Doha: Qatar University (QU) recently conducted a research project which focused on the oil/water separation properties by developed polymer nanocomposite membranes containing specialized nanomaterials that can resist the biofouling.
Due to the significance of this research in the industrial sector, it was highlighted by a feature in the Nature Middle East, which is a comprehensive portal for information on scientific and medical research in the Middle East.
This project is a rewarding experience that allowed Qatar University - Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) - researchers to put their theoretical research into a live environment with industrial partners to find solutions that overcome their challenges.
Specifically, the project came to success with the collaboration with research teams from the University of Houston (UH), the United States, and the Global Water Sustainability Center, ConocoPhillips, Qatar (GWSC, ConocoPhillips).
A Master Student of Qatar University, Ali El-Samak, conducted this research work as part of his thesis.
El-Samak, (graduate assistant program in materials science and technology program), under the guidance of a team of Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Dr. Mohammad K Hassan (from QU), Prof. Alamgir Karim (UH), and Dr. Samer Adham (GWSC, ConocoPhillips), was able to present this work in a nanomaterial conference in the Netherlands and an international water and energy nexus conference in Qatar.
Additionally, this work has earned the researcher the Outstanding Thesis Award by the College of Arts and Sciences.
This project is funded by the Qatar University Graduate Assistant Research programme and by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
Details of this study can be accessed via: https://www.natureasia.com/en/nmiddleeast/article/10.1038/nmiddleeast.2021.29
