M.Phil / MS Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.cuilahore.edu.pk/handle/123456789/27

This collection archives the complete set of theses produced by students of the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus.

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Design & Optimization of BIOMASS GASSIFIER for production of syngas using Computational fluid dynamics
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2020) Noor UL Islam; SP18-RCH-004; Dr. Shehzad Khuram; LHR TP 5954
The design of gasification of biomass and coal process is to be enhanced by simulating process parameters and methods with computer software i.e Ansys 14.5 The Properties and characteristics of fluid flow participates for optimization of process. Hence computational fluid dynamics is being used from “Ansys 14.5” Software. Gasification is one of a naturally pleasant solution and is relatively new amongst all the methods available for the manufacture of energy by consuming biomass method. By restricted oxidation, gasification is essential thermo-chemical conversion at higher temperature of carbon-based materials. Any small value carbonaceous compounds similarly biomass, fuel coke, and metropolitan waste and processing plant residues can be recycled for production of great efficiency energy with gasification. As CO2 in air absorbed carbon content of biomass due to this the left CO2 manufacture is zero, so Biomass gasification is principally CO2 neutral. The by-product is identified as syngas (combination of H2, CH4 and CO) taking an elevated fraction of H2 which makes syngas main to all fuels. Above stated causes make gasification of biomass an unexpected substitute for the creation of power and energy. Presently clean and capable source of energy is reflected as the gasification of biomass. Over Practical testing it is time intense and challenging for a FB gasifier by differing the operating settings to obtain optimum conditions. CFD modelling has manifest to be an effective option in current days because from time to time Practical experiments may not be economical and reasonable. Due to nonstop improvement of computational potential, it is capable to carry out such optimization to manage optimum operating settings and design in advance experimental optimization are carried out.
Green & Sustainable Membranes for Efficient Bioethanol Purification via Pervaporation
(Library Information Services COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, 2023-02-27) Abeera Naeem; SP22-RNE-002; Dr. Muhammad Yasin; LHR TP 8636
Traditional membrane technologies, typically reliant on fossil-based polymers and hazardous solvents, pose significant environmental threats. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative approach: the development of hydrophobic mixed matrix membranes utilizing waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on thymol: urea as green additives. The research focuses on synthesizing two types of membranes: dense and asymmetrical. Each type is evaluated for its efficiency in terms of flux and selectivity. The asymmetric membranes undergo optimization processes, involving adjustments in polymer concentration, co-solvent use, and evaporation time, to enhance pervaporation performance. This optimization aims to achieve maximum ethanol flux and high separation factor. In contrast, the dense recycled PVC membranes exhibit comparable results to conventional polymeric membranes in terms of flux (1.98 kg/m2) and separation factor (16). Significantly, the incorporation of DES into the membrane matrix results in substantial performance improvements. The separation factor enhanced by approximately 125%, alongside a 36% increase in ethanol sorption capacity. Asymmetric membranes particularly demonstrate a higher potential in flux performance, reaching 5.12 kg/m2.hr, in contrast to dense membranes with a flux of 1.98 kg/m2.hr. These findings highlight the effectiveness of using recycled waste materials and DES in membrane fabrication. This approach not only enhances pervaporation performance but also aligns with the goals of green and sustainable membrane technology, offering a promising solution to environmental concerns in the field of membrane separation.
Catalytic Supercritical Water Gasification of Biomass for Hydrogen Production
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2024) Ali Ahsan; FA22-RNE-003; Dr. Murid Hussain; LHR TP 9306
With a focus on rice husk, this study explores the possibilities of supercritical water gasification (SCWG) for the effective synthesis of hydrogen from biomass. Compared to conventional fossil fuels, biomass is a possible substitute, and SCWG provides an energy- and environmentally friendly method of producing hydrogen. The need to maximize catalytic efficiency and reduce this process's environmental impact is what motivates the study. The main focus is on Ni/eggshell catalysts, with the goal of filling up important information gaps about catalytic activity, stability, and the generation of clean hydrogen from biomass sources that are renewable. This research assesses the performance of Ni/eggshell catalysts in biomass SCWG and seeks to establish the suitable working conditions that would yield the highest levels of hydrogen with negligible levels of by-products. The catalyst synthesized with three loadings (5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt%) in the production of hydrogen in SCW at three different temperatures (370°C, 450°C, and 500°C) and two residence time (60 minutes and 80 minutes) Also, it reviews the Ni/eggshell catalysts in the aspects of activity, stability, and impact on the environment in SCWG. Ni/eggshell proved to be very active in SCWG of rice husk biomass especially with moderate loading of Ni, (10 wt% provided adequate active sites with least chance of particle sintering). According to the experiments, the best conditions for hydrogen production were the temperature 500°C; the residence time of 80 minutes, and the catalyst loading of 10 wt%. These conditions gave the highest gas yields and hydrogen content, and the least solid residues implied that the biomass was almost fully converted. The SEM and XRD studies revealed that there are no morphological changes, and the Ni particles were effectively dispersed and uniformly distributed on the CaO support, thus the catalytic activity was constant. According to the obtained FTIR and XRD results, the catalyst was stable in the course of the reaction.
