Driven by escalating global environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and dwindling energy resources, green technology has emerged as a critical focus of research and development in the 21st century. My research is motivated by a commitment to contributing to a sustainable future through the application of fundamental science and innovative chemical engineering technologies. The work in my research group centres on advancing green cleaning technologies and process optimisation to reduce energy, water, and resource consumption, while mitigating the negative environmental impacts of human activity.

Air Purification
I have a strong interest in the design and development of multifunctional adsorbent structures for air purification applications, including industrial and domestic air filters, as well as respiratory protection equipment for emergency responders. A key limitation of traditional air filters and respiratory escape masks is the high pressure drop associated with granular activated carbon packed bed filters. My research focuses on developing novel adsorbent structures such as hollow fibres, polymeric foams, and 3D-printed carbonised materials that combine low resistance to airflow with the ability to physically and chemically capture toxic species from the air. Additionally, we are exploring the integration of heat-absorbing capabilities into respiratory protection masks used in fire scenarios by employing shape-stable phase change materials.

Sustainable Membrane Fabrication and Operation Optimisation
Another area of interest is the fabrication of membranes designed for sustainability and extended operational lifespans. We employ 3D printing techniques to create asymmetric, patterned membranes that resist fouling and minimise concentration polarisation. In parallel, my group has developed Fluid Dynamic Gauging (FDG), a unique technique for in situ, real-time measurement of solid layer thickness on substrates. FDG operates by directing a steady fluid flow through a nozzle near the surface, detecting layer characteristics by their effect on flow rate without physical contact. With refined mechanical design, FDG has evolved into an automated system capable of measuring fouling layer thickness, adhesion strength, and deformability, supported by combined experimental and numerical modelling approaches.

Water and Wastewater Treatment
My research on gas-liquid systems focuses on understanding the hydrodynamics and interfacial interactions of bubbles and droplets, whose deformable, mobile surfaces distinguish them from rigid particles. Using experimental and computational techniques, we study the behaviour of these fluid particles in processes such as wastewater treatment, fermentation, and surface cleaning. Recent work includes leveraging microbubbles to remove and recover microplastics and membrane separation of nanoplastics from water sources and wastewater streams.

Hydrogen as a Sustainable Energy Carrier
Liquid hydrogen is emerging as a promising energy carrier to reduce carbon emissions in sectors like aviation and automotive transport. With nearly three times the energy per unit mass of conventional jet fuel, hydrogen usage is expected to grow significantly in coming decades. However, as a cryogenic liquid, hydrogen requires storage at extremely low temperatures or high pressures, leading to challenges such as heat leakage, boil-off, and thermal stratification within storage tanks. These phenomena can cause rapid pressure drops and pose safety risks. My research employs computational techniques to investigate the thermodynamics of tank filling and storage performance to address these critical issues.

I welcome the opportunity to supervise doctoral research in the following areas:

• Green cleaning technologies
• Air purification structures/systems
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Membrane fabrication and optimisation
• Sensors for fouling and cleaning processes
• Gas-liquid phase flows
• Non-Newtonian fluid behaviour
• Microplastics and nanoplastics removal from aquatic environments
• Hydrogen storage solutions
• Sustainable next-generation batteries