DESAL RESEARCH GROUP

Sustainable technologies for a water-secure future

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KEY VALUES

Committed to excellence

We aim to be at the forefront of global efforts to contribute to a water-secure future. We envision a world where sustainable desalination technologies and water treatment solutions are pivotal in providing clean and safe water to communities and fostering economic growth. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, we aspire to set new standards for excellence in the field, leaving a long-lasting effect on the well-being of societies and the health of our planet.

About
DESAL team at the lab
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

Driven by innovation, recognized by impact

The DESAL Research Group pioneers advancements in desalination and wastewater treatment, prioritizing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Our focus on cutting-edge research and efficiency aims to address global water challenges and support sustainable development goals.

NEWS & UPDATES 

Discover the latest breakthroughs from our team

15 February, 2026

DESAL summer intern Imran Alturkistani wins national awards at Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair

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02 February, 2026

New DESAL research published in Nature Communications advances energy-efficient desalination

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28 January, 2026

DESAL and ACWA Power advance AI-based research for early membrane fouling detection

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ADVANCING SCIENCE

Scientific Contributions

Through research papers, patents, and PhD dissertations, we push the boundaries of knowledge, driving innovation in desalination and water treatment.

Co–TiO2 supported on reduced graphene oxide as a highly active and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation

by Hager M. Moustafa, Vijay K.Velisoju, Hend Omar Mohamed, Pewee Datoo Kolubah, Xueli Yao, Pedro Castaño
Year: 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.127232

Abstract

We have developed a highly active and stable catalyst based on Co and TiO2 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets for the photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water splitting. The catalyst was prepared using a novel methodology involving the modified Hummers approach followed by pyrolysis. The crystallinities, morphologies, optical properties, and chemical structures of the synthesized catalysts were investigated using different characterization techniques. The photocatalytic activity was investigated under UV–vis spectroscopy in solutions containing different Na2S + Na2SO3 concentrations and methanol as hole scavengers. The optimized composite that comprises Co: TiO2:rGO (1:6:10) shows a 2.5-fold improvement in the catalyst efficiency under UV–vis compared to bare TiO2, and it was recycled with the same activity for three cycles. This remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic activity of the developed nanocomposites compared to TiO2 can be attributed to the improved capacity of the nanocomposites to absorb visible light and efficiently separate charge carriers at the interface.

Keywords

Water splitting Reduced graphene oxide TiO2 Non-noble metal catalysts H2 evolution

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