Simulation-Based Development of Deep Eutectic Solvent-Driven Extractive Distillation for Butanol Separation
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Shazam Ali; CUI/FA23-RCH-006/LHR; Dr. Muhammad Yasin; LHR TP 9671
Overreliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas has led to severe environmental and human health concerns due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource depletion. These issues have triggered the world to find renewable and environmentally friendly energy resources. Among these biofuels, biobutanol is the most promising fuel, primarily produced through the microbial fermentation process, and is a key component of the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation process. However, the industrial scalability of biobutanol production is constrained by its low concentration in fermentation broths and the challenges of separating it from water due to azeotrope formation. Conventional separation processes, such as distillation, are energy-intensive and economically unviable for biobutanol recovery. Hybrid extractive distillation using ionic liquids (ILs) as an entrainer has shown potential as an alternative, with notable success in the dehydration of biobutanol. However, the limitations of ILs, such as toxicity, non- biodegradability, and high costs, pose significant barriers to their widespread adoption. To address these issues, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as a promising alternative. DES offers superior advantages over ILs, such as biodegradability, lower costs, and simple preparation. Recent research highlights their potential for separating lower alcohol, including biobutanol. However, the selection of optimal DES and the development of an efficient dehydration process for biobutanol remain unexplored. In this study, three new ideal hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used for the effective extraction of butanol from aqueous mixtures: Thymol: Octanol (1:1), Thymol: Diphenyl (1:1), and Thymol: Octadecanol (3:1) in Aspen Plus V14. The DESs were used as selective entrainers to improve butanol recovery in the extractive distillation process, especially in cases in which the presence of azeotropes makes conventional separation energy intensive. At the distillate outlet, the Thymol: Octadecanol (3:1) mixture produced the highest 87% butanol purity among the evaluated DESs, demonstrating better performance. A thorough exergy analysis was carried out to assess the (DL-Menthol: Decanoic acid) and (Thymol: Octadecanol) DES-based configuration's sustainability and thermodynamic efficiency in further detail. The Thymol: Octadecanol (3:1) system had the best exergy efficiency, extractor column (99.96%), pump (99.99%), distillation column (5.03%), and cooler (99.99%), with the least amount of exergy destruction, according to the data, showing its capability as a highly efficient and energy-efficient solvent for sustainable butanol recovery. This work enhances the advancement of more environmentally friendly options for the purification of biofuels by offering a systematic method to choosing and evaluating the use of DESs in extractive distillation processes.
