Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Innovative Hybrid Eor Formulations: Low Salinity Water Coupled With Nanoparticles And Nanopolymers For Carbonate Reservoirs, Aquib Azhar Hakeem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The recovery of oil from oil-wet carbonated reservoirs remains a challenge due to the unfavorable wettability characteristics and the poor sweep efficiency during the displacement process. In this work, the nano-assisted polymer flooding with Sav10 polymer and silica (SiO2), single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were investigated to enhance the oil recovery from the carbonate core samples at low-salinity conditions. The rheology analysis showed that a Sav10 concentration of 1000 ppm resulted in the most appropriate viscosity, around 3 cP, to effectively control mobility during flooding. The contact angle measurements of the individual nanoparticle dispersions and hybrid …

Study Of Pv Panel Degradation Under Extreme Weathering Within Uae Climate Conditions, Maitha Abdulla Almheiri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The thesis studies monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic modules under desert operating conditions. The study uses long term outdoor exposure at the UAEU Falaj Hazza campus. Dust deposition, strong temperature variation, and high irradiance shape field performance at the site. The work sets three objectives. Track performance degradation over time. Identify dominant loss mechanisms. Define maintenance strategies supported by experimental data and field observations. The experimental plan uses two module groups. A reference group receives daily cleaning. A test group stays uncleaned across several weeks of exposure. A monitoring system records electrical outputs such as current, voltage, and power. The same …

Development Of A Metal-Based Catalyst For The Ammonia Dehydrogenation Reaction, Othman Mohammed Abdullah Al-Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Developing cost-effective and active catalysts that would replace noble metals is desirable for the ammonia decomposition reaction. Hence, this thesis focuses on the development and evaluation of a 10Ni/0.75TiO2-0.25CeO2 catalyst for ammonia decomposition, a promising route to carbon-free hydrogen production. The system parameters investigated include the effect of reaction temperature (550, 650, and 750°C) and the catalyst mass (100, 200, and 300 mg) on the performance of the ammonia decomposition process. The primary objective of this work is to investigate how catalyst composition and metal-support interactions influence activity, hydrogen production, and ammonia conversion. Catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness …

Effects Of Solvent Type, Storage Time, And Storage Temperature On Free Radical Stability And Concentration In Model Radical Systems And Complex Vegetable Oil Matrices, Rachid Ismail Daboussi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Free radicals are reactive species with unpaired electrons that occur and form within a range of biological, physical, and chemical systems. These highly reactive entities can interact with each other and/or with other molecules present in a mixture, often leading to significant changes in the system. Control over free radical concentration and free radical reactions is necessary in various fields depending on the aim of the process. For instance, free radical addition reactions play an essential role in the synthesis of polymers, where controlled radical behavior is necessary. However, in the thermal cracking of oil, free radical addition reactions are …

Utilization Of Commercial Phosphonium And Ammonium Ionic Liquids In Enhanced Oil Recovery Of Carbonate Reservoirs, Nada Berrandjia

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Despite advancements in renewable energy, oil and gas still dominate global energy supply, while a substantial portion of original oil in place (OOIP) remains unrecovered through conventional recovery methods. One of the most effective approaches used to mobilize residual oil is chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) through mechanisms such as reduction of interfacial tension (IFT), alteration of wettability, emulsification, and improved displacement efficiency. Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have gained interest as alternative CEOR agents due to their tunable structure and superior stability under harsh reservoir conditions. This thesis experimentally investigates the potential of low-cost and commercially available ILs for enhanced …

Comparative Performance Of Polymeric Membrane-Catalytic Combined Module Systems For Efficient Co2 Capture, Yamna Saif Alshamsi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Effective carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is crucial for mitigating climate change. Membrane-based gas absorption systems, particularly those utilizing monoethanolamine (MEA), offer a modular, scalable, and energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods. However, challenges such as membrane wetting, solvent degradation, and mass-transfer limitations hinder their performance.This research investigated the efficiency of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethersulfone (PES) polymeric membrane contactors for CO2 absorption using MEA under simulated flue gas conditions. A novel approach involved incorporating nanocatalytic material into the absorbent solution to enhance CO2 absorption. Characterization included SEM, FTIR, XRD, permeability, tensile strength, and contact angle measurements, alongside CO2 absorption performance evaluation. …

