2026 NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS

We are delighted to congratulate Aidyn Abilkas (PhD in Life Sciences) and Nargiz Kazhkenova (PhD in Chemistry) on the publication of their first paper with our research group in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI).

Their review article, “Simultaneous Multi-Ion Heavy Metal Sensing Using Pulse and Stripping Voltammetry at Functionalized Nanomaterial-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes,” provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensing strategies for the simultaneous detection of toxic heavy metals.

The article examines key challenges in multi-ion detection, including competitive adsorption, signal overlap, and interference in complex matrices. It also highlights how hybrid nanocomposite materials—combining carbon scaffolds, metal nanoparticles, porous frameworks, and bio-inspired modifiers—are being engineered to improve sensitivity and selectivity. Importantly, the review emphasizes the growing synergy between experimental innovation and computational approaches such as density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning, which together support predictive, mechanism-guided development of next-generation sensors. By synthesizing recent progress in the field, the work underscores the strong potential of nanomaterial-modified glassy carbon electrodes to achieve sub-nanomolar detection limits, high reproducibility, and robust performance. These advances open new possibilities for portable and cost-effective technologies in environmental monitoring, industrial effluent analysis, and biomedical applications.

Congratulations to Aidyn and Nargiz on this important achievement.

To read the full paper, click the link.

I am thrilled to share Hafiz Muhammad Waqar Abid latest research published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, where we present innovative solutions for carbon capture and climate change mitigation. Our study, titled “Bio-inspired ZIF-derived Co/N-doped carbon for efficient one-step CO₂ mineralization under ambient conditions,” introduces a robust, bio-inspired catalyst designed to accelerate the conversion of atmospheric CO₂ into stable mineral forms.

Our findings demonstrate rapid and impressive performance. The ZIF-67-derived Co/NC catalyst achieved substantial CO₂ sequestration, producing approximately 70 mg of calcite (CaCO₃) within just two minutes at room temperature. The material’s well-defined cobalt–nitrogen (Co–Nₓ) active sites outperform most previously reported carbonic anhydrase mimics, highlighting its exceptional catalytic efficiency. Beyond activity, the catalyst exhibits remarkable thermal stability and maintains high performance over multiple cycles, underscoring its potential for long-term carbon capture and utilization (CCU) applications. By streamlining the pathway from CO₂ hydration to bicarbonate formation and ultimately to solid mineral precipitation in a single step, this approach offers a more efficient and practical route for permanent carbon storage.

Overall, this work lays a new foundation for non-zinc-based, biomimetic catalysts in the global effort to combat climate change. We extend my sincere gratitude to the co-authors Meiirzhan Nurmyrza and Prof. Woojin Lee from the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences for their outstanding collaboration and dedication to this project.

To read the full paper, click the link.