Dr. Mohamad Hmadeh
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
T: 01-350000 x3988
E: mh210@aub.edu.lb
Our research has combined the tools of inorganic
and analytical chemistries to prepare new materials to target environmental and
energy related problems relevant to sensing, water purification, antimicrobial
agents, catalysis and solar fuel production. The hard work and dedication of
our research group coupled with innovative ideas and strategic research plan
have resulted in a research program aiming at developing materials for energy
and environmental applications through three approaches (Figure 1). The
first approach is based on developing new metal organic frameworks (MOFs),
namely AUBM (American University of Beirut Materials). MOFs are
novel crystalline porous structures built by linking metal
cluster and organic bridging units through strong
chemical bonds. Here, we have focused on designing new MOF
structures through the incorporation of new type of linkers and metal nodes
into extended networks for specific applications in sensing, adsorption and
catalysis. The second approach focuses on tailoring of the physical and
chemical properties of existing and known MOF structures to target specific
applications in catalysis, adsorption and antimicrobial activities. Here, we
apply the reaction diffusion process to produce MOF and ZIF crystals in a
controlled manner. We show how this process can be used to control the size,
morphology, composition and defects in MOFs and ZIFs. In addition to this new
process, we use modulated synthesis to create defects in UiO-66 based MOF
structures, which is a novel type of material engineering that we applied for
catalysis (e.g. esterification reactions) and adsorption (e.g. Arsenic removal
from water) applications. The third approach is through the design and
synthesis of multi-component and multifunctional nanoparticles (iron
oxihydroxides, niobium oxihydroxides, MOFs/nanoparticles) for various
photocatalytic applications including hydrogen production, carbon dioxide
reduction and pollutants degradation. Our multi-displinary research activities
have trained students on a large set of skills covering areas in reticular
chemistry and nanochemistry. This includes techniques such as SEM-EDX, PXRD,
TGA, AA, GC, HPLC, IC, UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence that are available
at the Kamal A. Shair Central Research Science Laboratory (KAS CRSL). Our research program resulted in strong
collaborations with faculty members both within the chemistry department and
with other departments at AUB, and also around the world.
Figure 1. Schematic illustration of our research work highlighting the three approaches to develop materials for energy and environmental applications.
Further Reading:
https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b01920
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.0c01696
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.128237