinois)
vii- Bahjat Hreish (NanoSi Advanced Technologies, Inc. USA)
viii- S.-Tung Yau (Cleveland State University)

Status: proposed; should start by June 2011

Abstract: Nanomaterials that can handle the harsh oil-reservoir environment of temperature, salinity and otherwise will be developed to act as markers and mimic molecular tracers in measuring residual oil saturation. Numerous chemical synthesis processes, including electrical anodization and polymeric encapsulation, will be used to fabricate the targeted materials. Characterization includes Dual Beam microscopy, spectrofluoremetry and micro-CT. The materials will be tested in core plugs, and eventually in real field testing.

The details of this project are currently confidential. E-mail the principle investigator for further correspondence.

Students: MSc. and Ph.D. students in physics, chemistry, and petroleum engineering are invited to this project. MSc. in chemical engineering could also be considered.

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Dr. M. Qamar projects

1. Title: Development of Highly Efficient Visible-light-driven Mesoporous Nanostructured Materials for Photocatalytic Applications.

Status: submitted

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Mohammad Qamar: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/qamar)

ii- Co-I-Dr. Zain H. Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

iii- Co-I-Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Gondal: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/PHYS/magondal)

iv- Co-I-Dr. Belabbes Merzougui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

v- Co-I-Dr. Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/ahsanulhaq)

vi- Co-I-Dr. Abdullah Boudina

Summary:

This project proposal aims the development of nanostructured visible-light-responsive catalysts for photocatalytic applications including remediation of water hazards and selective photochemical oxidation of organic functional groups. The main purpose of these developments is to shift the optical absorption of TiO₂ from UV to visible region. These nanomaterials will be further modified with noble metals in order to retard the electron-hole pair recombination. Sol-gel, hydrothermal/solvothermal, microwave etc synthesis methods will be adopted to develop these nanostructured catalysts. Standard techniques, such as TEM, FESEM, XPS, XRD, EPR, BET, and DR-UV-vis and so on, will be employed to characterize these nanomaterials.

The photocatalytic activity of catalysts will be evaluated by studying the removal of water pollutants such as dyes and priority organic pollutants. The activity and selectivity of the catalysts will also be investigated under visible light irradiation by studying the photo-induced oxidation of few representative alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds (aldehydes, carboxylic acids and ketones), which are amongst the most important transformations in organic synthesis.

Duration: 2 years

Students: Looking for MS and PhD students who can work on this project.

2. Title: Development of Advanced and Functional Nanostructured Mesoporous Zeolites for Hydrodesulphurization and Other Catalytic Applications in Petroleum and Petrochemicals.

Status: submitted

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Mohammad Qamar: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/qamar)

ii- Co-I-Dr. Zain H. Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

iii- Co-I-Dr. Oki Muraza: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/omuraza)

iv- Co-I-Dr. Rafil Basheer: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/rbasheer)

v- Co-I-Dr. Abdullah Boudina

vi- Co-I-Dr. Mohammad Nahid Siddiqui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHEM/mnahid)

Summary: This project proposal aims the development of mainstay zeolites (ZSM, Zeolite-Y) with discrete crystal sizes in the nanometer range consisted of mesoporous structure for a variety of core catalytic reactions, such as hydrodesulfurization (HDS), fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), alkylation, and isomerization, involved in the oil and petrochemical industries. These nanocrystalline mesoporous zeolites will be further modified with low loadings of noble metals, such as Pt, Pd or both, and metal chalcogenides, such as MoS2 promoted with Co and Ni, and will be applied in the above mentioned catalytic reactions. In general, the factors or conditions that have prominent effect on the structure and the activity of the resulting catalysts will be investigated. The characterization of the nanomaterials will carried out employing standard techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Brauner-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, Nitrogen Adsorption-Desorption Isotherm, Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP), Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and so on.

The catalytic activity of zeolite catalysts will be tested by studying the representative type of catalytic reactions, such as the HDS reactions of thiophene derivatives (namely benzothiophene and 4,6 dimethyl dibenzothiphene), FCC (cracking of n-dodecane and/or 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene), alkylation (benzene and/or toluene) and isomerization (xylene and/or trimethyl benzene), in an autoclave batch reactor under optimized reaction conditions. The resulting catalytic activity of synthesized zeolites will be compared with that of Al2O3 or Al2O3 modified with metal chalcogenides which is currently being used as a standard catalyst in a number of processes involved in refinery industries.

Duration: 2 years

Students: Looking for MS and PhD students who can work on this project.

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Dr. Belabbes Merzougui Projects

We have submitted two proposals for NSTIP funds. And they are:

1. Title: Development of Nitrogen Modified CNTs as Pt-Free Catalyst for Fuel Cell Applications

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Belabbes Merzougui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

ii- Co-I- Dr. Muataz Ali Atieh: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/che/motazali)

iii- Co-I- Dr. Tahar Laoui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/ME/tlaoui)

iv- Co-I- Dr. Abdellah Boudina

v- Co-I- Dr. Oki Muraza: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/omuraza)

Abstract:

The project aims to develop a Pt-free catalyst for fuel cell applications based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs). This will help reduce significantly the cost associated with the use of the precious metal (platinum) in the current fuel cell electrodes. Well aligned nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) will be synthesized by injection chemical vapor deposition (I-CVD) method. This involves the pyrolysis of toluene-nitrogen source and ferrocene mixture. The CVD parameters (hydrogen flow rate, reaction time, reaction temperature and ammonia flow rate) will be studied.

