Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen and Students Publish in Progress in Materials Science
2024-04-26The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Lau Hui Shen, Angelica Eugenia, Weng Ying and Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen from the Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering for the recent review article published in Progress in Materials Science, an SCI Q1 journal with the latest impact factor of 37.4, ranking as a top journal in Material Science category.
Lau Hui Shen is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at XMUM, while Angelica Eugenia and Weng Ying are undergraduate students who conducted their final year project under the supervision of Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen.
Entitled “Recent advances in polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) membranes: Delving into the intrinsic microstructure for carbon capture and arduous industrial applications”, this review systematically discussed the state-of-the-art ladder PIMs redesigned on intrinsic micro-structure through five different perspectives, including (i) architecting the polymer backbone, (ii) post-modification on polymer structure, (iii) polymer blends and copolymerization, (iv) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), and (v) post-modification on membranes, aiming to address the carbon-related international treaties.
In addition, the implementation of PIMs in energy-efficient membrane-based olefin/paraffin separation was highlighted. Subsequently, solution-processable ladder PIMs, in the form of powder, nanofibrous, films or membranes applied in various fields such as environmental application, catalysis, electrochemical energy storage and conversion, sensing, and 3D printing were scrutinized. Along with the contemplation on outlook and future perspective, the review is anticipated to path a new avenue for the continuous development and optimization of PIMs materials in sustainable applications.
This research is financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Number: 22108118), State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University (Grant Number: 2024X32), Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (Grant Number: XMUMRF/2021-C8/IENG/0042), and Hengyuan International Sdn. Bhd. (Grant Number: EENG/0003).
The full article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2024.101297.
In-depth insight into the latest development and progress of ladder PIMs from molecular architecture to their potential in sophisticated applications.
| Lau Hui Shen: “I would like to extend my appreciation to my supervisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen, and my research peers for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout this journey. Our collective effort and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this research to fruition. The unique properties exhibited by polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) have garnered significant interest in various industries, especially in energy and environmental remediation. I hope this study serves for wider dissemination and future advancements of PIMs materials in addressing the complex industrial challenges.” |
| Angelica Eugenia: “It was a great opportunity and honor for me to contribute to this research paper in Progress Material Science. This experience has developed my research interest, particularly in membrane technology for carbon capture applications. I deeply appreciate and am thankful to my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Yong Wai Fen, and my peers, Lau Hui Shen and Weng Ying for their efforts and collaboration throughout the process. Hope that this review paper will provide insights and guidance for future research on PIMs membranes in the future.” |
| Weng Ying: “I am deeply grateful for the publication of this review paper in Progress in Materials Science, made possible by the invaluable guidance of my supervisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen, and my senior, Lau Hui Shen. This opportunity allows me to delve into the realm of PIMs membranes and their applications in various industries. Such insights are pivotal for my ongoing research and academic pursuits in membrane technology.” |
| Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen is a Professor and Head of Programmes (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering) at School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia. Her research interests focus on sustainable, green materials, and membrane technologies for biogas separation, CO2 capture, industrial air purification and water purification to promote renewable energy and environmental sustainability. |
