The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Gok Xie Yuen, Lau Hui Shen and Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering on their recent research article published in Results in Engineering, an SCI Q1 journal with a current impact factor of 6.0.
This article is featured in the 2024 RINENG Distinguished Scientist and Young Investigator Award special issue.
Gok Xie Yuen and Lau Hui Shen are Master’s and PhD students, respectively, in the Chemical Engineering programme at XMUM. They are conducting their postgraduate research under the supervision of Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen.
Entitled “Titanium-based lithium-ion sieves granulated with biomaterial for sustainable lithium recovery”, this research tackles critical challenges in lithium recovery by developing granulated chitosan/titanium-based ion sieves, offering improved stability and recyclability. Unlike conventional manganese-based or powdery ion sieves, which are prone to degradation and waste, the new biomaterial-derived granules provide a sustainable solution with strong durability and efficient regeneration. This advancement could significantly reduce industrial waste and pollution while enabling scalable lithium extraction. The findings also pave the way for further research into alternative binding materials, helping meet the rising global demand for resource vital for clean energy technologies.
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number: 22108118), State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University (grant number: 2024X32), Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (grant number: XMUMRF/2024-C14/IENG/0073), and Hengyuan International Sdn. Bhd. (grant number: EENG/0003).
The published full article can be accessed at
Gok Xie Yuen: “I am honoured to have contributed to this research paper published in the Result in Engineering. This experience has deepened my passion for adsorption technology in lithium recovery applications, particularly in improving performance and recyclability. My sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen, for her invaluable guidance and support. I hope this work advances the field and inspires further innovations in high-performance lithium ion-sieves in heavy metal recovery applications through adsorption.”
Lau Hui Shen: “Being involved in this innovative research project has been a tremendous privilege. This opportunity has allowed me to venture into the application of bio-based adsorbents for lithium recovery, a critical area in sustainable resource management while broadening my research horizons. I sincerely appreciate my supervisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen, for her exceptional guidance and patience as I navigated this new domain. This project has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to further exploring innovation solutions in sustainable material recovery.”
Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen is a Professor and Head of Programmes (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering) at School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia. She is the director of Centre of Excellence for Green and Advanced Technologies in Efficient Separations (GATES). Her research on sustainable, green materials, and membrane separation and purification technologies has earned her numerous prestigious allocates, including recognition as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2023-2024 by Stanford University. She has also received 2024 ISPT Distinguished Women Scientist Award, 2024 IChemE & CCST Young Investigator Award, 2024 RINENG Young Investigator Award, 2016 Green Talents award and has been named among the Top 50 Outstanding Green Talents alumni by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).