Journal Papers Accepted

Two students from UTAR Department of Chemical Engineering in Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science co-authored research papers based on their internship work. The papers were accepted in the Journal of Polymer Engineering (JPOLYENG) and Journal of Materials Chemistry A (J. Mater. Chem. A) respectively.

The paper titled Degradation of PVDF-based Composite Membrane and its Impacts on Membrane Intrinsic and Separation Properties was accepted on 28 June 2015 by JPOLYENG. The first author of the journal article, Esther Lee Mei Jiun joined Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for internship from October to December 2014.

The research aimed to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation period on the intrinsic and separation properties of composite membrane composed of organic polyvinylidene fluoride and inorganic titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles by exposing the membrane to UV-A light for up to 250 hours.

“It was an eye-opening experience as I was the only undergraduate in the research team and a novice in writing a professional research paper. I sincerely thank my supervisors and colleagues who have guided me throughout the tough journey, from conducting the experiment to submitting the paper. ” Esther added, “I have also learnt that perseverance is the key to success. Do not be afraid of failures, learn from mistakes, and keep exploring.”

Esther (first row, fourth from left) with the Head of AMTEC Prof Ahmad Fauzi Ismail (centre), her supervisor Dr Lau Woei Jye (first row, third from right) and her friends at UTM

Chuah Xui Fang is the second author of the research paper titled Pt Coupled ZnFe2O4 Nanocrystals as a Breakthrough Photocatalyst for Fenton-like Processes – Photodegradation Treatments from Hours to Seconds, accepted by J. Mater. Chem. A on 4 August 2015. She completed her internship as an undergraduate research assistant at the Department of Chemical Engineering in National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan.

The paper highlights that Pt coupled ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals is a breakthrough photocatalyst for Fenton-like processes which can enable substantial shortening of photocatalytic degradation treatment time.

“This achievement is a timely encouragement for me to strive for greater excellence. The acceptance of the research paper in this reputable journal affirms my intention to pursue a Master’s degree and to explore my interests in this field.” Chuah also expressed her gratitude to her internship supervisor, Prof Lu Shih-Yuan at NTHU.

Both National Tsing Hua University and Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre are collaborative partners of UTAR.

Chuah (first row, second from right), Prof Lu (first row, first from right) and her laboratory members at NTHU