Research Areas

Dr. Imtiaz is an expert in pyrolysis, a cutting-edge thermo-chemical process that transforms biomass and waste into valuable products such as biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. The simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency of pyrolysis have made it an increasingly attractive solution in recent years.

• Unlocking the Potential of Biochar

One of the key products of pyrolysis, biochar, has immense potential in various industries. As a carbon-rich solid, biochar can be leveraged in agriculture to enhance soil fertility, in environmental remediation to mitigate pollution, and in energy production to provide a sustainable alternative.

• In-Depth Research and Innovation

Dr. Imtiaz has conducted exhaustive research on the kinetics, thermodynamics, and behavior of various materials during pyrolysis, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of this complex process. His work has also explored the potential of pyrolysis for energy production from solid waste and biomass, as well as the synergistic benefits of co-pyrolysis processes.

• Pioneering Work in Membrane Technology

Furthermore, Dr. Imtiaz has made significant contributions to the development of blended membranes, which have far-reaching implications for desalination and water treatment applications. His research has evaluated the properties and performance of these membranes, paving the way for innovative solutions in the field.

• Valorization of Oil Sludge (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRC: 195-135-2020)

This project aims to develop new and more efficient methods to recover valuable products and energy from oil sludge.

• Optimizing Biochar and Syngas Production from Biomass Wastes (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRC: 184-135-2020)

This project aims to convert agricultural wastes, such as crop residues and manure, and municipal solid waste into biochar and syngas.

• Data-driven Modelling of Bio-hydrogen Production from Wastewater (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under project grant no. IFPIP: 1523-829-1442)

This project aims to develop data-driven models to optimize the yield of hydrogen from industrial wastewater. The project uses multilayered neural networks to account for the complex interactions between the various factors that affect hydrogen production.

• Microalgae Chlorella sp. Biomass into Fuels and Chemicals (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPIP: 778-829-1442)

This project aims to reduce the cost of cultivating and improve the efficiency of converting microalgae biomass into fuels and chemicals.

• AI to Optimize Biodiesel Production (funded by MoE and DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. IFPRP: 365-829-1442)

This project reviews recent advances in machine learning and deep learning techniques that have been used to optimize biodiesel production, taking into account the variability of biodiesel feedstocks and the efficiency of biodiesel production processes.

• Blended PVDF Membranes for Seawater Desalination using Membrane Distillation (funded by DSR-KAU, Saudi Arabia under grant no. G-1436-135-449)

This project aims to increase the flux of the membranes and improve the selectivity of the blended PVDF membranes for desalination of seawater.

• Valorization of Date-Palm Waste (funded by MAARIFAH-KACST, Saudi Arabia under grant no. 11-WAT2033-03)

This project aims to convert date-palm waste into biofuels and char for potential applications in energy and wastewater treatment.

Production Capacity 

• Increased PM1 production capacity by optimizing the retention and drainage aid system. 

Quality Control 

• Reduced fiber burr/dust on the rotogravure printing machine by using a cross-linker in oxidized starch at the PM1 size press. 

• Developed a stiffer board to avoid bulging of PallMall (PTC Limited) cigarette cartons. 

Product Development 

• Reduced the cost of liquid packaging board (TetraPak) by using higher bulk BCTMP. 

• Reduced the cost of white paper by increasing tensile strength using starch with borax. 

• Developed a new high bulk additive to reduce costs. 

Process Optimization 

• Reduced paper machine downtime through smoother operations, timely decisions, and effective liaisons between various departments. 

• Participated in the revamping of the steam and condensate system of PM1 and PM5 to increase productivity.

• Participated in the conversion of PM5 from acidic to alkaline sizing (AKD and ASA).

Arslan Khan, PhD in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Thermochemical conversion of textile sludge and plastics

Abdulrahman Alarabi, MS in Chemical Engineering - 2024

• Dissertation: Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Material: A Study of Kinetics using Thermal Analysis

• Published a research paper in Discover Chemical Engineering - 2024

• Presented at the International Conference and Exhibition for Science (ICES 2023), Saudi Arabia - 2023

Khalid Abdulaziz Ali Alshareef, MS in Chemical Engineering - 2024

• Dissertation: Pyro-kinetics of local halophytes to assess their bioenergy potential

• Published a research paper in Bioresource Technology Report - 2020

Naeem Alnafei, Nawaf Ayed Almeabedi, Naif Alharbi, Ghazi Alotaibi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2023

• Design Project: Process design to convert 11 MT of methane annually into BTX via dehydroaromatization

