Prof.  Mohamed  Abbas
North Alabama International College of Engineering and Technology, Guizhou University, China, and National Research Centre, Egypt.

Title: Innovative Ultrasonication Approach for Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst Synthesis: Applications in Hydrogenation and Methane Cracking reactions

Abstract:

The development of high-performance heterogeneous catalysts with optimal activity and selectivity remains a central challenge in environmental and energy-related catalysis reactions. This presentation introduces a green ultrasonication-assisted approach as a powerful and versatile method for the synthesis of advanced catalytic materials. The fundamental principles of sonochemistry will be discussed, with particular focus on the acoustic cavitation phenomenon and its role in catalyst formation. The talk will explain the dual physical and chemical effects generated during ultrasonication and how they enhance reaction kinetics and promote the formation of highly active catalytic structures.We will demonstrate the application of this ultrasonic methodology in synthesizing a diverse range of catalytic structures, including mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles, as well as sophisticated core/shell architectures with different size and shapes. The superior performance of these catalysts will be showcased through several key catalytic processes. First, their efficacy will be highlighted in hydrogenation reactions, specifically the conversion of esters and dimethyl oxalate to high-value products such as ethanol and ethylene glycol. Second, the application in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) will be discussed, underscoring enhancements in product selectivity. Finally, we will present a compelling application in sustainable energy: the use of these catalysts for methane cracking to co-produce hydrogen and valuable carbon nanotubes, providing a promising route for COx-free hydrogen generation. This work underscores the profound impact of ultrasonic synthesis in overcoming traditional limitations in catalyst design, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes in energy and environmental applications .

Biography:

Prof. Mohamed Abbas received his Ph.D. in Emerging Materials Science from DGIST, South Korea, in 2016. He has built an extensive international research career, holding academic and research positions at leading institutions worldwide, including the University of Connecticut (USA), Tohoku University (Japan), Chungnam National University and Korea Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea), the University of Toulouse (France), the Institute of Coal Chemistry–Chinese Academy of Sciences (China), Jagiellonian University (Poland), and the National University of Singapore (Singapore). He is currently a Professor at the North Alabama International College of Engineering and Technology, a joint China–USA program at Guizhou University, and is also affiliated with the National Research Centre, Egypt.

Prof. Abbas is a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships and awards, including the PIFI (CAS, China), KRF, South Korea, and the Ulam project (NAWA, Poland), etc. His research focuses on advanced heterogeneous catalysis, particularly sonochemical catalyst design for hydrogenation processes, Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) and methane cracking reaction for sustainable hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials production. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact international journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Journal of Catalysis, Fuel, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Fuel Processing Technology, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Dalton Transactions, etc.