Sustainable Cellulose Aerogels And Biofaoms From Date Palm Waste For Thermal Insulation Application, Hyder Ali Al Abdallah

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This dissertation is concerned with the use of date palm waste for the preparation of green lightweight aerogels and foams. Cellulose extracted from date palm wood waste is utilized to fabricate cellulose aerogels. Moreover, wood foams are prepared from whole biomass wood waste, without any prior treatment or extraction processes. The aim of this research is to produce sustainable, green, environmentally friendly heat insulation materials the construction, to replace commercial and fossil-fuel derived heat insulators. In this research, cellulose is extracted from date palm trees waste using both traditional and green environmentally friendly solvents. After extraction, cellulose aerogels are prepared …

Spray Drying Of Cromolyn Sodium For Pulmonary Delivery, Waasif Karuthedath Wahab

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Cromolyn sodium (CS) is an anti-inflammatory drug that can be used for the effective treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Spray drying techniques are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce fine drug powders for pulmonary delivery. The study aimed to develop a new dry powder formulation of CS in combination with leucine and mannitol by spray drying. The target of this study was to develop an inhalable formulation with improved fine particle fraction and less ethanol percentage in the feed solution. To obtain respirable CS: Leucine: Mannitol microparticles, process variables such as total solid concentration, leucine weight …

Sulfurized Serpentine And Perovskite Assisted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites For Photocatalytic Green Hydrogen Production, Yahia Alanizan

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Green hydrogen production has received great attention in recent years as a solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions resulted by burning fossil fuels. This thesis focuses on development of photocatalytic water splitting green hydrogen production under visible light irradiation of g-C3N4 based sulfurized naturally occurring serpentine rock and oxysulfide perovskite nanocomposites. This work reveals the effect of partial sulfurization of co-catalysts to boost charge generation, charge transfer, and light absorption. The presented work determined the potential of sulfurizing naturally occurring rocks and minerals acting as support and enhanced co-catalysts that exhibit narrower band gaps, with sulfur rich sites for visible …

Thermo-Chemical Recycling Of Waste Plastics Containing Halogenated Polymers (Br−, Cl−, F−) Using Potential Additives, Mohamed Shafi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Plastic waste handling is a daunting task due to the presence of halogenated polymers, specifically those cluttered with bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl), and fluorine (F). Halogenated plastics can be mixed with other polymers in the general plastic waste, particularly in the recycling stream. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are mainly present in e-waste and from the use of flame retardants in household items, textiles, and furniture. Plastics from discarded electronics often contain significant levels of bromine and chlorine, predominantly from flame retardants and plasticizers. Being the most deployed thermoplastic worldwide, waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) generation is expected to increase by about …

Development Of Composite Membranes And Nanofluid Absorbents Incorporating Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles For Enhanced Co₂ Absorption In Gas–Liquid Membrane Contactors, Riya Ahammed Labeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Natural gas sweetening demands the efficient removal of CO₂ to enhance heating value and prevent equipment corrosion. Gas–liquid membrane contactors (GLMCs) have garnered attention as promising solutions to traditional separation methods due to their modularity, high interfacial area, and energy efficiency. Nonetheless, they suffer from some serious challenges such as membrane wetting, while absorbents either exhibit low absorption capacity or high energy demands and corrosion. This work addresses these limitations through two complementary strategies. In the first, ZnO nanoparticles were hydrophobically functionalised and incorporated into polymer matrices to fabricate composite membranes with superior hydrophobicity and reduced pore wetting. In the …

