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amr
 
Future Horizons in Chemical Technology and Advanced Materials
(Guest Editor: Nur Farhana Diyana Mohd Yunos)
 

Abstract
Welcome to the Special Issue of Advances in Materials Research (AMR) devoted to highlighting the most recent advances and research breakthroughs in the fields of materials and chemical engineering, with a particular emphasis on the outcomes of the International Conference on Frontiers of Chemicals and Materials Engineering 2026 (ICoFCHeM2026). Held on 1–2 September 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), this Special Issue provides a forum for researchers to investigate the broad and quickly growing topics of materials and chemical engineering while emphasising the significant contributions of sustainable engineering to our understanding and development of these materials. This special issue brings together researchers and experts from diverse disciplines to present their findings, share insights, and foster collaborations in the realm of materials research. Advanced materials are a diverse class of materials with distinct properties and functions that enable transformational applications in a variety of industries. Anchored by the theme "Advanced Materials for Energy Applications and Sustainable Engineering," these functional materials have revolutionised a wide range of industries, from sophisticated energy storage to catalytic and chemical applications. We extend our deepest gratitude to the authors for their valuable research contributions and to the reviewers for their time and expertise in ensuring the rigorous quality of this Special Issue. We also sincerely thank the ICoFCHeM2026 committee members for their dedication, and we hope readers of AMR find these published manuscripts both insightful and inspiring.

Key Words


Address
Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Main Campus Pauh Putra, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia


Abstract
Lactose is a major sugar naturally present in milk. It is co-existing as α- and β-isomers. Unfortunately, due to lactose intolerance, which affects a significant portion of global populations, detection, quantification and separation of lactose composition is crucial. Hence highlighting the importance of accurate lactose detection and monitoring in food products to ensure consumer safety and health. Previously, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) has been applied for designing synthetic polymer for detecting specific target molecule with high selectivity. In this research, molecular docking was employed to create optimum selectively binding for both isomer form of Lactose-MIP. The objective is to virtually screen 38 functional monomers (FM), building block of Lactose-MIP, specifically common silane monomer, evaluating their binding energy (ΔE), binding site of Lactose-MIP and non-covalent molecular interactions. All 38 FM were docked with both α- and β-form of lactose using AutoDock 4.2. Performing the ligand-ligand docking, we found that all the FM were successfully bound non-covalently with lactose. Based on the ranking of lowest binding-energy (ΔE), 3-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) was the favourable to bind with α-Lactose, while Ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane (UPTMS) is with β-Lactose. The study reveals multiple binding sites with different conformation of Lactose-FM complexes positions, indicating possibility of multiple ratio and monomer combination for developing Lactose-MIP.

Key Words
docking study; in-silico screening; lactose; molecularly imprinted polymer

Address
Rosfatihah Roslim, Azalina Mohamed Nasir, Noorhidayah Ishak: Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian Jejawi 3, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

Ang Lee Sin: Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Perlis), 02600 Arau, Perlis

Abstract
Eutrophication happened due to excessive phosphate release from agricultural and industrial run off causing biodiversity deterioration and polluted the water. This research aims to develop a high-performance Graphene Oxide Ion Imprinted Polymer (GO-IIP) for the selective removal of phosphate in water solution. To overcome the high mass transfer resistance typical of conventional bulk polymerization, surface ion imprinted polymerization (SIIP) can offer significantly faster binding kinetics capacity and higher template accessibility which offering superior reusability. Meanwhile Graphene Oxide is added as supporting material in this SIIP to provide oxygen functional group allowing easy covalent modification and high surface area for imprinted to occur. Methodologies integrate a structured three-phase approach of computational screening, laboratory synthesis, and adsorption performance in aqueous solution. Initially, seven functional monomers allylthiourea (AT), acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), methacrylic acid (MAA), itaconic acid (ITA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were evaluated using HyperChem software to simulate energy interactions with the phosphate template. Results identified allylthiourea as the most effective monomer, exhibiting the strongest theoretical affinity with an interaction energy (ΔE) of -85.0508 kcal/mol and also in experimental test with highest value of imprinting factor 2.098. The synthesized GO-IIP are characterized using SEM, FTIR, and TGA to confirm successful grafting and thermal stability.

