The Materials and Environment Laboratory (LME) at the institution serves as the hub for these endeavors. Under the guidance of esteemed supervisors, Professor Bouna Lahcen and Professor Benlhachemi Abdeljalil, both affiliated with Ibn Zohr University, the research team delves into the intricate aspects of developing innovative materials that possess both porous characteristics and photocatalytic properties. This interdisciplinary approach involves blending principles from chemistry, materials science, and environmental science.
The ultimate goal of the research is to contribute to the field of wastewater depollution by creating advanced geopolymer materials that can effectively adsorb and photocatalytically degrade pollutants. The utilization of natural clays as a base material adds an environmentally friendly dimension to the project. The research team explores various avenues, including 3D printing technologies, to tailor the properties of these geopolymers for specific applications in the construction industry and environmental remediation.
By combining the expertise of the faculty and the resources of the Materials and Environment Laboratory, this research project at the Agadir Faculty of Science aims to advance the understanding of geopolymer materials, pushing the boundaries of their applications in sustainable development and addressing critical challenges in wastewater treatment.
International internship
Internship at the Department of
Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering.
University of Jaén, Spain/2023.
Publications first author
1. Youssef Ettahiri, L. Bouna, H. John V, A. Benlhachemi, P. Hannah L, A. Bouddouch and B. Bakiz, “Pyrophyllite clay-derived porous geopolymers for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions”, Materials
Chemistry and Physics (IF = 4.6) 296 (2023) 127281, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.127281.
2. Youssef Ettahiri, Brahim Bouargane, Kamal Fritah, Brahim Akhsassi, L. Pérez-Villarejo, Ayoub Aziz, Lahcen Bouna, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Rui M. Novais, “A state-of-the-art review of recent advances in porous geopolymer: applications in adsorption of inorganic and organic contaminants in water”, Construction and Building Materials (IF = 7.4) 395 (2023) 132269, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132269.
3. Youssef Ettahiri, Brahim Akhsassi, Mina El Fazdoune, Abdessalam Bouddouch, Lahcen Bouna, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Luis Pérez-Villarejo, Regina de Fátima Peralta Muniz Moreira, “From synthesis to applications: A comprehensive review of photocatalytic geopolymer materials for environmental remediation”, Separation and Purification Technology (IF = 8.6) 330 (2023) 125396, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.125396.
4. Youssef Ettahiri, Devon M. Samuel, Lahcen Bouna, Anass Khali, Ayoub Aziz, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, L. Pérez-Villarejo and Waltraud M. Kriven, “Comparative study of physicochemical properties of geopolymers prepared by four Moroccan natural clays”, Journal of Building Engineering (IF = 7.1) 80 (2023) 108021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.108021.
5. Youssef Ettahiri, Lahcen Bouna, Akhsassi Brahim, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Bahcine Bakiz, Pedro J. Sánchez-Soto, Dolores, Eliche-Quesada, Luis. Pérez-Villarejo, “Synthesis and characterization of porous and photocatalytic geopolymers based natural clay: Enhanced properties and efficient Rhodamine B decomposition”, Applied Materials Today (IF = 8.3) (Accepted).
Publications co-author
1. L. Bouna, Y. Ettahiri, A. Benlhachemi, B. Bakiz, and M. Ezahri “First International
Geopolymeric Composites Congress GEC-2021”, Proceeding du congrès, Décember, 2021,
https://www.gec.acapublishing.com.
2. B. Akhsassi, Y. Ettahiri. Bakiz. A. Taoufyq. S. Villain. Favotto, F. Guinneton, J.-R. Gavarri,
A. Benlhachemi. “Novel Z-scheme Bi3O4Cl/Bi24O31Cl10 2D/3D heterojunction for enhanced
photocatalytic activity under visible light”, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical
and Engineering Aspects (IF = 5.2), 20 September 2023, 131762.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2023.131762.
3. Lahcen Bouna, Youssef Ettahiri, Antoine Elimbi, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Martin Cyr, “Role
of washing process in the improvement of surface properties of porous geopolymers”, Journal
of Porous Materials (IF = 2.6), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.125396.
4. Lahcen Bouna, Abdellah Ait EL. Fakir, Youssef Ettahiri, Hajar Abara, Amane Jada, Khalid
Draoui, Abdeljalil Benlhachemi, Mohamed Ezahri, “Understanding the impact of
kaolinite/muscovite ratio in natural clays on oxide contents, physisorbed water, and
structural water fractions”, Materials Chemistry and Physics (IF = 4.6),
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128858.
Publications submitted/in preparation
1. Youssef Ettahiri et al “Improving the behavior of green concrete geopolymer using different aluminosilicate sources”, (In preparation).
2. Youssef Ettahiri et al “Reaction kinetics, thermal properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete geopolymers”, (In preparation).
3. Youssef Ettahiri et al “A new porous geopolymer monolith for CO2 capture and thermal insulation”, (In preparation).
4. Youssef Ettahiri et al “First study of a macroporous geopolymer monolith with high thermal insulation properties”, (In preparation).
5. Youssef Ettahiri et al “Improvement of mechanical strength of raw kaolinite using geopolymer-based materials synthesized from slag ash and bottom ash”, (In preparation). 6. Youssef Ettahiri et al “Preparation and properties of diatomite rock based geopolymer for removal of dye from aqueous solutions”, (In preparation).
Research and development
In 2020, he took the initiative to organize a training course focused on the theme of “Completing the end-of-study project (PFE)” specifically tailored for undergraduate students. This course aimed to provide valuable guidance and support to students navigating the challenges of their final projects, offering insights and strategies to enhance the quality of their end-of-study projects.
As a proactive member of the Club of Young Researchers in Applied Sciences and Environment from 2020 to 2022, he actively contributed to the academic and research community. Being part of this club allowed him to engage with like-minded individuals, fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge in applied sciences and environmental research.
In 2021, he further demonstrated his commitment to academic and environmental causes by taking on the role of organizer for a Scientific Day at the Agadir Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco. The event, themed “Water and Waste preservation and valorization for sustainable development,” served as a platform for disseminating knowledge and promoting awareness regarding critical issues in water and waste management for sustainable development.
In the subsequent year, 2022, he assumed the role of coordinator for another significant Scientific Day. This time, the theme centered around “Alternative crops and water security.” The event, organized jointly by the Club of Young Researchers in Applied Sciences and Environment and the Agricultural Association for Watering and Irrigation in TATA, Morocco, aimed to address the importance of alternative crops in the context of water security. Through these initiatives, he showcased strong organizational and leadership skills, contributing to the academic and environmental discourse within and beyond the university community.
Areas of competence
Adsorption, Photocatalysis, Geopolymers concrete, Porous geopolymers, 3D printing
geopolymers, Clay, Wastewater, CO2 capture…
Synthesis methods: Solid-Solid, Coprecipitation, Hydrothermal, Sol-gel…
Characterization techniques (TGA/TDA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, UV, BET, XPS, MET, RAMAN,
FX, Compression, and Reflection testing…).
Advanced programs (X’pertHightscore, OriginLab, Fullprof , SIG).
Formations
Training on biosafety awareness at the Agadir Faculty of Sciences of Ibn Zohr University
(2017).
Geographic Information System (GIS) training, organized by the Young Researchers’ Club for
Applied Sciences and the Environment (CJCSAE) of the Agadir Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr
University (2020).
Participant in a workshop entitled “From Scientific Research to Practice” organized by the
Agadir School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University (2021).