Johor Bahru, 8 November 2025 — The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), proudly congratulates ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren and ChM. Dr. Fazira Ilyana Abdul Razak from the Department of Chemistry for securing the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia.
ChM. Dr. Sheela Chandren received RM152,800.00 for her project titled “Physicochemical Attributes of Titania Nanoparticles Photocatalyst Sequentially Encapsulated by Hollow Silica-Shell with pH and Thermo-Responsive Polymers for Bisphenol A Degradation.” Her research focuses on developing an innovative photocatalyst system based on titania nanoparticles, aimed at improving the degradation of Bisphenol A—a harmful pollutant commonly found in plastics—through advanced nanostructured materials.
Meanwhile, ChM. Dr. Fazira Ilyana Abdul Razak secured RM142,800.00 for her project entitled “Mechanistic Investigation of Synergistic Effects in Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Stabilized Metal-Graphene Oxide Catalysts for Electric Field-Enhanced Hydrogenation.” Her study explores the synergistic interactions in metal-graphene oxide-based nanocatalysts, targeting enhanced hydrogenation efficiency that supports sustainable energy applications.
Both projects exemplify UTM’s strong research capability in nanomaterials, catalysis, and sustainable technologies, reinforcing the Faculty of Science’s leadership in fundamental research with real-world impact. These achievements contribute to Malaysia’s national research agenda by promoting innovation in advanced materials and green technology.
The Faculty of Science community extends its warmest congratulations to both researchers for their remarkable achievements and continuous contributions toward scientific excellence at UTM.
For more research highlights from the Faculty of Science, visit https://science.utm.my/utmfsresearch/.