A Novel Drug-Loaded Injectable Hydrogel System Using Oxidized Inulin And Pluronic F-127 With Β-Cyclodextrin Nanocrystals For Ocular Defect Treatment, Salama Al Dhaheri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The human eyes have the most complex and advanced defence mechanisms. Due to this barrier, efficient treatment of ocular disorders is always a crucial issue, especially while treating the posterior segment of the eyes. Most of the diseases occurring in the posterior segment of the eyes include age-related macular degeneration, retinitis, diabetic retinopathy and uveitis. Topical and systemic administration of drugs, intravitreal injection, and insertion of non-biodegradable implants are several different approaches employed to treat ocular diseases. These methods have shown promising results in treating age-related macular degeneration but require higher dosage and multiple administration of the drug to the …

Bioactive Membrane System For Efficient Emerging Pollutants Treatment, Ayat El Telib El Tayeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Emerging pollutants (EPs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are increasingly detected in municipal wastewater due to household discharge and improper industrial disposal. Their persistence and ecological risks pose major challenges to conventional treatment technologies. Among advanced options, membrane filtration, particularly microfiltration and ultrafiltration, has gained prominence for its efficiency and scalability. However, membrane fouling, especially biological and chemical fouling, remains a critical barrier, accounting for nearly half of total energy consumption and requiring frequent use of harsh chemical cleaning agents that further burden the environment.

This PhD research addresses these challenges by developing and evaluating hybrid bioactive enzyme-active …

Core-Scale Study Of Miscible Co2 Foam–Oil Interactions, Kuvonchbek Abdirakhmonov

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Foam is currently the most effective means for gas mobility control in a variety of geo-energy applications (Rossen et al., 2020), including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and aquifer/soil remediation. This study investigates the mobility control of miscible CO2 foam in the presence of oil for CCUS. The primary objective is to quantify the impact of oil on CO2 foam behavior under miscible conditions, specifically examining foam stability, strength, and flow regimes as influenced by oil composition and reservoir permeability. While most oils destabilize foam, few studies explore the coarsening mechanisms of CO2 foam in …

Enhancing The Energy Efficiency Of Co2-Rich Amine Solution Regeneration Through Innovative Catalyst And Advanced Membrane Module System, Muhammad Waseem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Global warming, which is mostly caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is rapidly becoming a serious issue. Prospective technology for capturing CO2 from point source pollution has recently received a lot of interest. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), particularly through amine-based absorption methods, is one of the most developed industrial processes for capturing anthropogenic and natural CO2. Although amine-based absorption remains the most mature technology for industrial CO2 capture, yet its largescale deployment is hindered by the high energy requirement of solvent regeneration. To address this challenge, we explored both catalytic and membrane-assisted approaches to improve the efficiency of CO2 desorption …

Core-Scale Study Of Miscible Co2 Foam–Oil Interactions, Kuvonchbek Abdirakhmonov

Theses

Foam is currently the most effective means for gas mobility control in a variety of geo-energy applications, including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and aquifer/soil remediation. This study investigates the mobility control of miscible CO₂ foam in the presence of oil.

The primary objective is to quantify the impact of oil on CO₂ foam behavior under miscible conditions, specifically examining foam stability, strength, and flow regimes as influenced by oil composition and reservoir permeability. While most oils destabilize foam, few studies explore the coarsening mechanisms of CO₂ foam in the presence of miscible oils, which …

Data-Driven Machine Learning Applications For Predictive Modeling Of Petrochemical And Ecofrendly Systems, Noora Al Mansoori

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Traditional experimental approaches in industrial processes, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and well-drilling operations, are often constrained by time, cost, and operational limitations. This research explores the application of data-driven Machine Learning (ML)-based predictive modeling to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on resource-intensive experimentation. The study develops ML models for three distinct processes: FTIR intensity prediction of bitumen thermal cracking products, thermal degradation of Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) using TGA data, and Rate of Penetration (ROP) prediction in petrochemical industry. Six algorithms: Linear Regression (LinReg), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient …

Engineering Bio-Based Poly (Ethylene Furanoate) Blends And Nanocomposites, Safa Fadl Eldin Mohamed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The growing demand for sustainable materials has directed attention toward bio-based polymers such as poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), a 100% bio-derived alternative to PET. While PEF offers excellent gas barrier and thermal properties, its limited mechanical strength restricts its use. This study explores polymer blending and nanocomposite strategies to enhance PEF’s mechanical and electrical performance.
Blending PEF with linear low-density polyethylene (PE) using reactive compatibilizers (SEBS-g-MA, PE-g-MA) significantly improved ductility and tensile toughness. Interfacial reactions between PEF and compatibilizers transformed the blend morphology, resulting in improved flexibility suitable for packaging applications.
Electrically conductive composites were developed by localizing graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) …

Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation Of Biomass Model Compounds Using Ni, Co And Fe Over Hzsm-5, Dana Mohammad Salaas

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

With the exponential increase in the human population and energy demand coupled with the alarming levels of worldwide CO2 emissions and the global warming crisis, there is a shift of focus towards developing and deploying clean and renewable energy sources. Biomass is a widely available renewable energy source that offers a promising sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, especially in the case of liquid biofuels production. However, unlike fossil fuels, biomass inherently contains high oxygen content which must be reduced in the biomass-to-biofuel upgrading process in order for the biofuel to provide comparable amounts of energy per unit volume to traditional …

Experimental Evaluation Of Novel Nano Polymer Hybrid Enhanced Oil Recovery In Carbonate Reservoir, Altamish Ahmed Pakeer

Theses

Innovative enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies are needed to unlock additional reserves in heterogeneous, oil-wet carbonate reservoirs. This study evaluates hybrid nano-polymer flooding by integrating silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) with novel HPAM polymers (Sav10 and Sav10 VHM) to optimize wettability alteration, rheological parameters, and recovery mechanisms.

A comprehensive experimental approach was employed, where rheological tests assessed viscosity enhancement under varying shear conditions, and wettability alteration was quantified via contact angle measurements using HPAM-SiO₂, HPAM-CNT, Sav10 VHM-SiO₂, and Sav10 VHM-CNT systems. Core floods were performed in three consecutive phases; waterflooding (baseline), standalone nanoparticle flooding, and hybrid nano-polymer …

Investigation And Prediction Of Excessive Water Production In Bottom Water-Drive Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Machine And Deep Learning, Sami Abderraouf Belkhir

Theses

Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFRs) are characterized by dual-porosity and dual-permeability systems, posing significant challenges in managing water production due to highly conductive fracture networks that facilitate rapid water migration from bottom aquifers, often bypassing oil stored in the matrix, thus resulting in early water breakthrough and water channeling phenomena. The main objective of this thesis is to develop and validate deep learning and machine learning models to predict water production, water breakthrough time (tbt), and ultimate water cut (WCult) in NFRs, thereby enabling more effective reservoir management strategies. This work also aims to evaluate the sensitivity of water behavior to …

Data-Driven Machine Learning Applications For Predictive Modeling Of Petrochemical And Ecofriendly Systems, Noora Saleh Al Mansoori

Theses

Traditional experimental approaches in industrial processes, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and well-drilling operations, are often constrained by time, cost, and operational limitations. This research explores the application of data-driven Machine Learning (ML)-based predictive modeling to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on resource-intensive experimentation. The study develops ML models for three distinct processes: FTIR intensity prediction of bitumen thermal cracking products, thermal degradation of Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) using TGA data, and Rate of Penetration (ROP) prediction in petrochemical industry. Six algorithms: Linear Regression (LinReg), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient …

Utilizing Date Fruit Pomace As A Corrosion Green Inhibitor For Non Ferrous Alloys, Sardor Rustam Odilov

Theses

This thesis explores a novel green corrosion inhibitor derived from date fruit pomace extract (DFPE) for the protection of aluminum alloy 3003 in highly corrosive environments, specifically hydrochloric acid (HCl) and natural seawater. The central aim is to promote the sustainable reuse of agro-waste as an effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional toxic inhibitors, aligning with environmental and industrial safety goals.