Technoeconomic and environmental assessment of green methanol concept based on biogas upgradation and alkaline water electrolysis
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Sahibzada Mansoor Ul Hassan; CUI/SP22-RCH-003/LHR; Dr. Arif Hussain; LHR TP 9669
To adopt the change of using sustainable fuel, it is very important to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The research presented is based upon the production of methanol by green pathway, which includes the biogas upgradation coupled with alkaline electrolyser, and the technoeconomic and life cycle assessment analysis discussion. The CO2 is obtained from biogas upgradation and H2 is produced from alkaline electrolyser which is powered with wind green electricity source to achieve the synthesis of methanol with the help of catalytic hydrogenation. The concept is simulated using ASPEN PLUS-V14, which was latest version, and it gave the best results to check the feasibility of the process, which includes: The mass energy balance to see the flow of mass and energy throughout the process. Technoeconomic analysis (TEA), to calculate overall cost of the process, cost of each equipment, electricity cost of all process equipment and electrolyser which was the major consumer of the process electricity use, after the compressors, used in biogas upgradation. It was also found that the electrolyzer has the highest equipment and installation cost which impacted the MFSP of methanol. At the last of technoeconomic analysis, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) was calculated to match the feasibility of the process with the existing research. The MFSP analysis was concluded as: the MFSP of current study was at the lower bound of the price range of the methanol from biogas by electrolysis back by literature values. At last life cycle assessment (LCA) of the process was evaluated to have an estimation of the carbon footprint of the process over the 100- and 20-year time horizon. The LCA was conducted by changing different scenarios of process. These scenarios were mainly under the umbrella of global warming potential 100 (GWP-100) and global warming potential 20 (GWP-20). The findings revealed that, when powered by low-carbon or renewable electricity sources, the green methanol route significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-derived methanol. In some configurations, the process even achieved net-negative CO₂ emissions. These outcomes suggest that utilizing biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen for methanol synthesis can offer a promising low-carbon fuel alternative particularly in future energy systems that rely heavily on renewable electricity and are governed by carbon pricing mechanisms. Overall, this study contributes meaningful data and recommendations to guide policymakers, industrial stakeholders, and investors toward the development of Power-to-X technologies and the broader transition to carbon-neutral circular economies
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) based Photocatalytic membrane for enhanced Pharmaceutical Micropollutant Filtration and Degradation
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) MUHAMMAD FAIQ BUTT; CUI/SP23-RCH-005/LHR; Dr. Abdul Razzaq; LHR TP 9670
In the 21st century, the world is facing major challenges in water quality and global climate change due to an exponential growth in human population, so green technology is the need of the time to mitigate climate change and to minimize further factors that play a vital role in climate pollution. So, a combination of two technologies emerges as a new technology for the treatment of wastewater. Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) has been integrated into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes via an immersion- precipitation phase-transition reaction. This addition enhances the structural and morphological investigations, showing that GCN nanoparticles are evenly distributed in the PAN matrix. Different performance tests and characterization techniques confirmed that as the content of GCN increased, the performance of highly concentrated GCN-PAN hybrid enhances such as 0.25wt.% GCN-PAN membrane became more hydrophilic and less prone to fouling. More so, GCN-PAN membranes displayed the function of photocatalysis. Regarding photocatalytic activity, different loadings of hybrid membranes are used. Continuous degradation of metformin under sunlight irradiation was performed using 0.25wt.% GCN-PAN with a degradation rate of metformin of 50%. The presence of photogenerated h+ is high, and reactive oxidative species proved that these are the ones that were the cause of the observed degradation of organics and bacterial inactivation. This study proves that the addition of GCN into polymeric membranes enhances the performance, like permeate flux, salt rejection, and antifouling, due to the hydrophilic properties exhibited by GCN. Finally, the hybrid 0.25wt.% GCN-PAN membrane under the exposure of sunlight degrades wastewater treatment performance.
Performance Analysis of Heat-Integrated LNG Regasification with Air Separation Units
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Naeem Khalid; CIIT/FA23-RCH-005/LHR; Dr. Muhammad Haris Hamayun; LHR TP 10009
Pakistan has a strong dependency on natural gas as an energy source to fulfil both the domestic and industrial requirements. Due to depletion of reserves of natural gas in Pakistan, this gas, in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is imported, mainly from Qatar. However, there are several issues associated with this imported LNG. The LNG needs to be regasified before use in the existing infrastructure, the calorific value of imported LNG is higher than the design specifications, and the cold energy/exergy stored in LNG is wasted via the current method of regasification, mixing with the remaining reserves of natural gas. To overcome these issues, there is a need to integrate LNG regasification process with a process that can provide an inert, i.e., nitrogen to lower the calorific value of this LNG to meet the existing design specifications, to extract/use the cryogenic energy of LNG to lower the overall energy requirements, and eventually to regasified LNG for onward use by the users. Cryogenic air separation process appears to be the most suitable process for the integration with LNG regasification that can help in achieving the required objectives. Accordingly, this study aims to integrate the cryogenic air separation process and LNG regasification process, and the model is developed using Aspen HYSYS® V15. To the best of our knowledge, the developed process is examined using exergy, advanced exergy and exergoeconomic analyses, however, so far, optimization via evolutionary algorithm is not reported in literature. Therefore, this research gap is addressed in this study by employing teaching learning self-study-optimization algorithm. The base case model developed in Aspen HYSYS® V15 is integrated with MATLAB and the algorithm is applied to carry out rigorous optimization. The optimization results show an increase in the air processing capacity from 500 tons per hour (TPH) to 638.9 TPH with the maximum utilization of the cryogenic energy of LNG. The overall specific energy consumption is increased by 21.66% keeping the same energy consumption of air. Followed by the optimization, the process is then evaluated thermodynamically using the exergy analysis. The analysis demonstrated that the % exergy efficiency of the optimized process is 72.51% with an exergy destruction of 36.42 MW. The overall optimized process may help in providing a more feasible and sustainable design toward the practical implementation of this integrated configuration in context of Pakistan.