Key Words
allylthiourea; computational screening; graphene oxide; phosphate removal; surface ion imprinted polymer

Address
Siti Khadijah Mohamad Ya, Noorhidayah Ishak, Siti Khalijah Mahmad Rozi: Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

Adilah Anuar: Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia/ Centre of Excellence for Frontier Material Research, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, No. 64-66, Blok B, Taman Pertiwi Indah, Jalan Kangar - Alor Setar, Kampung Seriab, 01000 Kangar, Perlis

Abdelmnim Altwaiq: Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman 11196, Jordan

Mohd Azrie Awang: Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition,Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS,88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia


Abstract
The escalating global production of synthetic petrochemical-based plastics poses severe environmental challenges, with their resistance to degradation causing widespread accumulation in landfills and oceans. Traditional recycling methods prove insufficient, necessitating innovative solutions. This study targets polypropylene (PP), a widely used but has lower recycling rates compared to other commodity plastics. Employing a bio-based strategy, the research explores the potential of Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album for PP degradation. Fungi, with their enzymatic capabilities, present a promising avenue for breaking down PP. The investigation pioneers the exploration of untested fungi for PP degradation, elucidating the degradation mechanism and end-product formation. Through targeted microorganism selection and pre-treatment strategies, UV and heat were identified as effective enhancers of enzymatic degradation, particularly for PP film. A. terreus and E. album fungi successfully degraded treated PP film, confirmed through chemical, thermal, and morphological analyses. These efforts hold potential for significantly improving PP degradation and offer insights into optimising processes, thereby contributing to a more sustainable approach to plastic waste management and holding broader implications for addressing the degradation of other synthetic polymers.

Key Words
Aspergillus terreus; biodegradation; Engyodontium album; fungi; heat pre-treatment; polypropylene; UV pre-treatment

Address
Amira Farzana Samat, Adilah Anuar, Norhidayah Abd Aziz, Khairunissa Syairah Ahmad Sohaimi: Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia

Ali Abbas: School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

Dee Carter: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia


Abstract
The conversion of biomass waste into adsorbents offers a sustainable approach for water treatment. This study aims to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature at 400, 600, and 800 °C on biochar derived from palm kernel shell for methylene blue (MB) adsorption. Biochar samples were characterized using yield determination, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), CHNS elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adsorption performance was evaluated at different MB concentrations (10, 30, and 50 ppm) and adsorbent dosages (0.05, 0.15, and 0.25 g). The biochar yield decreased from 76.2% at 400 °C to 72.8% at 600 °C and 57.2% at 800 °C, while conversion increased from 23.8% to 42.8%. CHNS analysis revealed carbon enrichment and increased aromaticity with increasing temperature, whereas SEM and XRD analyses confirmed significant morphological and structural transformations during carbonization. Adsorption results showed that MB removal efficiency (RE) decreased slightly with increasing MB concentration but improved with increasing adsorbent dosage. Biochar produced at 600 °C demonstrated the best adsorption performance, achieving a maximum RE of 68.09% at an adsorbent dosage of 0.25 g. These findings suggest that an optimum pyrolysis temperature is required to balance biochar yield, carbonization, and adsorption effectiveness.

Key Words
adsorption performance; bio-adsorption; biochar; methylene blue; palm kernel shell; pyrolysis; removal efficiency

Address
Adel Ali Azawqari: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia/ Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen

Sri Raj Rajeswari Munusamy, Nur Maizatul Shima Adzali: Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia/ Centre of Excellence for Frontier Materials Research (CFMR), Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

Nur Farhana Diyana M. Yunos: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia/ Centre of Excellence for Frontier Materials Research (CFMR), Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

Mohammad Nayazy Hairil Abd Wahab: Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

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