A comprehensive methodology was employed, including Soxhlet extraction (using both non-polar n-hexane and polar methanol-water solvents), rotary evaporation, and FTIR analysis to identify the active functional groups responsible for inhibition. Corrosion behavior was systematically evaluated using both mechanical (weight …

Utilization Of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Harsh Emirati Tight Carbonate Oil Reservoirs, Noran Hussein Mousa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods. This study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying temperatures (up to 110°C), IL concentrations (100–3000 ppm), and salinities demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles up to 15.37°. Statistical modeling …

Utilization Of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Harsh Emirati Tight Carbonate Oil Reservoirs, Noran Hussein Mousa

Dissertations

In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods, this study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on the interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying salinities, temperatures (up to 110°C), and IL concentrations (500–3000 ppm) demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles down to 15.37°. Statistical …

Developing A New Method For Brine Purification And Reducing Salinity Using Recycled Carbon Fiber, Fatemeh Bahaeddin

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Brine water, defined as hot and high salt content water, can be produced in large amounts from water desalination. The potential environmental impacts of brine disposal were evaluated in several studies. Minor variations in water salinity and temperature can significantly influence marine ecosystems. Elevated salinity levels disrupt the osmotic equilibrium between aquatic organisms and their surroundings, which leads to cell dehydration. Various disposal techniques have been implemented recently, including surface water discharge, sewage discharge, deep-well injection, evaporation ponds, and land application. However, these brine disposal techniques are unviable due to their high capital costs and limited applicability. In recent years, …

Development Of Novel Nanobiocatalysts For Enhancing Carbon Dioxide Capture, Merna Tarek Farag

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere cause a climate change that has devastating impacts. Therefore, reaching the net zero goal, which is the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emitted to the atmosphere and that removed from it, is critical for the future of our planet unless the net-zero goal is achieved soon, the impacts of climate change will continue to worsen, with severe consequences for ecosystems, human health, and global security. Achieving this goal requires a fundamental shift in the way we produce and consume energy, including the rapid transition to renewable energy sources with improvements …

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Biological Characterizations Of Hydrolysates Enzymatically Produced From Proteins Extracted From Microalgae, Hebah Al Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis aims to explore the use of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) as a support for immobilizing alcalase and its potency in producing protein hydrolysates. ZIF-L was synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous solution, and alcalase was immobilized through adsorption batch experiment. The successful immobilization of alcalase on ZIF-L was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum adsorption capacity of alcalase on ZIF-L was determined to be 672.1 ± 5.5 mg g-1 at 40°C using an initial protein concentration of 5 mg mL-1. Adsorption equilibrium data suggested …

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Biological Characterizations Of Hydrolysates Enzymatically Produced From Proteins Extracted From Microalgae, Hebah Al-Amodi

Theses

This thesis aims to explore the use of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) as a support for immobilizing alcalase and its potency in producing protein hydrolysates. ZIF-L was synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous solution, and alcalase was immobilized through adsorption batch experiment. The successful immobilization of alcalase on ZIF-L was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum adsorption capacity of alcalase on ZIF-L was determined to be 672.1 ± 5.5 mg g^-1 at 40°C using an initial protein concentration of 5 mg mL-1. Adsorption equilibrium data …

A Computational Investigation Into Thermo-Kinetic Parameters Governing The Decomposition Of Bio-Oil Model Compounds, Ali Huseein Aljefri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Among notable products from thermal degradation of biomass are simple oxygen-containing aromatics. These compounds typically appear in high loads in collected bio-oil derived from biomass. As such, it is important to comprehend the decomposition chemistry of this category of compounds. This thesis takes on board a general approach to report thermo-kinetic parameters that govern decomposition of a selected set of bio-oil model compounds in two distinct systems: firstly radical-derived pathways in the gas phase and secondly thermal degradation in their condensed media. The first is attained through accurate density functional calculations while the second is accomplished through the use of …