Biohydrogen
INTRODUCTION
Biohydrogen group lead by Assoc. Prof Dr. Jamaliah Md Jahim was established as a result of observation of the world’s energy crisis as well as the deepening awareness of the effects of pollution and greenhouse gases onthe environment. Biohydrogen is one potential alternative energy source to replace fossil fuel. Furthermore, raw materials from agro-industry waste is cheap and easily available in this country, hence enable biohydrogen production costs to be reduced.
This group focused on the use of the principles of bioprocess engineering, biochemistry and biotechnology with biological cells for the optimal production of biohydrogen. Based on results from previous studies, Biohydrogen group is now focusing the research efforts towards two types of methods, which are dark fermentation using Clostridium sp. and bacteria of genus Enterobacter. Besides, the mixed culture fermentation was also studied as it reported to produce high biohydrogen yield.
In addition to the study of pretreatment process and enzymatic reaction prior to fermentation, the group consisting of eight full-time researchers are also actively conducting research to optimize the production of hydrogen gas in mesophilic and thermophilic condition using a cheap raw materials source such as palm oil mill effluent (POME).The findings from this research are expected to be applied for scale-up biohydrogen production. As continuity from 2L bioreactor fermentation, at a moment the group is focusing on thermophilic hydrogen production using 7 and 14 L bioreactor.
The UKM-YSD Chair for sustainable Development – Zero WasteTechnology for the Palm Oil Industry is a collaboration between YayasanSime Darby (YSD) and UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)in order to come up with solutions in reducing emissions through research on green technology and innovative practices, which will ultimately lead to zero waste to the air, water and ground.The agreement on the endowment chair was signed on December 21, 2010. Moreover the group also has an extensive international networkingwithMonash University, Australia, Wageningen University & Research Centre (WUR), Wageningen the Netherlands and Biomass Conversion Research Laboratory, Michigan State University.
RESEARCH TEAM
- Assoc. Prof Dr. Jamaliah Md Jahim, PhD (Bradford) – Group Leader
- Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Wan Ramli Wan Daud, PhD (Cantab), MIChEM, MIEM, AMIChe (UK), PEng
- Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Sobri Takriff, PhD (Arkansas)
- Assoc. Prof Dr. Nurina Anuar, PhD (Surrey)
- Dr. Manal Ismail, PhD (London)
- Dr. Sahilah binti Abdul Mutalib, PhD (UM Malaysia)
- Dr. Mohd Shahbudin Mastar @ Masdar, PhD (Gunma)
- Puan Suhaida Harun, Msc(UKMalaysia)
AWARDS (selected)
- Bronze Medal – The 7th Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2008. PWTC, Kuala Lumpur
- Best Poster – International World Conference of Biohydrogen Technology (IWBT) 2008, IIT Kharagpur
- 2nd Place – National ChemE-car competition 2008, USM. ChemE-car powered by PEMFC fuelled by biohydrogen produced from POME fermentation