Amiralian Group Honours Projects

 Supervisor Dr Nasim Amiralian and Dr Asep Nugraha

The project aims to synthesize smart healing anti-corrosion materials for zinc-plated steel, utilizing Si-based nanocontainers to load corrosion inhibitors. Key features include nanoarchitecture of porous structures to achieve high loading capacity and controlled release of the inhibitor. Additionally, nanocellulose will reinforce the material, enhancing strength and corrosion resistance. These innovative techniques aim to produce a durable solution for combating corrosion in carbon steel applications.

 Supervisor Dr Nasim Amiralian 

Food packaging plays a critical role in ensuring food safety and extending shelf life while minimizing environmental impact. However, conventional packaging materials often lack antimicrobial properties crucial for food safety and shelf life. This work aims to explore the potential functionalized cellulose for enhancing food packaging applications. Cellulose films and coating will be synthesized and characterized for structural integrity and barrier properties, with emphasis on its ability to inhibit pathogen growth. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties of films will be evaluated against common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger using fruits and vegetables as model substrates due to their susceptibility to contamination and short shelf life. This research seeks to offer a sustainable and effective solution for improving shelf life of foods and fruits and their safety.

 Supervisor Dr Nasim Amiralian

This project will focus on energy and environmental applications of cellulose-based composite. Metal-organic framework (MOF) will be in-situ synthesized on the surface of cellulose and used as a composite material for plastic degradation or as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The large surface area of the MOF will be beneficial for the catalyst and the 1-dimensional characteristic of cellulose will allow it to have higher conductivity. This project allows the student to be exposed to the inorganic synthesis process and fabrication of electrochemical catalysts and devices. 

 Supervisor Dr Nasim Amiralian 

Abstract: Antimicrobial and antiviral films are crucial for combating pathogens, yet their widespread use is limited by cost, complexity, and environmental concerns. This proposal aims to develop antimicrobial and antiviral films using akageneite (β-FeOOH) nanoparticles. This process involves the controlled synthesise of akageneite nanoparticles with desired size and morphology. The resulting material will then be processed to rapidly eliminate pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Influenza A viruses upon surface contact. The versatility of this antimicrobial material spans across food packaging, hygiene products, and contact surfaces, serving as robust defences against pathogens. This research aims to introduce a sustainable solution by leveraging low-cost, eco-friendly materials.