Department of Chemical Engineering

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100 bbl/Day Biodiesel Production From Waste Cooking Oil Using Cow Bones As Catalyst
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) HUSHAM AMER CHAUDRY (FA19-CHE-015); SAROSH ALI KHOKHAR (FA19-CHE-017); HASHIM ABBASI (FA19-CHE-035); SYED SIKANDAR ALI (FA19-CHE-061); ABDULLAH BIN FARHAN (FA19-CHE-101); Dr. Shahzad Khuram
This plant design report contains the process and design feasibility for producing biodiesel at a rate of 100 bbl/day from waste cooking oil using cow bones as catalysts. The plant can fulfill the 10% of the need for diesel in demand in the city. Our biodiesel is the product of the transesterification process of waste cooking oil in the presence of Methanol and calcined cow bones as catalysts. The basis of the process is the 100 bbl/day biodiesel production. This thesis consists of a chapter on introduction, process selection and description, material balance, energy balance, equipment selection and design, instrumentation, process control, HAZOP analysis, cost estimation, and site selection. A brief process flow sheet can be seen at the beginning of the report. The general form of transesterification reaction is: (Waste Cooking Oil + Methanol) (Glycerin + Biodiesel) Reactor feed contains waste cooking oil, Methanol, and calcined cow bones at 900, ℃ are used as a catalyst to catalyze the reaction for transesterification. The overall conversion of the process is 97%. The reaction is endothermic. A heating water jacket is installed in the reactor to maintain the temperature at 65 ℃, our reaction temperature.
A Chemical Engineering Plant Design Project on the Production of 24000 tons per year of Aviation Fuel via Fischer-Tropsch Process using Biomass Gasification
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Mehroz (FA19-CHE-003); Sahar Khan (FA19-CHE-009); Shafaq Imtiaz (FA19-CHE-019); Hafiz Muhammad Bilal (FA19-CHE-071); Maryam Fatima (FA19-CHE-083); LHR TP 8423; Dr. Zakir Khan
The production of traditional jet fuel from fossil fuels has substantial environmental impacts and relies on finite resources. As a result, the search for renewable and economically viable alternatives has gained attention. Biomass-derived jet fuel has emerged as a promising solution, offering a renewable resource that can help address environmental concerns and meet the increasing demand for aviation fuel. This project focuses on producing 24,000 tons per year of aviation fuel in Pakistan using the Fischer-Tropsch process coupled with biomass gasification, with corn stover selected as the biomass feedstock. The project emphasizes the importance of expanding bio-jet fuel production to meet the growing demand and significantly reduce carbon footprints. It highlights the urgent need to invest in biomass conversion technologies and scale production to attain environmental goals. The successful implementation of large-scale bio-jet fuel production systems will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the sustainable development of the aviation industry. Material and energy balance calculations are performed to assess the plant's feed requirements and energy consumption, providing crucial information for the process. Furthermore, design calculations for equipment are conducted to estimate the capital cost of the plant, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's financial implications. This project examines the potential of biomass-converted jet fuel as a sustainable and economically advantageous alternative to traditional jet fuel.
A Plant Design Project on the 67,000 tons per year of Green Ammonia Production through Novel Lithium-Mediated Pathway
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2024) M. Zubair Naeem (CIIT/FA20-CHE-001/LHR), Hamza Aasim (CIIT/FA20-CHE-013/LHR), Abdul Rehman Virk (CIIT/FA20-CHE-051/LHR), Habib Haider (CIIT/FA20-CHE-064/LHR), Shoaib Ali (CIIT/FA20-CHE-094/LHR); Dr. Wajih-ur-Rahman; LHR TP 9954
Welcome to our Chemical Engineering Final Year Design Project (FYDP), where innovation meets sustainability. Our project revolves around the concept of utilizing ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier, allowing for decentralized and remote energy distribution. This is a pivotal step in reducing our dependence on the energy-intensive and carbon-heavy Haber-Bosch method for ammonia production. Our FYDP presents a novel approach – lithium-mediated electrochemical ammonia synthesis at mild process conditions. We dive deep into this innovative solution, aiming to not only reduce energy consumption but also the cost associated with ammonia production. Moreover, our focus extends to environmental considerations, assessing the environmental impact from start to finish. In this proposal, we'll explore the world of electrochemical ammonia synthesis using lithium-ion conductive membranes and cryogenic distillation for nitrogen generation. Our aim is to provide a sustainable alternative that rivals traditional methods, both in terms of cost and environmental friendliness. Join us on this journey through the realms of chemical engineering, innovation, and sustainability, as we design a green chemical plant that could reshape the future of energy production. Our FYDP represents our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable world and our readiness to make a significant impact in the field of green chemistry.
