Research in the Chemical

Chemical Engineering is a major discipline in the college of Engineering given its importance in the hydrocarbon and environment sectors of the economy. Research activities in the Department of Chemical Engineering are in line with the areas of priorities in the college of engineering which in turn aligned its priorities alongside Qatar National Priorities in research. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, efficient use of natural resources, sustainable development and a move towards a knowledge based economy, the department of chemical engineering is aspiring to become a regional hub of excellence in research in that supports the local economy and community. Indeed, the department of chemical engineering supports the development of the state of Qatar as a modern society that is moving towards sustainable development to attain economic, environmental and social progress. To achieve our goals of sustainable development, our department works more closely with local industries, governmental agencies and policy makers. Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering covers a broad range of expertise. We also collaborate extensively with educational establishments around the World in USA, Europe, Australia, and other Gulf and Arabic countries.  Recent and current research projects include desalination and water treatment, CO2 sequestration, composite materials and corrosion, thermo-physical properties, membrane separation processes, process control, gas processing technology amongst many others. All these topics represent highly challenging technical and scientific problems that must be addressed if we are to move to a carbon neutral and a more sustainable future.

The Department of Chemical engineering has an outstanding group of faculty members whose interests span both traditional and emerging areas of research in chemical engineering. The faculty members in the department are involved in multidisciplinary research centers like the Gas Processing Center and the Materials Technology Unit. Our research and teaching programs are enriched by a program of research seminars and visiting scholars.

Research projects in the Department are funded from various sources, including university internal grants, local industry, and Qatar Foundation (through NPRP, UREP and YSREP Programs). In the last three year the department was able to secure significant funds from external grants with more than 14 million US$. 

We actively promote translation of our research into our undergraduate teaching, with all students in the 4th year undertaking the two semesters, research-based course of Graduation Project. Such projects are ideal for testing novel ideas and solving open ended challenging problems, and several of these projects are undertaken in collaboration with industry or funded by university student grants. Other students in the department have also the chance to get research experience through the undergraduate research program funded by Qatar Foundation (UREP). More than 30 students were able to have this research experience in the last three years.

The interests of our faculty members are described in the following Table as well as their personal websites. Those who are interested in more detailed information are encouraged to correspond directly with individual faculty members.

Research Clusters Interests & Highlight of Recent Research Activities:

Gas Processing Research Cluster

Research Interests

•         Acid & Sour gas capture with novel solvents
  
•         Dry reforming
•         Gas Gas Separations by Adsorption/Membrane Processes
•         Methane storage in mass quantities via hydrates
•         Flow assurance – mitigation of gas hydrates
•         Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
•         Helium separation from Natural gas

Advanced Materials Research Cluster

Research Interests

•         Synthesis & Characterization
•         Functionalization & Processing
•         Applications in Separations
•         Applications in Structures
•         Applications in Energy and Energy Storage
•         Applications in Catalysis
•         Dry reforming of Natural Gas

Reaction and Catalysis Research Cluster

Research Interests

•         Water gas shift, Catalytic conversion of CO2
•         NOx reduction, Hydrogen production (fuel cell)
•         Solar Thermal Processes
•         Catalyst design, nanoparticle synthesis
•         GTL technology, Biomass conversion
•         Renewable Energy Technologies, Fuel Cells, Energy storage
•         Electrocatalysis, photocatalytic oxidation
•         Desalination, Wastewater treatment

Water and Waste Management Research Cluster

Research Interests

•         Novel Products, Adsorbents & Membranes
•         Biological Treatment
•         Desalination and environment al Impacts
•         Membrane Technology (MF, UF, RO, FO, MD, MBR)
•         Industrial, Refinery, Produced Wastewater Treatment
•         Modelling and Simulation