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Sustainable Energy & Water Technologies
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Dr Chong , Meng Nan Associate Professor B . Eng ( Hons . I ), PhD , CEng , MIChemE
Research expertise : Nanotechnology , Environmental photocatalysis , Sustainable water & energy Technology , Water resources management , Sustainability
E : chong . meng . nan @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 5680
A Way Forward for Solid Waste Management - Biorefinery
Dr Wu , Ta Yeong Associate Professor BEng ( Hons ), MEng , PhD , CEng , MIChemE
Research expertise : Biomass valorization , Biorefinery , Waste management , Waste reuse , Waste treatment
E : wu . ta . yeong @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 6258
Energy and water are the lifeblood of modern civilisation . In order to build a sustainable society for the future generations , we need to examine the ways we utilise these important resources while substituting them with renewable energy resources and reusing water on a ‘ fit-for-purpose ’ basis . My research group focuses mainly on a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the dwindling of these resources through ( 1 ) advanced nanotechnological solutions whereby water molecules are sustainably split to produce green hydrogen fuels as a renewable energy vector ; ( 2 ) innovative decentralised water systems to promote cost-effective water reuse at residential and commercial buildings in Australia and Malaysia .
High reliance on crude oil for energy consumption results in the urgent need to explore and develop alternative renewable sources . One of the most promising routes which garners attention worldwide is biorefinery . The biorefinery concept is analogous to today ’ s petroleum refinery , but the former transforms biomass into various biofuels and value-added bioproducts . However , the efficient transformation is usually hindered by the recalcitrant structure of the biomass . Thus , many pretreatment technologies have been developed to overcome the recalcitrance of lignocellulose such that the components can be re-utilized more efficiently to enhance biorefinery .
Currently , we have a number of ongoing projects with collaborators throughout the world , particularly from University College London , Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Germany , AEERL at University of Ulsan South Korea , LEE at University of the Philippines , CWRM at UniSA Australia and others . Our projects are funded by MOSTI eScience , FRGS ( MOHE ), Royal Society of UK , the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund and other industry partners .
Our research mainly focuses on developing and improving novel methods to transform lignocellulosic solid wastes into value-added bioproducts by incorporating different mechanical , chemical , and biological pretreatments . One of the latest projects involves the development of green solvent in a delignification process . Further investigation is needed to ensure the economic viability of bioconversion . The projects are funded by LRGS and FRGS ( MOHE ) with strong research collaborations with other local and international universities .
Pt electrode
SO4 .•
Cellulose
FTO
Reduction Oxidation eRGO Oxidation
Hemicellulose
eRGO-hematite nanocomposite
Fabrication of hybrid reduced graphene oxide-semiconductor photoanode for solar hydrogen fuel conversion through photoelectrochemical water splitting process
A hybrid decentralised rainwatergreywater treatment system for sustainable water resources management
Lignin
Cu 2 + + S2O8 2 .
HO •
SO4 .• + H2O
Cu 3 +
Pretreated OPF
SO4 .•
Proposed mechanism for the synergistic action of hydroxyl / sulfate radicals and inorganic salt during the pretreatment of oil palm fronds
Formation of green solvent which is used in a delignification process
R E S E A R C H E R P R O F I L E 2022 / 2023