A Plant Design Project on the Production of 10,000 Tonnes per Year of Methyl Ethyl Ketone via Catalytic Dehydrogenation of 2-Butanol
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Ashar Ali Khan (FA19-CHE-096); Faiza Shuja (FA19-CHE-023); Rana Bilal Akhtar (FA19-CHE-056); Adeel Abbas (FA19-CHE-076); Arham Naveed (FA19-CHE-060); LHR TP 8425; Dr. Abdul Razzaq
This project aims to address the growing demand for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Pakistan and foster growth in the organic solvent sector. To achieve this, various methods of producing MEK have been carefully analyzed and evaluated for cost effectiveness, and catalytic dehydrogenation of 2-butanol has been determined to be the most efficient and economical approach. This method involves a straightforward process of eliminating hydrogen from 2-butanol using a catalyst at the appropriate temperature and pressure to produce high-purity MEK. To design the MEK production plant, several critical steps have been undertaken, including conducting mass and energy balances, designing the primary equipment, developing process instrumentation and control, and estimating the process's cost. The significance of this initiative is its potential to drive growth in the organic solvent sector in Pakistan, given that this method has been successfully industrialized in other countries.
A Plant Design Project on the Production of 66000 Tons/year Formaldehyde from 9661.83 kg/hr of Processing Methanol Using Silver as a Catalyst
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Hammad Ijaz (FA19-CHE-063); Muhammad Abdullah (FA19-CHE-059); Hammad Ali (FA19-CHE-093); Rana Ahsan Ali (FA19-CHE-097); Furqan Ahmed (FA19-CHE-104); LHR TP 8419; Dr. Noaman Ul Haq
Formaldehyde can be manufactured through various processes, but most of it is manufactured using a oxidation of methanol using a silver process. In this process, reactants i.e., methanol is fed to the vaporizer where it exchanges heat with water, Heated methanol is then fed to the reactor where it reacts with Oxygen (Air) with steam injected to avoid deactivation of silver catalyst to form major product (Formaldehyde) along with some tail gases. Product is then fed to the absorption tower where water is used as a carrier solvent for methanol and tail gases are removed from the top of the absorption column. Formaldehyde along with water methanol mixture is fed to distillation column for the removal of major product on the basis boiling point difference. Recycled methanol is taken from the top of the column and heated product formaldehyde (formalin) is taken from the bottom of the column. This product is then sent to the final equipment of the process which is heat exchanger to cool down the main product. The conversion achieved is 92% of the overall product.
A Plant Design Report on the Production of 300 MTPD of Methanol from Syngas
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Muhammad Asif (FA19-CHE-025); M. Abdullah Asif (FA19-CHE-085); Taimour Sultan (FA19-CHE-103); Ali Hamza (FA19-CHE-107); Dr. Awais Bukhari; LHR TP 8422
This Plant Design Report focuses on the production of 300 MTPD of Methanol from Syngas. The report outlines the comprehensive design of a plant that efficiently converts syngas into methanol, highlighting the technical aspects, optimization strategies, and environmental considerations involved. The abstract provides an overview of the report, summarizing the key objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. It emphasizes the collaborative efforts of researchers, engineers, technicians, and environmentalists in designing a sustainable and efficient methanol production process. The abstract acknowledges the support and guidance of management and stakeholders, as well as the crucial role played by teachers in shaping the educational journey of the students involved in the project. Overall, the abstract provides a concise summary of the Plant Design Report, capturing the essence of the project and recognizing the contributions of all stakeholders involved.