Surface Modification of Layered Double Hydroxides for Reinforcement in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ahmad Ali; CIIT/SP22-RCH-002/LHR; Dr. Khaliq Majeed; LHR TP 10007
This study examines the reinforcement of the nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites with Zinc-aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to enhance filler-matrix compatibility and mechanical properties. The pure LDH was prepared by the co-precipitation method, after which modification was done on the surface by the SDS, to enhance the hydrophobicity and interfacial contact with NBR. The successful intercalation of the SDS and increased basal spacing in the modified LDH were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile tests on the modified and unmodified LDH-NBR composites showed that SDS modification had a significant enhanced dispersion behavior of the filler, which resulted in an enhancement of mechanisms. The force- elongation curves exhibited linear behavior to some elongation after which there was sudden material failure, which was regarded as tensile limits of the composite. Even though, the SDS-modified LDH-NBR composites exhibited better reinforcement than the unmodified systems, unexpected failure in higher elongations indicated that additional optimization is necessary in filler dispersion and bonding between phases. The study has given a valuable insight into the potential of SDS-modified LDH as a reinforcing agent in NBR composites, with future studies aiming to optimize the filler dispersion, investigate alternative methods of modification, and evaluate the long-term performance within different environmental conditions.
Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Lahore: Chemical Mass Balance Modeling and Inter-Study variability Assessment
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Nabeel Khan; CIIT/FA23-RNE-04/LHR; Dr. Wajih Ur Rehman; LHR TP 10010
Elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) pose a serious public health risk in Lahore due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. This thesis applies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chemical Mass Balance receptor model (CMB v8.2) to apportion PM₂.₅ sources using three independent, chemically speciated datasets from Lahore: a winter campaign (February 2019), a year-long monthly study (2019), and paired summer–winter measurements (2022). U.S. EPA source profiles for gasoline and diesel vehicles, biomass burning, coal combustion, road/soil dust, industrial emissions, and secondary Sulfate and Nitrate were employed. Model performance was evaluated using standard diagnostics (R², χ², percent mass explained, t-statistics, and residuals). The winter 2019 analysis showed good model performance (R² = 0.72, χ² = 3.8), with dominant contributions from petrol vehicles (101 µg·m⁻³) and biomass burning (81 µg·m⁻³), along with substantial secondary Nitrate and Sulfate. Monthly CMB runs for 2019 yielded R² values between 0.73 and 0.87, indicating stable performance across seasons. Diesel vehicle emissions peaked during late autumn and winter, while petrol vehicle contributions increased in warmer months. Coal and industrial combustion, together with secondary inorganic aerosols, contributed persistently throughout the year. Seasonal analysis of 2022 data showed PM₂.₅ increasing from approximately 130 µg·m⁻³ in summer to 303 µg·m⁻³ in winter, with acceptable mass closure and statistically significant source contributions. Across all datasets, combustion-related sources—vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and coal combustion—along with seasonally enhanced secondary inorganic aerosols were the dominant contributors to PM₂.₅ in Lahore, while dust sources were more influential during pre-monsoon periods. These results provide higher source resolution than previous PMF/PCA studies and support targeted mitigation strategies focused on vehicle emissions, combustion sources, and precursor gas control
Development of Experimental Testing Facility for Performance Evaluation Triboelectric Nanogenerator Device
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Nafees ul Hussain; CIIT/SP24-RNE-005/LHR; Dr Maria Mustafa; LHR TP 10011
The study of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) a flexible system to harvest low-frequency mechanical energy has become more accelerated by the increasing global demand on sustainable energy. But variable performance reporting in the field is often occasioned by lack of standardized and uniform testing conditions. This gap is covered by creating an in-house testing laboratory that will be utilized to precisely describe and quantify the durability of TENG devices. The two main parts of the experimental setup are an Arduino-controlled solenoid system that can perform independent testing at constant contact forces (2 N) and various periods of time, and a Dynamic Load Applicator (DLA) that can perform uniform cyclic endurance testing between 50-550 rpm. High-performance TENGs were created by evaluating the facility utilizing a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix