Director & Professor, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Amir Ikhlaq is a seasoned Research Scientist and Professor at UET Lahore, with 18 years of dedicated experience in Environmental Science, Engineering, and Chemistry. He has authored 96 peer‑reviewed articles—55 in top-tier Q1 journals—and holds an H‑index of 25, i10‑index of 60, with over 3,000 citations. Dr. Ikhlaq has supervised 53 theses across B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, reviewed 41 manuscripts for prestigious journals, and is cited in eight major academic books. His expertise has also been highlighted in national media—appearing on Dawn News and Lahore Rang TV—and his research has earned him highly competitive grants. 🌍
Professional Profile
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🎓 Education
Dr. Ikhlaq earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science (2012) from the University of Huddersfield, UK, where he developed catalytic ozonation methods—five resulting publications. He holds an M.Phil. in Applied Chemistry (2007) with first-class honors from UET Lahore, and an M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (2004) from the same institution. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in 2002, F.Sc. Pre‑Engineering in 1999, and matriculation in 1997. His strong academic foundation spans the core sciences—physics, chemistry, and mathematics. 🎓🔬
💼 Experience
Dr. Ikhlaq has progressed through roles at UET Lahore—from Lecturer (2007–2013), Assistant Professor (2013–2016), and Associate Professor (2016–2021), to full Professor (2021–present). Since October 2022, he serves as Director of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Research. In the UK, he worked as a Teaching Demonstrator at the University of Huddersfield (2009–2012). Early in his career, he was a Chemist at Samad Rubbers (2003–2005), and a Research Associate at UET (2006–2007). His responsibilities span teaching, research leadership, curriculum development, supervision, and administration. 🏛️📊
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Ikhlaq’s research centers on developing novel catalytic processes to mitigate air and water pollution. His key work includes catalytic ozonation, advanced oxidation for pharmaceutical wastewater, integration of reduced graphene oxide with zeolites, electroflocculation, and ceramic membrane treatments. He investigates sustainable solutions to remove anthropogenic contaminants—such as hydrocarbons—and energy recovery from leachate. His efforts span lab-to-field translation, reflecting substantial environmental and industrial impact. 🌱💧⚙️
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Ikhlaq’s excellence has been recognized with • Vice‑Chancellor’s Best Teacher awards (2022, 2023) • A Ph.D. scholarship (2008) • Two competitive grants from Pakistan Science Foundation (2021 & 2023) • Designation as a “Foreign Expert” by China’s Ministry of Science & Technology (2023) • Certificates from USAID‑sponsored training (2023) • Recognition for reviewing excellence in Applied Catalysis B (2017) • Acknowledgment for international collaboration with Pakistan’s Ambassador to China (2022). His contributions reflect scholarly, pedagogical, and global engagement. 🏅🎖️🌐
📚 Publications Top Notes
Coupling metal–organic frameworks and g-C₃N₄ to derive Fe@N-doped graphene-like carbon for peroxymonosulfate activation
C. Liu et al., including A. Ikhlaq
📌 Published in: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental (2019), Volume 255, Article 117763
📈 Citations: 233
📄 Summary: This study presents a hybrid material derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and g-C₃N₄ to produce Fe@N-doped graphene-like carbon. It significantly enhances the stability and efficiency of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for wastewater treatment. The catalyst exhibits excellent degradation performance for organic pollutants, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation. ⚙️🧪🌿
Recent advances in the synthesis of cyclic carbonates via CO₂ cycloaddition to epoxides
A. Rehman, F. Saleem, F. Javed, A. Ikhlaq, S.W. Ahmad, A. Harvey
📌 Published in: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2021), Volume 9(2), Article 105113
📈 Citations: 224
📄 Summary: This review highlights the green chemistry advancements in converting CO₂—a greenhouse gas—into cyclic carbonates using epoxide cycloaddition. Dr. Ikhlaq and co-authors evaluate catalysts, mechanisms, and sustainability metrics of this carbon fixation strategy, aligning with global carbon capture and utilization (CCU) goals. 🧬🌍♻️
Mechanisms of catalytic ozonation: Formation of superoxide ion radicals and hydrogen peroxide
A. Ikhlaq, D.R. Brown, B. Kasprzyk-Hordern
📌 Published in: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental (2013), Volume 129, Pages 437–449
📈 Citations: 223
📄 Summary: This foundational work investigates the roles of superoxide radicals and H₂O₂ in catalytic ozonation using alumina and zeolites. Dr. Ikhlaq’s mechanistic insights advanced the understanding of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pollutant degradation, essential for optimizing water purification systems. 💧🧪🔬
Mechanisms of catalytic ozonation on alumina and zeolites: Hydroxyl radical formation
A. Ikhlaq, D.R. Brown, B. Kasprzyk-Hordern
📌 Published in: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental (2012), Volume 123, Pages 94–106
📈 Citations: 201
📄 Summary: This earlier companion study explores how hydroxyl radicals form during catalytic ozonation on alumina and zeolite surfaces. It laid the groundwork for the development of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and is highly cited in water treatment research. 🌊⚛️📘
Novel carbon-based Fe-Co oxides from Prussian Blue analogues for refractory drug degradation
C. Liu et al., including A. Ikhlaq
📌 Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal (2020), Volume 379, Article 122274
📄 Summary: This paper introduces Fe-Co oxide nanomaterials synthesized from Prussian Blue analogues. The catalysts activate PMS efficiently without metal leaching, enabling the breakdown of persistent pharmaceutical pollutants in water. The innovation offers high selectivity and environmental safety. 🧫💊🛡️
🎯 Conclusion
Dr. Amir Ikhlaq exemplifies a leader in environmental research—melding deep scientific rigor with pedagogical excellence and societal impact. As a professor, researcher, mentor, and grant-winning scientist, his catalytic innovations contribute significantly toward cleaner air and water. His record of publications, teachings, and awards reflects unwavering commitment to sustainability and academic excellence. 🌟 His continued guidance of students and engagement with industry ensure lasting benefits for both science and the environment.