Bimetallic Nanoparticles on Eggshell-Derived CaO Catalyst for Efficient Biodiesel Production
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ali Murad; CIIT/FA23-RCH-001/LHR; LHR TP 10008; Dr. Murid Hussain
The transformation of agricultural waste into an effective catalyst will not only provide clean energy but also help to minimize waste disposal issues. In this study, leftover eggshell powder was calcined at 900 oC to make CaO powder, which is then incorporated with Ag and Cu nanoparticles synthesized through a green route by utilizing polyalthia lonfifolia plant extract. Four catalysts categorized as CaO, Ag/Cao, Cu/CaO, and Ag-Cu/CaO were prepared and utilized in the transesterification reaction separately. Rice bran oil was utilized to make FAMEs by employing these four catalysts separately. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and SEM, while BET (for Ag-Cu/CaO only) was used to assess the catalysts’ crystalline shape, structural changes upon doping. The bimetallic doped heterogeneous nano-catalyst (Ag-Cu/CaO) provided a maximum biodiesel yield 99% at optimum reaction conditions (oil to methanol 1:9, reaction time 3hr, temperature 65 oC, catalyst loading 3 wt%). The single doped catalyst, such as Ag/CaO, provided 92% apparent biodiesel yield, Cu/CaO provided 93% yield at optimum conditions. The undoped CaO nano-catalyst offered a lower biodiesel yield of only 88% at optimum conditions. The biodiesel prepared by utilizing Ag-Cu/CaO nano-catalyst at optimum conditions was assessed by GC-MS for the confirmation of FAMEs preparation. In addition to this, biodiesel characteristics such as Cloud point, pour point, Flash point, and density were also investigated and compared with ASTM D6751 standards. The apparent biodiesel yield and parametric studies were utilized to evaluate the catalytic effectiveness of CaO, Ag/CaO, Cu/CaO catalysts in the transesterification reaction for biodiesel production.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DIP Based Beverage Inspection On Conveyor Under
(Publisher COMSATS University Islambad Lahore Campus, 2019) Ahmad Hameed , Rimsha Tariq , Nayab Saeed, Ayesha,; FA15-BCE-002 , FA15-BCE-004 , FA15-BCE-026 , FA15-BCE-030; Dr. Muhammad Yaqoob, Assistant Profesor [Supervisor]; LHR Tp 5875
Automated vision inspection is creating a revolution as it becomes a vital part of the quality monitoring process. It offers more accuracy and efficiency. Major Automatic visual inspection responsibilities include, spotting the occurrence or deficiency of objects in the image and computing the dimensions of objects to see if they converge conditions. Measurements are built on characteristic attributes of the object represented in the image. Automatic image processing systems usually classify the type of data contained in the image as edges, surfaces, and textures, or patterns. This project aims at the development of a system for the removal of faulty product in beverage, water bottles industries. It can be self-operational in controlling, starting with bottle detection as a faulty product then pushing the products away from the conveyor to some other basket. Our project mainly deals to detect and remove the faulty products form the product line (conveyor). This work is currently done manually in product lines in industries. This project is divided into two major portions i.e. detecting bottles on a conveyor using IR sensor and synchronize it with the movement of conveyor using the electrical circuit part that includes Raspberry Pi microcontrollers and once the IR sensor detects bottle on conveyor it gives the signal to Raspberry Pi and Real time image is captured. Another part is the camera for image capturing and of course Raspberry Pi for doing image processing with OpenCV libraries. Raspberry Pi is being used for image processing and sending commands to the mechanical parts to work accordingly. The camera takes the real-time image of bottles and send it to Raspberry Pi where it is matched with predefined data for template matching. This project covers three major inspections task that are, bottle cap detection (either it is properly locked or not), logo detection (either bottle has a logo or not) and 3rd is level checking of liquid inside the bottle (either it is filled to a specific level or not).