covered with sodium niobate (NaNbO3) and carbon black (CB).Hydrothermal methods were used to create NaNbO3, and solution-based processing was used to install the thin film. Numerical outputs of the experiements highlighted facility's capacity to capture high-resolution data. The results suggest that the solenoid system was able to separate voltage peaks of up to 23V for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ combinations, while the DLA achieved maximum open-circuit voltages of 50 V for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ compositions. Sensitivity was exhibited by microampere-level current responses, which were 5.84 µA for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ utilizing the DLA and 5.62 µA for PVDF+NaNbO₃ utilizing the push-pull system. This study delivers a reliable and scalable setup for systematic TENG performance analysis that is significant for the development of self-powered devices and sensing technologies.
Synthesis and Performance Investigation of Biowaste derived Biochar Pellets for Desulfurization of Biogas
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Rabia Mahmood; CIIT/FA23-RNE-005/LHR; Dr. Muhammad Aslam; LHR TP 9674
Bio-waste, energy resources and climate change concerns coupled with the sustainability of the nexus of bio-waste, and energy have changed the perception from a waste to resource of energy. Renewable technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biogas energy have proved alternative for fossil fuel energy. The problem attached with raw biogas is the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which does not only reduce energy potential, but also contributes in environmental pollution. H2S is highly corrosive and shows hazardous effects on human health. Therefore, it is essential to desulfurize the biogas. There are different physical, chemical and biological techniques to remove H2S gas from biogas such as adsorption, absorption, dry scrubbing, wet scrubbing, membrane filtration and bio tricking filters etc. Unlike complex physical, chemical or biological processes that may require high pressure, temperature, or specific operational conditions, biomass and biochar adsorption process is generally simple to implement and operate. The superior properties of biochar such as high surface area, porous structure and functional group make biochar an effective adsorbent in removal of H2S in biogas. BC pellets were fabricated for performance evaluation of sulfur removal from biogas. The pellets of biochar exhibited removal efficiency of H2S better than biomass pellets. The best adsorption of H2S was shown by the combination of biochar pellets of date seeds and banana peels. The results suggested that biochar pellets offer a promising, ecofriendly alternative to conventional desulfurization methods in small to medium scale biogas systems. The use of bio-waste-derived biochar for the removal of H2S in biogas from anaerobic digester can potentially turn waste material into a sustainable alternative to conventional adsorbents by using waste valorization concept to upgrade the bio methane. This study can potentially address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations.
Conducting Polymer Coated Carbon Fiber Composites for Enhanced Strain Sensing Applications
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Fazila Khalil; CIIT/FA23-RNE-011/LHR; Dr. Imran Hassan; LHR TP 9809
In modern applications, such as robotics, wearable, and healthcare, strain sensors are crucial as it is possible to accurately measure mechanical defects. The objective of this research was to improve strain sensing of carbon fiber (CF)-based materials by using surface modifications and conducting polymer (CP) coating. Sulfuric acid and nitric acid were used by the ratio of 3 to 1, to etched carbon fiber (e-CF) by making the surface rougher and having more functional groups to improve adhesion to the polymer. Composites consisted of CF coated with polyaniline (PANI) were synthesized through in-situ polymerization and then coated with Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene): Polystyrene Sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to give composites based on conducting polymers. The structural, chemical and thermal characterization of the synthesized composites was done using X ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Electrical conductivity and strain-sensing capability were assessed during several forms of bending, including finger, wrist, and elbow motions. The sample with PEDOT:PSS coated on top of PANI coated e-CF showed the highest sensitivity, as well as superior thermal stability and electrical conductivity, compared to the other composites. This study demonstrates that changing the surface and coating with two different types of CP can significantly enhance the overall characteristics and performance of CF-based composites. These findings indicate a potential interest in employing CP coated CF composites as high performance strain sensors in healthcare, wearable electronics, robotics, and smart textiles as well.