S.S.S. Alghanmi, F.A.M.A. Alsubhi, and Y.Z.A.R. Alsubhi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Hydrogen Separation from Gas Mixture: A Critical Review

• Presented at the International Conference of Harnessing Technology and Investment for Sustainable Future, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Port Said Branch, Port Said, Egypt, June 6-7, 2024

O.A.M. Alsobhi, A.W.A Alharbi, A.S.H. Albalawi, and A.M.H. Albeladi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Carbon Capture Technologies: A Key Tool for Climate Change Mitigation

• Participated in the International Conference of Harnessing Technology and Investment for Sustainable Future, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Port Said Branch, Port Said, Egypt, June 6-7, 2024

O.M.Q. Alharbi, E.A.H. Alyoubi, Y.A.S. Alsubhi, A. Majeed, and M.A. Alyoubi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Plastic Waste Separation Technologies: A Review and Analysis

• Participated in the International Conference of Harnessing Technology and Investment for Sustainable Future, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Port Said Branch, Port Said, Egypt, June 6-7, 2024

S.B. Zagabh, T.M. Aljahadi, and A. Majdi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Advancements and Future Directions in Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling 

• Participated in the International Conference of Harnessing Technology and Investment for Sustainable Future, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Port Said Branch, Port Said, Egypt, June 6-7, 2024

A.A.H. Alqaydy, M.K.M. Alshemasi, M.A.A. Alfarsi, and A.O.A. Bashaikh, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2025

• Topic: Metal-Organic Frameworks and Synthetic Polymers for Enhanced Water Decontamination 

• Participated in the International Conference of Harnessing Technology and Investment for Sustainable Future, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Port Said Branch, Port Said, Egypt, June 6-7, 2024

Mohammed Bukhari and Raed al-anazi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2024

• Design Project: Design and economic analysis of a modular distributed gas-to-liquids synthesis plant

Naeem Alnafei, Nawaf Ayed Almeabedi, Naif Alharbi, Ghazi Alotaibi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2023

• Design Project: Process design to convert 11 MT of methane annually into BTX via dehydroaromatization

Saud Abdulaziz Alqattan, Anas Riaz Alsaedi. and Abdmalik Marwan Albkhari, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2022

• Design Project: Production of 250,000 gallons per day of dimethyl ether for transportation 

Saleh Alnajjar, Ahmad Abu khudair, and Mohammed Abu khudair, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2021

• Design Project: Production of Diethyl Ether (DEE) through dehydration of Ethanol

Abdullah Almuwallad, Abdulmajeed Alnafie, Wael Alsayed, and Abdulrahman Almagrabe, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2020

• Design Project: Thermochemical conversion of 1000 TPD of lignocellulosic biomass to BTX in a bio-refinery 

Alhareth alharthi, Abdurahman, and Alaa almghrabi,  BS in Chemical Engineering - 2019

• Design Project: Plant design for the conversion of 2 ton/hr date waste into syn gas

• Poster presented at The 1st World Conference on By-Products of Palm Trees and their Applications (ByPalma), poster 56, Aswan, Egypt, December 15-17, 2018.

Alhareth alharthi,  BS in Chemical Engineering - 2019

• Topic: Potential of food waste collected from Jeddah through thermochemical conversion

• Presented at the 9th Scientific Forum for King Abdulaziz University Students, March 31 – April 2, 2018

Mohammed Wasfi Al-laban, Amer Ismaeel Andijani, and Hassan Bakheet Alkhamisi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2018

• Design Project: Plant design of 24 ton/h dimethyl ether from methanol

Fahad Khalid Althyabi, Sultan Zaki Alghanmi, and Abdullah Ali Alshamrani, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2017

• Topic: Biomass Pyrolysis

• Presented at the 8th Scientific Forum for King Abdulaziz University Students, December 4-8, 2016

• Design Project: Thermochemical conversion of 400,000 MTPY of lignocellulosic biomass to BTX in a bio-refinery

Fahad Khalid Althyabi, and Sultan Zaki Alghanmi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2017

• Topic: Biomass Pyrolysis

• Participated in the WEP KAUST Research Poster Competition, January 8-21, KAUST

Khalid Alzubidi, Abdelaziz Aldahri, and Fawaz Aljohani, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2016

• Design Project: Styrene production from methanol and toluene

 Hassan Ali Alrashed, Fahad Faisal Alghanmi, and Ali Nasser Alghamdi, BS in Chemical Engineering - 2015

• Design Project: Plant design for the production of styrene monomer from methanol and toluene