JOHOR BAHRU, 1 October 2026 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazri Bakhtiar from the Department of Physics for successfully securing the ASCEND Research Prominence Grant, with total research funding of RM148,727.50.
The grant supports his research project entitled “Advanced Visible-Light-Driven TiO₂/Fe₂O₃/ZnO/Graphene Nanocomposite Photocatalysts for Integrated Removal of Organic Pollutants, Heavy Metals, and Emerging Contaminants from Wastewater Towards Sustainable Water Security.”
The three-year project will be implemented from 18 September 2026 to 17 September 2029.
The research focuses on developing advanced nanocomposite photocatalysts capable of harnessing visible light for wastewater treatment. By integrating TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, ZnO and graphene, the project aims to develop an effective approach for the removal of multiple classes of water contaminants, including organic pollutants, heavy metals and emerging contaminants.
Beyond advancing photocatalytic materials, the project addresses the broader challenge of sustainable water security by exploring technologies that could contribute to cleaner water and more efficient wastewater remediation.
The successful award reflects the Faculty of Science’s commitment to advancing high-impact research in advanced materials, environmental sustainability and water technologies, in line with the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030.
The Faculty of Science congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazri Bakhtiar and his research team on this achievement and wishes them every success in delivering impactful outcomes from the project.
Congratulations on this outstanding research achievement!
#UTM #UTMScience #FacultyOfScience #UTMFSResearch #ASCEND2030 #ResearchProminence #ResearchGrant #Photocatalysis #Nanocomposites #WastewaterTreatment #WaterSecurity #Sustainability