Developing A Novel Method for H2O2 Production via Integration of Photocatalysis and Underwater Friction
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Muhammad Yasir; CIIT/FA23-RNE-007/LHR; Dr. Fahad Rehman; LHR TP 9676
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a commodity chemical, an environmentally friendly oxidant and difficult to synthesize commodity chemical, but its production in industry is restricted to a hazardous, energy-intensive, anthraquinone auto-oxidation (AO) process, which is economically feasible only when used inexpensively at large scales and is highly waste producing in terms of organic products. This semicentral model of production requires a transport of highly concentrated, and therefore dangerous, H2O2 solutions. This thesis proposes a new direction and a decentralized method towards the sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide through synergistic combination of photocatalysis and underwater mechanical energy, i.e. friction and sonication to tackle these economic, environmental and safety issues. The proposed methodology does not need the hazardous chemical inputs, and it is conducted in ambient conditions. The essence of the research work was in uniform study of a composite system in suspension (glass powder, or quartz, and polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, particles in water), which undergoes both UV treatment and intense probe sonication. The synergetic mechanism assumed in the study is as follows: photocatalysis of the semiconductor material itself would transform to the electron-hole pair generation process, and mechanical energy addition would play several important roles (1) stimulating the process of charge separation and migration, including the triboelectric effect, and the piezoelectric effect on the surface of the material; (2) producing more radical precursors (or •OH) owing to sonolysis and acoustic cavitation; and (3) creating active surfaces and reducing mass transfer limitations occurring continually. To maximize the process a complete parametric study was made that would analyze the effects of various material concentrations, reaction time, temperature and the effect of sonication itself in a systematic manner. Conclusively, the results indicate that H2O2 was successfully produced, and a yield of sufficient increase was realized when sonication was added, which is the apparent validation of the proposed synergistic effect of improvement. The best conditions were found, and the process had shown a high degree of reproducibility, which proves the advantageousness of the practice. Successfully developed a novel, dual-energy ix system for sustainable H₂O₂ production, achieving a maximum yield of 5.48 mgh⁻¹cm⁻² under optimized conditions (120 min, 25g glass + PTFE, 22-26°C). The present work presents the main concept of a novel dual-energy target design that uses the forces of both light and mechanical energy as a source of chemical synthesis. The results mark a milestone in the establishment of green, on-site, and on-demand technologies of producing H2O2 and the potential applications that utilize this concept are monumental like water treatment and disinfection.
Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Polyaniline-Based Composites within a Sandwich Structure Device for Flexible Electronics Application
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Sohail Ahmad; CIIT/FA23-RNE-009/LHR; Dr. Abrar Faisal; LHR TP 9678
This study describes the manufacturing and characterization of polyaniline (PANI) based composites targeted at flexible electronics and their application in a sandwich style device architecture. The fundamental methodology was the production of conducting PANI and PANI-Bismuth Ferrite composite by a chemical oxidative in-situ polymerization technique. These synthesized powders were further processed into stable and processable conductive inks, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium silicate being used as binders and stabilizers. In order to measure electrical performance, a flexible copper and aluminum substrate was electrolessly deposited with these inks to form a sandwich-structure device to be used as an active layer placed between conductive contacts. The FTIR results established the achievement of the production of PANI along with its composite with BiFeO3. A characteristic movement of functional groups meant that BiFeO3 and PANI interacted heavily on the composite structure. All three pure components as well as the final composite were characterized fully using current-voltage (I-V) characterization. The I-V analysis confirmed a non-linear, semiconducting type of PANI and amplified a discrete rectifying, diode like characteristic of the BiFeO3. More importantly, the PANI-BiFeO3 composite had a characteristic non-linear, asymmetric I-V curve, which is an indication of successful functional combination. This was supported more by optical analysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Tauc plots to get band gaps of PANI, BiFeO3, and a different one was a modified 2.83 eV in the composite.The combination of all results justifies the PANI-BiFeO3 composite as an ideal candidate in the development of workable and bendable electronic components and has laid a scale-dependent production path in addition to providing initial insights regarding the electro-optical behavior which will be useful in the design of flexible sensors, energy storage, and portable devices.