To increase the percentage of doped nitrogen atoms on the surface of CNTs, different types of nitrogen sources will be used during the growth of CNTs. Transition metals such as iron nanocatalyst will be impregnated on the surface of nitrogen doped CNTs by using wet impregnation method. Different percentages of the transition metal will be impregnated on the surface of the N-CNTs to identify the optimum load that increases efficiently the proton exchange.

N-CNTs and N-CNTs impregnated with transition metal nanoparticles will be characterized by various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), solid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the size and structure morphology. Raman and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) can be also used for obtaining more details on the surface adsorption and degradation mechanisms

Various testing techniques will be used to evaluate the catalytic properties of N-CNTs (before and after doping) as a fuel cell catalyst. Techniques like the rotating disc electrode with thin film, gas diffusion electrode, and pellet electrode will be employed using a three-electrode cell. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and durability will be evaluated and compared to conventional catalysts.

2. Title: Development of Nano-Structured Metal Phosphides for Ultra-Clean Fuels and Fuel Cells Applications

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Belabbes Merzougui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

ii- Co-I- Dr. Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/ahsanulhaq)

iii- Co-I- Dr. Nouar Tabet: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/PHYS/natabet)

iv- Co-I- Dr. Zain Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

v- Co-I- Dr. Khaled Hooshani: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/chem/hooshani)

vi- Co-I- Dr. Mohammad Qamar: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/qamar)

Abstract:

In this project, we aim to develop and characterize novel nano-structured metal phosphides (MPs) materials, highly dispersed on high surface area supports, such as carbon, ceramics, and carbon-ceramics composites. To achieve this goal, we will be focusing on tow methods: (i) hydro/solvo-thermal with selected capping agents and, (ii) an electrochemical route using a specific bath composition that contains phosphorus sources and directing agents.

In particular, as Ni₂P has already shown an exceptional activity towards the HDS, during this project we will develop such material in a controlled structure and supported on high surface areas carbon and ceramic materials.

The developed MPs materials will be then characterized by spectroscopic techniques, such as XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM in order to determine their phases, structures and dispersion on different supports

As for applications, we intend to use MPs materials as catalysts for ultra-cleaning of fuels, in particular removal of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds. Their activity and stability against HDS will be compared to those of conventional catalysts, such as metal sulfides, MoS, NiMoS, and CoMoS.

Also, the optimized MPs will be tested as fuel cells catalysts in the perspective to reduce the high cost associated with the usage of noble metals (Pt). In this regard, the activity for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction will be investigated in acidic environment with a three-electrode cell technique

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Dr. Oki Muraza Projects

We have submitted two proposals for NSTIP funds as follows:

1. Title: Zeolite Nanosheets as a Materials Platform for Improved Refining Catalysts

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Oki Muraza ( http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/omuraza )

ii- Co-I- Dr. Zain H. Yamani (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

iii- Co-I- Dr. Belabbes Merzougui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

iv- Co-I- Dr. M. Qamar: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/qamar)

v- Co-I- Dr. Rafil Basheer: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/rbasheer)

vi- Consultants: Prof. Tatsuya Okubo (http://www.zeolite.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp) - University of Tokyo, Japan and Prof. Ryong Ryoo (http://rryoo.kaist.ac.kr/) - KAIST, South Korea

Abstract:

Zeolite-based materials or porous nanocrystalline aluminosilicates, as one important nanoporous material family, are highly used as catalysts and sorbents in refinery and petrochemicals industry due to their shape-selective property, availability of acid sites and hydrothermal stability. The internal mass-transfer limitation problem in microporous zeolites has stimulated many research institutes (i) to synthesize thinner zeolite crystals to shorten diffusion path lengths and (ii) to develop new generation of extra large zeolites those have mesopores (2-50 nm). The thinner the zeolite dimension the easier for reactant molecules to diffuse into the zeolite structure and consequently product molecules can also diffuse out quickly. The smaller crystal size will improve catalyst effectiveness and facilitate faster diffusion and it will reduce pore blocking and coke deposition in zeolites. Thin sheets have larger external surface area which improves the availability and accessibility of catalytic active sites.

The objective of this study is to develop and to characterize zeolite nanosheets and nanocrystalline zeolites and their applications as building block to prepare better catalysts for refining and petrochemicals. Nanosheets of zeolites can be directly used as catalysts or these materials can also be used as precursors or material platforms to synthesize mesostructured zeolites by hierarchically nanomanufacturing through pillaring the nanosheet. The acidic zeolite nanosheet catalysts are expected to be more robust catalysts and better resistance to coke deposition in typical catalytic cracking and in other prominent hydrocarbon conversion processes where shorter diffusion path is essential. The better accessibility to acid sites in catalytic cracking will also control the selectivity of products.

