Centre for Sustainable Engineering

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Academic Members

Dr Paul Balcombe MEng, PhD, CEng, MIChemE, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy Specialises in developing unique technology-specific, probabilistic emissions/cost modelling of energy supply chains, particularly relating to methane emissions from natural gas, as well as hydrogen and ammonia supply chains.  p.balcombe@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Sir Harry Bhadeshia FRS FREng FIMMM Professor of Metallurgy I work on the theory of solid-state phase transformations with emphasis on the prediction and verification of structural development in complex metallic alloys, particularly multicomponent steels. Theory for the interaction of hydrogen with iron and its compounds. Subjects covered: physical and chemical metallurgy, steels, phase transformations, mathematical modelling, design of alloys, materials algorithms. Development of freely available teaching resources in metallurgy.  h.bhadeshia@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Edo Boek PhD Reader in Chemical Engineering Research in the group of Dr Edo Boek focuses on sustainable energy and earth resources engineering. Our group investigates novel technologies to help solve the Energy Trilemma, including 1) sustainable drinking water treatment, e.g. PFAS ("forever chemicals") remediation, using fluidised / granular bed reactors and image analysis; 2) separation and harvesting of nutritionals, biofuels and pharmaceuticals from cultivated micro-algal suspensions; 3) Geothermal Energy Engineering, incl. development of sustainable and HTHP stable colloidal drilling fluids; 4) smart design of carbon materials for electrochemical devices, including Redox Flow Batteries, using Molecular Dynamics simulations, pore-scale imaging and reactive multi-phase flow modelling.  +44 (0)20 7882 2964      e.boek@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Joe Briscoe MSci (Hons), PhD, FHEA, CSci, MIMMM, MInstP Professor of Energy Materials and Devices My group's research is focused on the use of thin films and nanostructured materials for renewable energy applications, including: semiconductor photocatalysts, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) & solar fuels; photovoltaic devices; ferroelectrics for solar energy conversion; piezoelectric energy harvesting. We have a particular interest in the use of polar (ferroelectric & piezoelectric) materials and nanomaterials in these devices with expertise in solution-based synthesis of materials, material characterisation and device fabrication and testing, including flexible devices.  +44 (0)20 7882 3552      j.briscoe@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Annalisa Bruno Visiting Professor  a.bruno@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Buchan BSc MSc PhD Senior Lecturer in Engineering Science I design numerical models for predicting the behaviour and understanding the uncertainties in the operation of nuclear reactor cores and other nuclear processing facilities. In particular I develop mathematical models to accurately predict neutron and gamma transport within nuclear reactors, and couple these to thermal hydraulic codes that model coolant flows and heat transfer within a core. I am particularly interested in analysing both current nuclear reactors as well as those due to be built within the UK in the coming years, in particular the boiling water reactors, small water reactors. I am also heavily involved in the design of new mathematical models that predict the progression/state of a nuclear reactor's core in the event of severe accident scenarios.  +44 (0)20 7882 6087      a.buchan@qmul.ac.uk

Prof James Busfield FREng, MA, PhD, CEng, FIMMM, FHEA Professor of Materials Examining the physical behaviour by experiment and modelling techniques of soft matter such as elastomers and rubber materials. Properties of interest include abrasion, friction, fracture, creep, fatigue, viscoelastic behaviour, modulus enhancement, self healing, recycling, ageing and composite filler reinforcement. Developing smart soft materials that can sense their environment and soft actuating materials that can change shape in response to a physical stimulus.  j.busfield@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Andy Bushby BSc(Eng), PhD, FIMMM, FRMS, MInstPhys Professor of Materials Science Understanding how materials are stronger when at small size scales: This behaviour is being commercialised in the spin-out company 'Ultima Forma' in advanced engineering applications such as the protection of composites from harsh environments such as heat and erosion damage, and containment of hydrogen for clean energy and zero carbon transport. Materials characterisation: such as micromechanical testing and 3D electron microscopy.  a.j.bushby@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra PhD, MRSC, MMRS Lecturer in Green Energy The overarching aim of my research is to make the manufacture of energy materials sustainable; from using renewable feedstocks to introducing compliance and self-regenerating properties to the materials and architectures to enhance their lifespan. My vision encompasses a material-agnostic, multi-length scale redesign (material, cell and device) to enable long-lasting battery components for the transition to a net-zero energy economy.  +44 (0)20 7882 3119      m.ribadeneyra@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Colin Crick PhD Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Research group leader in the development of Novel Functional Materials, focusing on the engineering of surface chemistry and morphology for targeted applications. This includes; water repellent materials, water purification, anti-biofouling and self-cleaning surfaces. Expertise encompasses a wide range of materials and coatings synthesis methodologies, advanced characterisation techniques, and performance benchmarking. Dr Crick works closely with a range of commercial and academic partners to target real-world impact.  +44 (0)20 7882 6886      c.crick@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Patrick Cullen MChem, PhD, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Renewable Energy My expertise is in synthesising scalably made nanomaterials and embedding them into energy devices for increased performance. These include devices such as Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. I also develop novel operando techniques for probe the materials in energy devices as they work. My work takes place in the lab at Queen Mary or at neutron or synchrotron X-ray sources such as ISIS and Diamond.  +44(0)20 7882 6596      p.cullen@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Flurin Eisner PhD, MSci Lecturer in Green Energy and Sustainable Engineering My main area of research is on organic-semiconductor based solar energy conversion devices, which can be dissolved in solution to form a solar ink that can be easily painted on substrates like plastic; for example to make low-cost and lightweight solar panels. My work involves trying to gain an increased understanding of the underlying physics of how they work in order to find ways to improve the performance of such materials and devices. My other interests also include other renewable technologies, such as producing green hydrogen by solar-powered water splitting.  f.eisner@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Oliver Fenwick MA MSci PhD FHEA MIMMM MIOP Reader in Materials Science Developing materials for electronic devices such as LEDs, transistors and thermoelectric generators. The materials include organic semiconductors, carbon materials and halide perovskites, as well as self-assembled monolayers for the control of interfaces in devices. I have a particular interest in thermal measurements, controlling nanoscale morphology and self-assembly to tune functional properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 3150      o.fenwick@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Salvatore Grasso PhD, MSc, FHEA, MIMMM Senior Lecturer in Ceramics His current research is around the use of intense Electric (voltages up to 10kV and current up to 0.6 MA) and Magnetic fields (15 Tesla) to develop novel processing techniques to design unprecedented materials properties. Multi fields assisted processing is a key component of his current research vision. The focus is on ceramic materials, including textured ceramics, battery materials, thermoelectrics and transparent oxides. Low energy processing and sustainability are key aspects of his research vision. He is currently Editor of the European Ceramic Society, Associate Editor of both the American ceramic society and International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. Keywords: Functional ceramics for energy: Fuel cells and solid state batteries Sustainable manufacturing: Ultra-fast high temperature sintering and Cold sintering Advanced material processing: Strong magnetic field alignment, Field Assisted Processing, Thermal shock synthesis  +44 (0)20 7882 2773      s.grasso@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Henri Huijberts MSc PhD(Twente, Netherlands) PFHEA CMath FIMA Professor of Engineering Science and Education Nonlinear control systems, nonlinear dynamics, chaos, synchronisation, robotics, engineering and mathematics education, educational leadership, digital education  +44 (0)20 78869      h.j.c.huijberts@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Sir Colin Humphreys CBE, FREng, FRS, BSc, MA, PhD, Hon DSc, FIMMM, FInstP, FCGI, Hon FRMS Professor of Materials Science Graphene and graphene electronic devices, from basic science through to manufacturable graphene devices. Advanced electron microscopy. Gallium nitride materials and devices, for example LEDs.  +44 (0)20 7882 3450      c.humphreys@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Ahmed Ismail BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA Lecturer in Fluid Dynamics My work focuses mainly on multiphase flow in micro-scale. This includes capillary jets, microdroplets and also electrohydrodynamics. The main objective of my research is to understand the physics in such small scale and then use this knowledge to develop different technologies . I use experimental tools such as high speed imaging, theoretical approaches such as dimensionless analysis and development of scaling laws, and numerical methods to tackle challenges that arise from industry in areas such as 2D printing, additive manufacturing and micro-encapsulation. Keywords: Electrospray, Direct Printing, Microfluidics, Drops & Bubbles, Microencapsulation, Capillary jet.  +44 (0)20 7882 6272      a.ismail@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Xi Jiang PhD, CEng, FIMechE, AFIChemE Professor of Mechanical Engineering The expertise of Prof Jiang is primarily in Energy/Environmental Engineering Applications, using Advanced Modelling/Simulation. The Applications include: Cleaner combustion utilisation of alternative and sustainable fuels; Combustion under extreme conditions; Geological carbon storage; Internal combustion engines and gas turbine combustors; Thermal management of batteries and computers/servers; Waste utilisation and management. The Modelling/Simulation techniques include: Big data analytics for energy utilisation applications; Digital Twin for marine engine decarbonisation / digitalisation; High-performance computing (HPC) for thermofluid applications; Large-eddy simulation / direct numerical simulation for fluid flow, heat transfer and combustion; Machine learning (with applications to fuel property and combustion emission predictions); Molecular dynamics simulation; (Multi-scale) modelling of flow in porous media; (Simplified) engineering modelling approach: 1D modelling of heat transfer applications.  +44 (0)20 7882 5009      xi.jiang@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Ana Jorge Sobrido PhD, MIMMM, FHEA Professor of Sustainable Energy Materials Prof Sobrido's research focuses in the development of new sustainable materials for energy storage and conversion applications. Her group develops new materials, mostly in the freestanding form, for devices including redox flow batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and water electrolysers. Some of the synthesis and processing techniques include electrospinning and 3D printing. Her group is also interested in developing materials for CO2 conversion and photoelectrochemical water splitting.  a.sobrido@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Nader Karimi BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA Reader in Mechanical Engineering My research is in the general area of thermofluids with an emphasis on Sustainable Energy and Fuels. This broadly includes investigations on climate-neutral fuels and thermal management of energy storage systems. Examples of the former involve a series of ongoing works on production and utilisation of hydrogen, biosyngas, ammonia and other e-fuels. The latter includes projects on thermal management of batteries and electrolysers with the aim of improving their performance. I also work on the optimisation of hybridised energy systems. Members of my research group conduct computational modelling (including data-driven approaches) and experimental studies at both fundamental and applied levels.  n.karimi@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Zhe Li MPhys, PhD, FHEA, FRSC Senior Lecturer The research of my group is focused on the development of high performnce, high stabiltiy and environmentally friendly solution processed semiconductors and devices for photovoltaic applications and beyond. We have a particular interest in understanding the materials structure-function-stability-exotoxicity relationships of solution processed organic, perovskite and quantum dot semiconductors and utilise such relationship to develop sustainable solar cells and other types of optoelectronic devices.  020 7882 6887      zhe.li@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Haibao Liu BEng, MEng, PhD, AFHEA, MRAeS, MIMMM Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering Dr Haibao Liu specialises in the experimental characterisation and damage prediction of composite materials for structure applications. His current focus is on developing high-fidelity experimental and numerical approaches to assess the performance of composite materials and structures under extreme conditions.  +44 (0)20 7882 8732      haibao.liu@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Andrew Livingston BEng(Hons) MSc(Economics) PhD CEng FIChemE FREng FRS Vice-Principal (Research) and Professor of Chemical Engineering Molecular Separations. Membrane fabrication, membrane characterisation, membrane transport processes, membrane process simulation. Chemical and biochemical processes. Synthesis of exact polymers, including oligonucleotide therapeutics, peptides, PEGs and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC). Membrane processes in organic systems. Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN). Defined monomer sequence synthetic polymers. Polymer therapeutics. Scale up of chemical processes. Scale up of membrane fabrication processes. Creation of new technology platforms for oligo synthesis, peptide synthesis, advanced ADC, PEGylation of biopharmaceuticals.  +44 (0)20 7882 3006      a.livingston@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Xuekun Lu BSc, PhD, AFHEA Lecturer in Green Energy My research group focuses on (1) revealing the interplay between 3D microstructure and the performance/failure mechanisms of the electrochemical energy devices (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells etc) across multiple spatial and temporal domains using correlative (in operando) characterisation techniques; (2) multiscale multiphysics modelling (continuum and 3D microstructure-resolved) of the mass transport and electrochemical performance at the electrode, device and system level; (3) developing scalable and sustainable engineering solutions to fabricate advanced electrodes with tunable microstructure to unlock the full potential of the energy, power density and cycle life of next-generation lithium-ion batteries.  xuekun.lu@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Jens-Dominik Mueller Dipl-Ing, MSc, PhD Reader in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Optimisation Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Biofluids, Shape Optimisation, Adjoint methods, Mesh adaptation, Sensitivity Analysis, Systems Engineering, Data-driven modelling  +44 (0)20 7882 5421      j.mueller@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Dimitrios Papageorgiou MSc, PhD, MIMMM Senior Lecturer in Materials Science My research interests lie in all aspects of the relationships between structure and multifunctional properties of polymers and composites. My work also explores the application of strain on nanomaterials and nanocomposites for the understanding of their deformation mechanisms, their intrinsic mechanical properties and their phase changes under strain. By incorporating concepts of materials science, physics, chemistry and biology, my research targets several technologies that will impact our society in the future such as high-performance nanocomposites, bio-based polymers and composites, energy generation and storage, sensitive sensors and actuators.  +44 (0)20 7882 2650      d.papageorgiou@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Jae-Hwan Park PhD, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Engineering Management National Strategy on Sustainable Development, Economic and Industry Strategy, Data Sharing Systems, Systems Innovation, Industry Transition, Regional Development, Technological Innovation, Digitalisation, Ecological Governance  jae-hwan.park@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Amin Paykani PhD, FHEA, CEng, MIMechE Lecturer in Sustainable Propulsion Systems Combustion engineering, Zero/low carbon fuels, low-order modelling, Machine learning, thermal management  a.paykani@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Nicola Pugno MSc PhD Professor of Materials Science Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics (including Fracture Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Tribology, Wettability, Adhesion, Scaling laws, etc.)  +44 (0)20 7882 6310      n.pugno@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Michael Reece BSc, PhD, PGCE, MIMMM, FECerS Professor of Functional Ceramics Processing and electromechanical properties of functional materials, including ferroelectrics, thermoelectrics and high entropy ceramics  m.j.reece@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Hasan Shaheed PhD (Sheffield), PGCAP (London), SFHEA, MIEEE, CEng, MIET, NTF Reader in Robotics and Renewable Energy Design, model developments, control and optimisation of autonomous, robotics and renewable energy systems using traditional, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches. Application areas include i) Aerial/ Solar Aerial robots for inspection/ monitoring, ii) Medical Robotics: Capsule robots for GI tract inspection, Surgical robotic retractor, iii) Assistive Technologies: prosthetics, elderly care robots, iv) Remote inspection/handling robots, v) Renewable Energy Systems: PV, Wind turbine, Pressure retarded osmosis, vi) Renewable energy-driven water treatment, vii) Expert systems. AI/ML approaches include deep learning, reinforcement learning neural networks, fuzzy logic, and biologically inspired optimisation techniques: GAs, Whale Optimisation, Grey Wolf Optimisation, etc.  +44 (0)20 7882 7520      m.h.shaheed@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Karen Shoop BA MSc PhD Senior Lecturer in Design  +44 (0)20 7882 8014      karen.shoop@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Radomir Slavchov BSc, MSc, PhD Lecturer in Chemical Engineering (i) Adsorption of surfactants and electrolytes; (ii) capillary shapes, capillary flows, wetting, biomechanics; (iii) theory of surface electric phenomena; (iv) chemical physics of mixtures, quadrupolar solvents, fuel chemistry; (v) combustion engines.  +44 (0)20 7882 8938      r.slavchov@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Stoyan Smoukov Professor of Chemical Engineering My interests and expertise are in growing material robotics - programming matter as inspired by nature, to produce microscopic micro-robots that are both multifunctional and autonomous. We are developing sustainable manufacturing methods for bottom-up assembly from molecules, using phase transitions in confined geometries, the artificial morphogenesis process we have discovered for producing regular geometric shapes. Our work spans experiments in colloids and interfaces, molecular dynamics simulation of phase transitions, drug delivery platforms, as well as studying the fundamentals of the origin of life.  +44 (0)20 7882 5305      s.smoukov@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Elizabeth Tanner OBE, FREng, FRSE, PhD (Hon Caus), MA, DPhil, FIMMM, FIMechE, FIPEM, CEng, CSci Bonfield Professor of Biomedical Materials My research interests are in the development, testing and use of biomaterials for bone and joint replacement. In particular composites of bioactive ceramics and polymers which can encourage bone ongrowth yet have sufficient mechanical properties to be used for load bearing applications. These are based on either non-degradable or degradable artificial or natural polymers depending on application. In parallel I have interests in the mechanical properties of bone and the effects of pathology on these properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 6785      k.e.tanner@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Roberto Volpe PhD Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering I design pyrolysis and gasification experiments to study the fundamental aspects of biomass thermal decomposition. My expertise ranges from the investigation of the pathways to thermo-chemical breakdown of solid biofuels to the synthesis of gaseous/liquid energy vectors and renewable carbon materials for catalysis and environmental applications such as water remediation.  +44 (0)20 7882 7748      r.volpe@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Sulafudin Vukusic BSc, MSc, PhD, PGCE Senior Lecturer in Materials Chemistry Polymer Science, Chemical Education, Engineering and Materials Education  +44 (0)20 7882 2963      s.vukusic@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Huasheng Wang BEng MSc PhD FHEA MInstR Professor of Thermofluids Engineering Dr Wang's research interests are in the areas of enhanced heat transfer, condensation, boiling, solid-liquid phase change heat transfer, measurement method, molecule dynamics simulation, multi-scale simulation, advanced refrigeration, sustainable thermal energy systems and intelligent buildings.  +44 (0)20 7882 7921      h.s.wang@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Haixue Yan PhD, PGCAP, MACS, CEng, FIMMM and FRSC Reader in Materials Science and Engineering My research aims to understand the relationships between structures and properties of functional materials including dielectrics, piezoelectric and ferroelectrics. By studying these relationships, we can design and develop materials with optimised properties for different applications.  +44 (0)20 7882 5164      h.x.yan@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Han Zhang MEng, PhD, PGCAP, MIMMM, FHEA, CEng, CSci Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Han's expertise in the field of polymers and composites range from manufacturing to characterization of advanced polymer composites and nanocomposites, especially of multifunctional composites for future lightweight structural applications. His current research focuses on the sustainable development of advanced composites, including energy efficient sustainable manufacturing, integrated health monitoring and easy repairing functionalities for extended components' life.  +44 (0)20 7882 2726      han.zhang@qmul.ac.uk

Centre Associates