Development of Functional Materials for Energy Harvesting Devices
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Mubashra Mushatq; CIIT/FA23-RNE-010/LHR; Dr. Maria Mustafa; LHR TP 9679
The need for new materials with enhanced functionality, structural stability, and energy conversion efficiency has increased due to the growing need for renewable energy solutions. Functional energy materials because of their large surface area, adjustable porosity, find their versatility in various applications, such as sensors, energy storage, and energy harvesting devices. The thesis work will explore and optimize the importance of the development of advanced functional material on energy harvesting devices, i.e., triboelectric nanogenerator (TENGs) to address the increasing demands of efficient and sustainable renewable energy sources. The research lies in the synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and Sodium Niobate (NaNbO3) materials owing to their large surface area, controllable porosity, and sturdiness to facilitate energy conversion performance. Such materials were reduced to form thin films by careful manufacturing methods, e.g. electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spray deposition, drop casting, etc. and inserted within TENG devices with aluminum and copper electrodes to maximize charge transfer and surface functionality. To explore the materials structural, optical, and electrical properties, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and I-V measurements were performed in order to achieve thorough characterization of the materials as they would be used in energy applications. Tests determined that performance of TENGs with these functional materials were much greater than those of a baseline as the NaNbO3 -PVDF system showed an outstanding power generation owing to its piezoelectric and ferroelectric characteristics. Nevertheless, compatibility issues of the material were found at ZIF-67/NaNbO3 composite, which supports the idea of making a strategic selection of material. These results suggest the opportunities of custom functional materials to instruct energy harvesting technologies, which can provide scalable and sustainable energy supply of flexible electronics, sensing and energy storage.
Synthesis and Characterization of MIL-101/PAN Membranes for Water Treatment
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Shafqat Ullah; CIIT/FA23-RNE-006/LHR; Dr. Mehwish Batool; LHR TP 9675
The problem of water pollution and shortage is one of the most topical global issues in the 21st century, and the creation of its purification technology that becomes efficient and environmental saving is a prompt necessity. This study introduces the synthesis and characterization of metal-organic framework, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of MIL-101 and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in a view of advanced water treatment. Composite membranes were prepared by incorporation of the MIL-101 and the PAN polymer matrix by phase inversion and electrospinning process. MIL-101 was found to be highly porous, with a high surface area, and chemical stable, and by incorporating the Nano and the PAN membranes could be tailored in order to absorb the energy of a wider range of energy. The FTIR, SEM, TGA, and contact angle techniques were adopted to study the membranes synthesized by characterizing their structural integrity, surface morphology, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity. MIL-101/PAN membranes performance was measured by water flux, rejection efficiency, and reusability to remove the heavy metals, dyes and salts. The findings demonstrated that the membrane permeability and pollutant rejection was hugely better after the addition of MIL-101 leading to an increase in porosity and active sites. The membranes also exhibited excellent possessive nature and strength after more than one passage of filtration process. This study validates the prospective of the MIL-101/PAN composite membranes system as a potentially effective, scalable and cost-efficient method of purifying water especially in the purification of industrial effluents and fresh brackish water.
Production of Hydrogen Rich Gas Through the Process of Steam Reforming: An Experimental and Simulation Study
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus., 2025-04-01) Muhammad Zain Feroz; CIIT/FA23-RNE-008/LHR; Dr. Um-e-Salma Amjad; LHR TP 9677
The objective of this research is to produce Hydrogen, a clean source of energy, through the steam reforming process, from hydrocarbons as feedstock. It emphasizes the development of catalysts that are capable of addressing the challenges of stability and efficiency. This study focuses on the use of tools like DWSIM to determine the operating conditions for enriched hydrogen yield. The research involves catalyst synthesis through the combustion synthesis method to synthesize different catalysts. This method involves using a vaporizer and reactor setup at controlled temperature and pressure. Whereas, after the SR process, the gas composition of the product will be analyzed through the use of a gas analyzer. It will shed light on the efficiency of the process and trace impurities in the product gas. The research focuses on reducing the oxides of carbon in the final product for maximum hydrogen production and to comply with global carbon emission standards.