Reference to the letter No. Exams/B/2024/6475 dated 04.07.2024.

Mr. Muhammad Farman, Registration No. 2021-PhD-Chemistry-02, PhD Scholar of Chemistry Department under supervision of Prof. Dr. Farhat Yasmeen and co-supervision of Dr. M. Amir Shahzad, Assistant Professor, Polymer & Process Engineering Department, UET, Lahore. He has successfully fulfilled the requirements of publishing paper in impact factor journal as well as positive reports from four external examiners (two from abroad and two from Pakistan). Open defense and viva voce examination of Mr. Muhammad Farman is scheduled as below: -

 (Prof. Dr. Farhat Yasmeen)

Research Supervisor

Chairperson

Abstract

The thesis titled "Fabrication of Energy-Efficient Nanocomposite Ion Exchange Membranes for Recycling Industrial Saline-Water Effluents using Electro-Dialyzers" develops advanced ion exchange membranes with enhanced energy efficiency and ion permeability for electrodialysis, fuel cells, and batteries. The initial chapter addresses the demand for highly energy efficient and ion-permeable membranes. Conventional membranes suffer from high resistance and low ion permeability. This study introduces ion exchange membranes incorporating nanostructured polyaniline, which reduce resistance by 17% for cation exchange membranes and 12% for anion exchange membranes, improving ionic conduction and desalination performance. Next, the focus shifts to channeled polymeric membranes for water purification and energy applications. "Tubulin ion-transport membranes (TIM)" mimic microtubules and self-assemble within semi-crystalline polyaniline tubulins, reducing swelling by 28% and increasing water retention by 15%, significantly enhancing ion permeability and desalination efficiency. The third chapter explores eco-friendly solvent-free cation exchange membranes. By modifying the sulfonation period of sulfonated poly (ether-ether ketone) (SPEEK), the study achieves a 9% reduction in resistance and an 11% increase in ion exchange capacity, contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing hazardous waste and energy consumption. Finally, "Aquaporin ion-conducting membranes (AIM)" are introduced, inspired by biological aquaporins. These membranes use sulfonated silicon dioxide to create ion exchange sites that self-assemble, reducing swelling by 22% and increasing desalination efficiency by 44% compared to conventional membranes. The incorporation of hydrophilic polyaniline further enhances water retention and ion permeability, marking a significant advancement in electrodialysis desalination technology.