Abstract

In a world facing escalating energy demands and mounting environmental challenges, the convergence of clean energy production and wastewater treatment has become a cornerstone of sustainable development. This seminar delves into the innovative realm of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) emerging technologies that elegantly integrate microbiology, electrochemistry, and advanced materials to achieve simultaneous wastewater purification and energy recovery.

BESs, such as microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells, utilize electroactive microorganisms to catalyze the breakdown of organic pollutants, converting chemical waste into electricity or green hydrogen. This dual-function capability reduces traditional treatment systems' energy footprint and transforms waste streams into valuable energy resources, turning an environmental liability into a strategic asset. This talk will cover the scientific foundations of BESs, recent breakthroughs in catalyst design, 2D materials, and membrane engineering, and the pivotal role of reactor architecture in optimizing system performance. Drawing from real-world projects and cutting-edge research, the session will highlight how these systems are being tailored for decentralized applications in industrial, municipal, and remote settings.

Attendees will gain insight into the multidisciplinary innovation driving this field, from nanomaterials to microbial consortia, and explore how chemical engineers can lead the development of next-generation sustainable technologies. By reimagining wastewater as a renewable resource, bioelectrochemical systems offer a compelling pathway toward net-zero energy treatment plants, circular economy integration, and a cleaner, more resilient planet. This seminar is an invitation to discover how the “magic” of BESs is reshaping the future of energy and environmental engineering, one electron at a time.

Biography

Dr. Hend Omar Ahmed Mohamed is a distinguished materials scientist and chemical engineer; she is currently a Research Scientist at the KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia. She holds a Ph.D. in Bionanosystem Engineering from Chonbuk National University, South Korea, where she was awarded a prestigious national fellowship in recognition of her distinction as one of the country’s most promising young researchers. Her academic roots trace back to El-Minia University in Egypt, where she served as an assistant lecturer for over five years, before embarking on advanced postdoctoral research at Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Busan.

Dr. Hend’s groundbreaking research addresses the world’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Her expertise lies in designing and developing advanced nanomaterials and multiscale catalysts for hydrogen production, CO₂ conversion, wastewater treatment, and clean fuel technologies. She is particularly renowned for her work in heterogeneous catalysis, membrane engineering, and 2D materials, applying a multiscale systems approach to real-world problems. Dr. Hend has played a leading role in numerous international research collaborations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and is widely recognized for her scientific leadership. She has authored over 55 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and serves on prominent journal editorial boards, including the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Energy journal. Her outstanding contributions have earned her multiple accolades, most notably the MIT Innovators Under 35 MENA award, a testament to her influence, creativity, and leadership in advancing clean energy solutions.