Overview

MHE advances the development and optimization of materials to tolerate extreme environmental conditions for critical sectors in Qatar, including Energy, Water, and Environment.

Projects

This project advances thermoelectric (TE) materials for sustainable energy conversion by enhancing efficiency through novel material design. A collaborative team from QEERI, HBKU, QU, and NTU will develop thin-film TE materials via Molecular Beam Epitaxy and bulk materials through solid-state reactions. Advanced characterization and TE measurements will establish efficiency-structure correlations, while nanocomposites for radiative cooling will optimize performance. The project will also develop TE device prototypes for energy applications, aligning with Qatar’s National Development Strategy to promote zero-carbon energy solutions.

This project enhances material durability by improving corrosion resistance, chemical stability, and functionality in harsh environments. We focus on two key methods: advanced surface coatings and corrosion inhibition. Our goal is to develop protective coatings that withstand extreme conditions in industries like oil, gas, and water treatment. Additionally, we investigate corrosion inhibitors to enhance material resilience against aggressive chemicals. These innovations will reduce degradation, extend component lifespan, and support sustainable industrial practices.

This project tackles lithium-ion battery challenges in Qatar’s extreme desert climate (35°C to 55°C). It investigates battery degradation through electrochemical experiments, modeling, and safety strategies to mitigate thermal runaway risks. Key goals include developing predictive models for battery lifespan, optimizing operational guidelines, and enhancing material stability for high-temperature resilience. Collaboration with local transport and EV sectors will provide real-world data for diagnostics and model validation. This research aims to improve battery performance, safety, and reliability without adding system complexity or cost.

This project aims to develop and test materials solutions for steel pipelines transporting hydrogen at high pressures, focusing on mitigating hydrogen embrittlement. It explores two approaches: developing barrier coatings and creating new alloys resistant to embrittlement. The project integrates mechanical property testing, microstructural analysis, TEM observations, first-principles calculations, and finite element modeling to understand failure mechanisms at both the micro- and macro-scales. The goal is to minimize embrittlement through improved coatings, pipe materials, and welding techniques for safer hydrogen delivery infrastructure.