Associate Professor at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
Professional Profile
Summary
Dr. Hayat Khan is a distinguished academic and researcher in Chemical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. With a career spanning over two decades across multiple countries including Canada, South Korea, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, he brings a rich global perspective to advanced chemical process research, photocatalysis, nanomaterials, and engineering education. He has consistently contributed to academia through teaching, mentoring, and impactful research and has held various leadership and quality assurance roles in higher education.
Educational Details
Dr. Khan earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from McGill University, Montreal, Canada (2010–2015), where he was honored with prestigious awards including the McGill Engineering Doctoral Award (MEDA), NSERC fellowship, and the Ulmer-Lamothe Graduate Award. He completed his Master’s in Chemical Engineering from Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea (2007–2009) under a Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan scholarship. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, Pakistan (1999–2004), where he consistently ranked among the top students.
Professional Experience
Dr. Khan has held faculty and research positions in esteemed institutions worldwide. He is currently an Associate Professor at King Faisal University (Sep 2023–present), and previously served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at UET Peshawar (2019–2023). His international experience includes postdoctoral fellowships at Polytechnique University, Canada, and roles as lecturer and research assistant in both Pakistan and South Korea. His academic contributions include curriculum development, ABET/NCAAA accreditation coordination, academic quality assurance, and student mentorship across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Research Interests
Dr. Khan's research spans photocatalysis, advanced oxidation processes, nanomaterials synthesis, wastewater treatment, fluidized bed reactors, graphene-based hydrogels, and green energy solutions. His work integrates experimental techniques with industrial applications and environmental sustainability. He is particularly interested in developing novel semiconductor materials for environmental remediation and clean energy production, such as hydrogen generation using visible-light-active photocatalysts.
Author Metrics
Dr. Khan has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact international journals such as the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, and Science of Advanced Materials. He is a co-inventor on two U.S. patents and has contributed book chapters to reputable academic publishers like Elsevier and Bentham Science. His scholarly work is well-cited, demonstrating his significant impact in the fields of photocatalysis, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Khan’s academic excellence is marked by numerous awards, including the McGill Engineering Doctoral Award (MEDA), NSERC Canada Fellowship, Ulmer-Lamothe Graduate Award (CAD $110,000), FRQNT Postdoctoral Fellowship (CAD $35,000/year), and HEC Pakistan MS Scholarship (US $54,000). He stood among the top ranks during his undergraduate studies and has been recognized for his teaching, research, and contributions to quality assurance and community engagement in academia.
Publication Top Notes
1. Cerium-Doped Titanium Dioxide (CeT) Hybrid Material, Characterization and Spiramycin Antibiotic Photocatalytic Activity
Author: H. Khan
Journal: Catalysts, Vol. 15, Issue 6, Article 512
Year: 2025
This study investigates a novel cerium-doped titanium dioxide (CeT) hybrid photocatalyst designed for the degradation of Spiramycin, a commonly used veterinary antibiotic. The material was synthesized and extensively characterized using techniques such as XRD, SEM, BET, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated under UV light, revealing enhanced degradation rates attributed to improved charge separation and extended light absorption due to cerium doping.
2. Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO₂ from TiOSO₄ (Part 2): Kinetics and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Methylene Blue Degradation Under UV Irradiation
Author: H. Khan
Journal: Catalysts, Vol. 15, Issue 1, Article 64
Year: 2025
This paper presents the second part of a comprehensive study on TiO₂ synthesis via the sol-gel route using titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO₄) as a precursor. The study focuses on the reaction kinetics and the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles in degrading methylene blue dye under UV irradiation. The results demonstrate favorable kinetics and high degradation efficiency, supporting the potential of this low-cost synthesis method.
3. Graphene-Based Semiconductor Oxide Photocatalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen (H₂) Production: A Review
Author: H. Khan
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 84, pp. 356–371
Year: 2024
Citations: 16
This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in graphene-semiconductor oxide hybrid photocatalysts aimed at enhancing hydrogen production via water splitting. The review discusses synthesis strategies, charge separation mechanisms, and performance metrics of graphene-based systems, particularly those integrating TiO₂, ZnO, and g-C₃N₄. The paper provides critical insights into the future direction of sustainable H₂ generation technologies.
4. TiO₂-Surface Modified Bio-Adsorbent
Inventors: H. Khan, M.U.H. Shah
Patent: US Patent No. 12,059,666
Year: 2024
This patent presents a novel TiO₂-modified bio-adsorbent developed for enhanced removal of pollutants from water. The invention combines the high surface area of bio-based adsorbents with the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂, leading to improved adsorption and degradation of organic contaminants. The material has potential for large-scale environmental remediation applications due to its efficiency and reusability.
5. In Situ Nitrogen-Doped Graphene-TiO₂ Nano-Hybrid as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Pollutant Degradation
Author: H. Khan
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol. 31, Issue 32, pp. 45383–45398
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
This research article reports the synthesis of an in situ nitrogen-doped graphene-TiO₂ (N-GTiO₂) nano-hybrid and its application in degrading toxic pollutants under visible light. The doping significantly enhances charge carrier separation and light absorption, leading to superior photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO₂. The work highlights the potential of heteroatom-doped graphene composites in environmental nanotechnology.
Conclusion
Dr. Hayat Khan exemplifies scientific excellence, innovation, and international leadership in the field of photocatalytic environmental engineering. His multidisciplinary approach, novel material development, and commitment to societal impact through clean water and energy solutions align with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award.