Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail

A Journey from Faith to the Peaks of Progress

Sometimes in life, we encounter individuals who, with determination and a creative outlook, shape a brighter future for themselves and others. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail is one such person whose focus on solving complex global challenges has profoundly impacted the improvement of human life and the advancement of sustainable technologies. His research spans from water purification to the development of innovative technologies in renewable energy and kidney disease treatment. Recognized as a pioneering scientist, Ismail has achieved remarkable success in promoting green and innovative technologies.
A Spark for Nurturing Scientific Talent
Born in 1966 in Cambodia, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail developed a passion for the natural sciences from a young age. During his teenage years, he excelled in regional and national science competitions, which steered him toward choosing chemical engineering as his field of study—a discipline that allowed him to address the challenges he was determined to solve. In 1975, Ismail and his family migrated to Malaysia, where he grew up in the town of Kantra, pursuing his education there until the age of twelve. Later, he moved to the historic state of Malacca, where the unique cultural and scientific environment profoundly shaped his personality and research interests. Ismail began his university studies at the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM), graduating in 1989. He then pursued a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and membrane technology at the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom. This period marked the beginning of his impactful scientific research, focusing on improving water purification processes and designing high-efficiency membranes, ultimately leading to reduced energy consumption and enhanced performance in these areas.
In the Light of Science and Faith
Ismail’s fascination with membrane technology began during his master’s studies when he was first introduced to its fundamental concepts. One of his influential professors opened a new pathway for his research by introducing him to this field. During this time, while exploring phenomena related to the separation of saltwater and freshwater, Ismail was struck by certain verses in the Quran, such as those in Surah Al-Rahman and Surah Al-Furqan, which remarkably describe a barrier between two bodies of water. In modern engineering, this concept aligns with the notion of a “membrane.” This spiritual inspiration deepened his interest in the field and became a powerful motivator for pursuing his doctoral research in membrane technology. The connection between Quranic insights and scientific discoveries provided a fertile ground for his innovations and the commercialization of his ideas in membrane technology. Ismail’s deep belief that his scientific journey has been guided by divine inspiration has played a pivotal role in sustaining his efforts.

Achievements that Address Challenges
Ahmad Fauzi Ismail’s research across various scientific domains has led to significant advancements in improving human life and addressing critical challenges. One of his most notable achievements is the development of advanced membranes for water purification. This technology has been vital in providing sustainable access to clean water, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Additionally, Ismail has tackled challenges in sustainable energy by developing innovative energy storage methods that optimize the use of renewable sources like solar and wind energy. In the medical field, his advancements in designing specialized membranes for dialysis have revolutionized the treatment of kidney diseases. These membranes, tailored to enhance dialysis efficiency, have significantly reduced side effects and provided more effective treatments for kidney patients. These innovations have not only improved patients’ quality of life but also lowered treatment costs and reduced reliance on complex, expensive equipment.
A Testament to Dedication
Throughout his scientific career, Ismail has earned numerous national and international awards. Among the most prestigious are the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize in 2023, the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Award in 2019, and the Merdeka Award for Outstanding Scientific Research in 2014. These accolades reflect his relentless efforts to advance science and technology. Since 2013, Ismail has served as the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM), during which time he has transformed the institution into a leading hub for research. Under his leadership, UTM has achieved remarkable progress in fields such as chemical engineering, membrane technology, and renewable energy. Beyond elevating the university’s academic standing, Ismail has played a crucial role in mentoring young researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. Today, UTM is a key player in addressing global challenges, with a focus on sustainable development, applied research, and international collaborations.
Ahmad Fauzi Ismail’s scientific contributions in water purification, renewable energy, and kidney disease treatment have solidified his prominent role in advancing cutting-edge technologies. His research in designing advanced membranes and optimizing energy storage methods has addressed global challenges in securing sustainable water and energy resources. His journey underscores that true progress stems from persistent effort and a focus on finding effective solutions to pressing issues.
 

From Polluted Water to Droplets of Life

In today’s world, water, as a vital and precious resource, faces the serious challenge of pollution, making the use of innovative technologies for water and wastewater treatment more essential than ever. In this context, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, a laureate of the 5th Mustafa(pbuh) Prize, has played a significant role in addressing this global need through his innovations in membrane technology. By leveraging advanced membranes, he has developed effective methods for treating oily wastewater and desalinating seawater. His research has had a profound impact on various industries and has improved the quality of human life, serving as a model for future advancements in environmental and sustainable technologies.
Separating Water from Oil
Oily pollutants pose one of the greatest challenges in treating industrial wastewater, particularly in the oil and gas industries, which release significant amounts of contaminants into water sources daily. Ismail has made a substantial contribution to tackling this issue by applying nanotechnology. He has designed advanced nanomembranes with unique properties, such as extreme hydrophobicity and high oleophilicity, offering effective solutions for removing oily contaminants from water. These membranes are engineered to selectively allow oil molecules to pass through while purifying water with high precision. Ismail’s research, including studies on the effects of additives like carbon and silica nanoparticles on membrane properties and performance, highlights their efficiency. Beyond their applications in the oil and gas industries, these technologies are also valuable for managing environmental pollution and treating urban and industrial wastewater.
Drinking from the Sea
In arid, water-scarce regions like the Persian Gulf countries, technologies such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are critical for producing potable water from seawater on an industrial scale. These technologies have gained attention for their ability to reduce energy consumption in water treatment processes and improve efficiency under challenging conditions. In one of his studies, Ismail addressed challenges related to enhancing the efficiency of desalination processes and reducing membrane fouling. The nanomembranes incorporating nanomaterials designed by him are not only more resistant to salts but also require less energy due to reduced fouling and increased permeability. As previously noted, Ismail’s integration of specific nanomaterials, such as silica and carbon, has enhanced the mechanical and chemical properties of these membranes. These membranes exhibit greater resilience in harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and corrosive chemical environments, resulting in a longer lifespan.
One Technology, Multiple Applications
The development of nanofiltration membranes has provided an effective solution for treating water contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals, and biological pollutants. These membranes, capable of removing extremely fine particles, have elevated water purification to a new level. Their advantages include reduced energy consumption, enhanced durability, and lower operational costs. Nanomembranes are particularly effective in regions facing shortages of clean water and pollution challenges, finding applications in urban, industrial, and agricultural water treatment. Beyond water and wastewater treatment, membrane and nanotechnology have significantly impacted various industrial and medical fields. Ismail’s development of hollow fiber membranes with high selectivity for gas separation has provided an effective method for separating gases in industrial and environmental processes. These membranes are particularly useful in treating industrial gases and polluted air. Their strength lies in their ability to separate gases with high precision and minimal energy consumption, making them highly valuable in industries such as oil, gas, and renewable energy.
Membranes in Medicine
Ismail has also applied nanofiltration technology to blood purification and dialysis processes. Nanofiltration enhances the efficiency of dialysis machines by effectively separating waste materials from blood. This breakthrough has improved medical treatments, reduced side effects, and enhanced the quality of life for patients with kidney failure. Additionally, Ismail has designed metal catalysts to improve industrial chemical processes. These catalysts accelerate chemical reactions and reduce energy consumption, leading to lower production costs and increased efficiency in industries such as chemicals, oil, gas, and pharmaceuticals.
Ahmad Fauzi Ismail’s achievements in advancing membrane technology exemplify scientific progress in addressing today’s societal needs. His advancements in water purification, gas separation, and medical applications through cutting-edge technologies demonstrate the potential of science tackle global challenges. These accomplishments offer solutions to critical issues and pave the way for a more sustainable future.