As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability and the need for innovative energy solutions, Isreal Akinwole, a dedicated researcher in chemical nano-engineering and sustainable separation technologies, is at the forefront of this field.

Currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, Akinwole’s work revolves around developing energy-efficient processes for critical areas like gas separation, CO2 capture, catalytic membrane and water purification technologies. His research not only aims to optimize these processes but also strives to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and environmental pollution.

Our correspondent, Akinwole, explained the urgency of advancing technologies to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial CO2 emissions. He noted that, according to a research paper, conventional CO2 capture methods consume around 15% to 25% of a power plant’s output capacity, highlighting the need for more efficient technologies

“The current industrial processes for CO2 capture are highly energy-intensive, resulting in a substantial energy footprint. This emphasizes the urgent need to develop cost-effective adsorption techniques and advanced membrane technologies that can significantly reduce both energy consumption and overall operational costs,” he said.

According to him, one of the primary objectives of his research is to develop adsorption methods and membrane technologies that can dramatically reduce energy consumption in CO2 capture. These innovations, he believes, have the potential to transform the industry by minimizing the environmental footprint of chemical processes.

“By integrating energy-efficient solutions, we can meet and even exceed industrial standards while reducing CO2 emissions substantially,” he added.

In addition to CO2 capture, Akinwole is focused on improving water purification processes through innovative membrane technologies. With over 2 billion people worldwide facing water scarcity, his work could have significant implications for global access to clean water. “Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. By advancing purification technologies, we can make clean water more accessible and affordable,” Akinwole emphasized, highlighting the potential of his research to tackle these critical issues.

Akinwole’s research extends beyond gas separation and water purification to explore the use of membranes in chemical engineering processes. By using membranes, he aims to reduce energy inputs and further cut CO2 emissions, contributing to more sustainable and enhanced production practices. “Membranes offer a way to enhance efficiency while lowering environmental impact, which is crucial as industries strive to meet stringent climate goals,” he stated.

Moreover, Akinwole’s ongoing work with the Stability and Reactivity of Sulfur Confined in Nanoporous Materials (StaR-S) project on sulfur confinement in nanoporous materials stands to make significant advancements in gas adsorption applications. This aspect of his research, generously supported by ANR, the French National Research Agency at Aix-Marseille University, involves synthesizing sulfur-based nanocomposites that could enhance gas capture efficiency. “Our main research hypothesis relies on the unique properties of sulfur in a nanoconfined geometry, which can provide unexpected adsorption characteristics,” he explained, noting that these properties could make sulfur-based nanocomposites highly effective for CO2 capture and hydrogen storage.

Akinwole’s research focuses on fundamental understanding as well as practical applications. He aims to investigate the thermodynamics, structure, and dynamics of sulfur confined in nanopores to gain insights into how varying pore sizes, geometries, and surface chemistries affect gas adsorption. “By understanding the effects of confinement on sulfur, we can tailor nanocomposite materials to optimize gas capture,” he noted.

The StaR-S project employs a sustainable approach to synthesize sulfur nanocomposites, including techniques such as impregnation of elemental sulfur in liquid and vapor phases. These nanocomposites are then tested for CO2 capture and hydrogen storage capabilities. Akinwole’s methodology reflects a commitment to sustainability, aiming to develop materials that offer high performance without relying on environmentally harmful processes.

In addition to his research at the Aix-Marseille University, Akinwole has trained in several international institutions, including Tor Vergata University of Rome and Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland. These experiences have enriched his expertise in nanotechnology, which is a cornerstone of his current work on sustainable separation processes.
At Aix-Marseille University, under the supervision of Dr. Marie-Vanessa Coulet (StaRS project coordinator) and Dr. Daniel Ferry, Akinwole has confined elemental sulfur within activated carbon to synthesize a composite material known as S@AC. “We characterized this composite in terms of texture, stability, and surface chemistry using TEM-EELS, TGA, and immersion microcalorimetry, as well as XPS and in-situ Raman spectroscopy, at the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM) in Marseille, and in-situ inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France, to better understand its CO2 adsorption capabilities,” he shared, emphasizing the innovative nature of the research.

During his time in Italy at Tor Vergata University, he synthesized fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and used them to create composite cation exchange membranes for water treatment. “The CQDs proved effective in removing heavy metals from water, showcasing their potential in sustainable water purification applications,” Akinwole said. He also noted that this work is closely related to his undergraduate research at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where he investigated the adsorptive removal of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen from aqueous solutions using coconut shell biomass. This research has been published and is receiving citations.

His experience at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology further expanded his skillset, where he synthesized styrene and divinylbenzene copolymer and thermoresponsive hydrogels, both of which have potential applications in nanoengineering and environmental remediation. Akinwole also explored photocatalysts for CO2 reduction using computational modeling, marking a multidisciplinary approach that integrates chemical engineering with computational studies.

Back in Marseille, under the supervision of Professor Bogdan Kuchta, a renowned expert in computational adsorption studies in nanoporous materials, Akinwole conducted Monte Carlo modeling of molecular adsorption in nanoporous materials, specifically focusing on the phase diagram of argon and adsorption in carbon material with split, cylindrical, and square pores.

“The insights gained from these studies are instrumental in understanding adsorption phenomena, which is an area of significant interest for CO2 capture,” he noted.

Akinwole’s extensive academic journey, combined with his commitment to sustainability, positions him as a leading researcher in the field of chemical engineering.

His work on adsorption and membrane technologies for CO2 capture, water purification, and catalytic processes holds promise for a future where industrial processes are not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly.

With climate change as a driving force, Akinwole remains focused on the goal of reducing the industrial sector’s environmental impact through sustainable engineering.

His dedication to advancing sustainable technologies reflects a broader vision for a world where innovative science and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, ensuring a sustainable future for all.