JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 12 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia through Chemical Reaction Engineering Research Group (CREG) and the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Germany, have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to advance future-oriented biomass pre-treatment technologies. This partnership has been further strengthened by the success of securing a prestigious Bioeconomy International 2024 research grant for the project titled LiBiPIUs – Lignocellulose Biorefinement through Plasma-Ultrasound Processing.
The collaboration was reinforced during a two-day visit by INP representatives, Prof. Dr. Volker Brüser and Sepideh Mousazadeh, to the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, UTM. Their visit underscored the importance of international engagement in driving innovative, sustainable solutions for biomass utilization. By merging CREG’s pioneering expertise in ozonolysis pre-treatment of biomass with INP’s plasma and ultrasound technology, the partnership aims to unlock greener energy pathways and contribute to global sustainability goals. With a total funding of EUR 384,299.80 for a three-year duration (2025–2027), the LiBiPIUs project will not only enhance scientific knowledge but also create tangible innovations in bioeconomy.
The delegation commenced on 12th August 2025 with a sharing session by Prof. Dr. Volker on “Plasma-Assisted Processes for CO2 Conversion and Pretreatment of Biomass”, attended by UTM lecturers and students. The lecture was highly informative, offering valuable insights into plasma technology and its potential applications in biomass treatment. The delegation also toured CREG laboratories, including demonstrations of the OzBiONY® ozonolysis prototype. They witnessed how biomass such as oil palm empty fruit bunch is treated through ozonolysis and were introduced to key products like OzyCELL (cellulose), BiOzMCC (microcrystalline cellulose), and OzyLIG (lignin). These will later be tested using INP’s plasma reactor to explore improved cellulose recovery.
On the second day, the delegation engaged in exchanging technological knowledge with the OzBiONY® team members, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Nor Aishah Saidina Amin. The 2 hours session aimed for future collaboration between CREG and INP by integrating ozonolysis pre-treatment with plasma technology in enhancing the treatment of various biomass. Beyond academic exchange, Prof. Volker also expressed his interest in learning about Malaysia’s cultural and religious heritage. Accompanied by Prof. Ir. Dr. Nor Aishah Saidina Amin and Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin, he visited Masjid Sultan Ismail at UTM. Remarkably, it was his first time in life entering a mosque, an experience he described as both memorable and enlightening. The visit culminated with a meaningful stop at the gallery dedicated to Prof. Ir. Dr. Nor Aishah Saidina Amin at the Raja Zarith Sofea Library, celebrating her outstanding contributions to chemical engineering research and innovation.
This milestone collaboration anchored by the Bioeconomy International 2024 grant marks a bold step forward in combining ozonolysis, plasma, and ultrasound technologies for sustainable biomass valorization. UTM reaffirms its commitment to fostering global research partnerships that drive innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence.
By: Zhahidah Husna Hassan and Dr. Amnani Shamjuddin