Dr Hasliza Bahruji
hasliza.bahruji@ubd.edu.bn
Currently Assistant Professor in Centre of Advanced Materials and Energy Science, CAMES, UBD. I was previously a Research Associate for environmental catalysis in UK Catalysis Hub, 2013-2018; Postdoctoral researcher in Cardiff Catalysis Institute, 2012-2018; Lecturer, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 2005-2008; Visiting Scientist, Catalysis Research Centre, Hokkaido University, 2004.
EDUCATION
PhD Cardiff University
MSc Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
BSc Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Research interest
Interested in using catalysis for environmental benefits and find a crossover between pollution remediation and sustainable energy production. CO2 hydrogenation is an example to utilise pollutant into a value added products. A major central point of my research is the synthesis and development of multifunctional catalyst that is based on synthesis of nanoparticles and development of solid acid catalysts. On a more fundamental level, I am also have a deep interest in using in-situ spectroscopy technique (EXAFS, XRD, FTIR) to understand interactions between metal nanoparticles and metal oxide support that can act as active sites that drive catalytic reactions.
Development of multifunctional catalysts
The development of multifunctional catalyst is based on controlling nanoparticles deposition to gain specific catalytic applications for more feasible correlation with catalytic evaluations. The synthesis is carried out based on colloidal deposition, chemical vapour impregnation, photochemical and electrochemical reductions. As for solid catalysts, material such as zeolites and mesoporous materials offer exciting opportunity to tune the acidity and to tailor surface functionality and pores design to accommodate desired catalytic reaction.
CO2 hydrogenation to fuels
Since the invention of first steam engine in 1698, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased because of the consumption of carbon fossil as the source of energy, and this contributes into many environmental problem including global warming. CO2 utilisation covering every aspect of the conversion of CO2 to value added products particularly involving catalysts development. CO2 activation at mild reaction conditions requires bifunctional catalyst that allows hydrogenation of CO2 into methanol and subsequently convert methanol into higher hydrocarbons. Incorporating CO2 hydrogenation catalyst inside the cavity of solid acid support will generate close interaction that allow higher CO2 conversion
Photocatalytic water splitting
The project determined to develop a solar powered hydrogen generation from water splitting reaction with emphasis on generating novel materials and new understandings of photocatalytic materials and processes. TiO2 is still an ideal semiconductor, using a combination of nanotechnology to optimise the nanostructured and improving the efficiency with noble metal doping to enable potential solutions towards a working operations in the field
FUTURE PROJECTS
CO2 utilisation to value added products
This project aimed to utilize CO2 for production of value added products and as carbon feedstock for biofuels synthesis. The research will focus on key challenges in catalysts design and catalytic reaction. Student will be exposed to the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts using impregnation method and deposition precipitation method. Catalytic reaction will be carried out using gas flow reactor at different temperature and pressure. Student also will have opportunities to collaborate with university in Malaysia, Indonesia and UK to carry out experiments and catalysts characterisation.
Applications Invited
PhD MSc
Photocatalysis reforming of biofuels
This project will focus on designing and modification of semiconductor for photocatalytic reforming of biofuels mainly for the production of hydrogen gas. Student will be exposed towards synthesis and characterization of metal nanoparticles on semiconductor supports, and also second generations semiconductor. Student also will be exposed on instrumental analysis, XRD, N2 adsorption, SEM, and solar mediated photocatalytic reactor.
Applications Invited
PhD MSc
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
1. Bahruji, H.et al. 2018. Hydrogenation of CO2 to dimethyl ether over brønsted acidic PdZn catalysts. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 57(20), pp. 6821-6829. (10.1021/acs.iecr.8b00230)
2. Kennedy, J.et al. 2018. Hydrogen generation by photocatalytic reforming of potential biofuels: polyols, cyclic alcohols and saccharides. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 356, pp. 451-456
3. Bahruji, H.et al. 2018. Solvent free synthesis of PdZn/TiO2 catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. Topics in Catalysis 61(3-4), pp. 144-153.
4. Parkes, R. J.et al. 2018. Rock-crushing derived hydrogen directly supports a methanogenic community: significance for the deep biosphere.. Environmental Microbiology Reports pdf
5. Bahruji, H.et al. 2017. PdZn catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol using chemical vapour impregnation (CVI). Faraday Discussions
TOP PUBLICATIONS
1. Bahruji, H.et al. 2016. Pd/ZnO catalysts for direct CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. Journal of Catalysis 343, pp. 133-146
2. Bahruji, H. et al. 2011. New insights into the mechanism of photocatalytic reforming on Pd/TiO2. Applied Catalysis B - Environmental 107(1-2), pp. 205-209.
3. Bahruji, H.et al. 2017. PdZn catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol using chemical vapour impregnation (CVI). Faraday Discussions, 309-324
4. Bahruji, H. et al. 2010. Sustainable H2 gas production by photocatalysis. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 216(2-3), pp. 115-118.
5. Bahruji, H. et al. 2015. Rutile TiO2-Pd photocatalysts for hydrogen gas production from methanol reforming. Topics in Catalysis 58(2-3), pp. 70-76.
GRANT DETAILS
CO2 utilisation to value added products - University Research Grant, 2019-2021