Duration: 2 years

Students: MSc. and Ph.D. students are invited to this project.

2. Title: Carbon Nanofibers Grown on 3-D Solid Structures for Applications in Energy-Related Catalysis

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Oki Muraza ( http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/omuraza )

ii- Co-I- Dr. Belabbes Merzougui: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

iii- Co-I- Dr. Zain Yamani (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

iv- Co-I- Dr. Abdellah Boudina

v- Co-I- Dr. Muataz Atieh ( http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/motazali )

vi- Consultants: Prof. Cuong Pham Huu ( http://www-lmspc.u-strasbg.fr ) - CNRS, France) and Prof. Jaap C. Schouten ( http://www.chem.tue.nl ) - TU Eindhoven, the Netherlands

Abstract:

The application of structured catalysts and reactors in intensified chemical processes requires new techniques to incorporate catalytically active layers onto their structured supports. The catalyst incorporation is the critical variable in improving performance of a structured reactor. These catalytic active layers prevent high pressure drop, enhance catalyst accessibility and eliminate mass transfer limitations. In order to improve material loading into thin support layers as structured catalysts, high surface area materials are required to allow high loading and incorporation of highly active nanoparticles. The high surface area of the support could also prevent the metal sintering during the course of the reaction. Nanostructured carbon materials such as carbon nanofibers are promising graphitic catalysts and catalysts supports for wide applications in energy-related catalysis.

The objective of this work is develop carbon nanostructures grown on 3D solid substrates (viz. solid foams, monoliths, or honeycombs) and to apply the functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNF) as better catalysts in energy-related catalysis. Several approaches for deposition of nanoparticles or mesoporous thin films on solid foams for carbon nanofiber growth will be studied. Thicker and uniform nanofiber layers are targeted.

Duration: 2 years

Students: MSc. and Ph.D. students are invited to this project.

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Dr. Ahsanulhaq Qurashi

1. Title: Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Nanostructures for uptake and storage of Carbon dioxide

Team:

i- PI- Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/ahsanulhaq)

ii- Co-I- Dr. Belabbes Marzougi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/belabbes)

iii- Co- I- Dr. Nisarullah: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/chem/nullah)

iv- Co-I- Dr. Zain Hassan Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

v- Co-I- Dr. Oki Muraza: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CHE/omuraza)

vi- Co-I- Dr. Rafil Basheer: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/rbasheer)

Status: submitted

Abstract: The technology of carbon dioxide capture is of great economic and environmental importance because of the leading role is being played by CO₂ in global warming, natural gas upgrading, hydrogen purification, and so on. The ordered structures, high thermal stability, adjustable chemical functionality and extra-high porosity of metal organic frameworks made them superior materials for CO₂storage. This project will be centered on the synthesis of stable and novel metal organic framework nanostructures (MOFNs) by introducing the suitable functionalities on the organic linker to attain a range of structural and porous attributes. The surface chemistry of the MOFNs will be improved depending on the choice of functional groups to enhance their properties. In this project great emphasis will be laid down on the synthesis of nanostructured MOFs. The size and morphology will have a great impact on the storage and uptake of carbon dioxide.

Students: MSc. or Ph.D. students in chemistry or chemical engineering are invited to this project.

2. Title: Development of Mesoporous Metal-oxide Nanostructured Materials for Effective Detection of Hydrocarbons and NOx

Team:

i- PI- Dr. Ahsanulhaq Qurashi: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/ahsanulhaq)

ii- Co-I- Dr. Zain Hassan Yamani: (http://www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/zhyamani)

iii- Co-I- Dr. Nouar Tabet: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/PHYS/natabet)

iv- Co-I- Dr. Mohammed Faiz: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/mmfaiz)

v- Co-I- Dr. Nabeel Maalej: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/phys/maalej)

vi- Co-I- Dr. Mohammed Qamar: (http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CENT/qamar)

Status: Submitted (NSTIP)

Abstract: This research proposal is focused on the development of mesoporous metal-oxide nanostructures which will be synthesized by supported and unsupported techniques via wet chemistry including hydrothermal synthesis and simple chemical approach followed by their separation and calcination. The surfaces of these porous metal-oxide nanostructures will be engineered depending on the materials, preparation techniques, and further treatments to enhance their overall sensing performance. Researchers will assemble their efforts to understand the efficient methods for the development of porous oxide nanostructures of high activity which can be used to effectively detect hydrocarbons and NOx gases with high sensitivity, selectively and stability. In this work, surface properties of mesoporous nanostructures will be enhanced by using bimetallic nanocrystals (Pt/Pd, Ni/Pt etc) to improve the sensor response and stability. Hydrocarbons and NOx are enormously relevant to the Kingdom’s Petroleum and other Industries.

Students: MSc. and Ph.D students in physics, chemistry, environmental science and environmental engineering are invited to this project. MSc. in electrical engineering could also be considered.

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