CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
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Photoreforming for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Dr Estee Yong Senior Lecturer PhD , CEng , MIChemE , PEng Research expertise : Catalysis , Reaction Engineering , Photocatalysis , Photoreforming , Energy Materials E : estee . yong @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 6241
Photoreforming is an emerging and promising technology in harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen as well as value-added by-products including formaldehyde , formic acid , and methyl formate . Organic substrates for example methanol , with availability from industrial waste streams allows the potential collaboration of photoreforming plants with relevant waste treatment facilities . My research team focuses on rational design of novel photocatalysts and the fundamental reaction mechanism . My projects have been supported by government grants , such as eScience Fund by MOSTI , and FRGS by MOHE .
Reaction pathways and intermediates for photoreforming .
Waste to Wealth and Critical Metals Sustainability
Dr Saman Ilankoon Senior Lecturer PhD , DIC , Fellow ( IOM3 , London ), CEng ( UK )
Research expertise : E-waste management , E-waste recycling , Metal extraction from low-grade resources , Critical metals and minerals processing , Sustainability , Plastic recycling , Carbon capture
E : saman . ilankoon @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 9640
Waste , critical metals , and sustainability are interconnected facets shaping our environmental future . Critical metals are employed in electric vehicles , wind turbines , and solar panels , targeting energy transition . However , their scarcity raises concerns about sustainable resource management . The available natural resources are low-grade and require improved processing pathways to fulfil critical metal demands and diversify supply chains . The other aspect is the accumulation of secondary resources , demonstrated by the exponential rise in electronic ( e-waste ) and plastic waste that poses a looming threat to ecosystems . Striking a balance between natural resources , technological innovation , and responsible
consumption is pivotal for global sustainability . Niche recycling initiatives , eco-friendly designs , and circular economy models are crucial in mitigating the environmental impact .
As we navigate the intersection of waste , critical metals , and sustainability , fostering a conscientious approach becomes imperative for a resilient and harmonious planet .
Interaction between e-waste , mining and minerals processing targeting coprocessing of e-waste
RESEARCHER PROFILE 2025 / 2026