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Mohammed Jeraal

Location
2.12a, Energy Building
Sponsor
Innospec
Primary Supervisor
Dr David Harbottle, Chemical & Process Engineering
Qualifications
MChem Chemistry, Leeds

Biography

Mohammed’s undergraduate master’s research project was centred on the automated process optimisation of a typical organic reaction in continuous flow. During this project, he acquired a working knowledge of HPLC method development and gained an insight into the process development of flow reactors at a laboratory scale.

PhD: Phase analysis of the fatty acid isethionate esters used in synthetic soap bars

The project aims to study transient phase behaviour during the multi-component melt crystallisation ofsynthetic isethionate detergents. A combination of thermal analyses, X-ray and molecular modelling techniques have been implemented to identify and characterise the phases observed within the surfactant system.

Outreach, training and other activities:

  • Co-organiser of student session at CGOM12/BACG 2016
  • Student representative on CP3 Management Board Apr 2016 - Oct 2017
  • Pfizer Cross CDT Day 18 Oct 2017
  • Jan 2018: Established a research relationship with Stanford University - 5 year agreement has been signed to permit further use of the facilities by other researchers at the University of Leeds.

Publications and presentations:

  • M. I. Jeraal, K. J. Roberts, I. McRobbie and D. Harbottle, 'Process-Focused Synthesis, Crystallization, and Physicochemical Characterization of Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate', ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2018, 6, 2667-2675
  • M. I. Jeraal, N. Holmes, G. R. Akien and R. A. Bourne, 'Enhanced process development using automated continuous reactors by self-optimisation algorithms and statistical empirical modelling', Tetrahedron, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2018.02.061, [Accepted, In Press]

Masters research project in year 1 of CDT:

  • Influence of Divinylbenzene on the Properties of pH Responsive Cross-linked P2-VP/MMA Polymer Particles with Dr Oliver Cayre, Chemical & Process Engineering
  • PLS Based Phase Analysis of Sodium Carbonate & Sodium Sulphate in Aqueous Sodium Silicate via In-situ Raman Spectroscopy with Dr Xiaojun Lai, Chemical & Process Engineering