Efficient Sensor MAT For Energy Harvesting And
(COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus Library Information Services, CUI Lahore, 2020) … By: Shahbaz Ali , Mudabbar Hussain , Umer Shoukat; FA15-BCE-031 , FA15-BCE-006 , FA15-BCE-059; Dr. Abbas Javaid, Assistant Profesor; LHR TP 5871
In past few years, increase in production of less power consuming electronic devices made our lives more comfortable. Although, energy consumed by these moveable electronic devices will increase, the idea of energy harvesting in human surroundings arise a new interest among us. In our project we proposed a sensor mat which can harvest ambient energy source into usable electrical energy. As it will be successful approach to make power through a sensor mat. This objective can be accomplished by placing piezoelectric materials inside the mat and it placed at entrance where it allows maximum people to go through it. Whenever, the person steps on the mat it will generate a signal in the form of potential difference. This amount of potential difference will be dependent on the force exerted by human footstep. After receiving the threshold signal a program will run which will count the person and his direction. This would allow us to generate appropriate amount of electricity as well as counting the number of people and their direction.
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.
Flue-Gas Treatment From The Combustion of 1.9 million Tonnes/year Coal Containing High Sulphur, Nitrogen and Carbon Contents
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) M. Uzair Imran (FA19-CHE-033); Mustafa Adil Asad (FA19-CHE-067); Daud Rafique (FA19-CHE-087); Jazim Hussain Khan (FA19-CHE-091); Haroon Rasheed (FA19-CHE-095); LHR TP 8420; Dr. Wajeeh-Ur-Rehman
Flue gases produced by combustion of coal containing high Sulphur and nitrogen is processed and cleaned for its safe exit to the environment to reduce the adverse effects of SOx, NOx, and CO2. To do so, coal analysis of Thar (Pakistan) is done because of its high Sulphur and nitrogen content. Flue gases that leave the Combustion chamber are passed through the Selective Catalytic Reduction Reactor (SCR) where NOx reduction occurs with ammonia water and outlet of SCR goes through the heat exchangers to drop the temperature. Then it is Desulfurized in scrubber which uses lime slurry (CaCO3) for the removal of SOx. It also gives gypsum as a by-product which is by cement industry. CO2 is absorbed with Mono Ethanol Amine (MEA) in the absorber. Clean gas is set free to the environment from the top. By absorbing CO2 MEA becomes rich MEA, to make process economical rich MEA is regenerated which is done by using a stripper column. From which MEA is regenerated by boiling. CO2 from top of the column is delivered to storage and lean MEA is cooled down using a heat exchanger and cooler then sent back to the absorber.
Gas Sweetening Unit to Sweet 200 MMSCFD of Natural Gas
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Muhammad Azeem (FA19-CHE-031); Ahsan Sadiq (FA19-CHE-041); Ali Hamza (FA19-CHE-043); Ahsan Shawal (FA19-CHE-049); M Azeem Saleem (FA19-CHE-099); LHR TP 8421; Eng. Javaid Ahmad
In oil and gas industry gas sweetening process is inevitable when raw natural gas contains acid gasses like H2S and CO2 removal of these acid gases is essential since their presence poses severe corrosion problem to the downstream process lines and equipment. In our project raw natural gas first goes in separator where the water content removed further gone in absorber where amine and that gas react sweet gas goes upward and collected from the top of absorber while the rich amine further process to recover all the amine to reduce operation cost. First of all, we design process flow diagram and select suitable equipment for this process. As we need to calculate different parameter apply material and energy balance on all equipment our target is 200 MMSCFD so we need to fix our mass of feed. After that design all equipment on the basis of our material and energy requirements. In every process we need to apply control loop to run process smoothly, apply control loop on every single equipment. One most important thing is cost of the plant, what is capital cost and what is operation cost? Apply cost estimation.
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.
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.