UNIVERSITAS PADJADJARANDepartment of Chemistry Indonesia

Research

Materials chemistry. Connected directions.

We connect materials design with environmental remediation, functional materials, sensing, molecular separation, and sustainable energy and chemical conversion.

Our approach

From synthesis to application.

FIMP Group investigates inorganic and hybrid materials for a cleaner and more sustainable future. We connect synthesis, structural engineering, and surface modification with an understanding of how material properties govern function. Photocatalysis remains central to this work, complemented by piezo-photocatalysis, adsorption, and materials-based sensing.

Our five research directions describe the applications we pursue: environmental remediation; self-cleaning and functional materials; chemical and gas sensing; selective adsorption and separation; and sustainable energy and chemical conversion. These directions are connected. A single material or project may contribute to more than one application, while each project retains a specific research question.

We study metal oxides such as TiO₂ and ZnO, silica and silicates, metal–organic frameworks, and zeolite-based systems. Our approaches include phase and defect engineering, composite formation, pore and surface modification, and the evaluation of structure–property relationships.

Digital Image Colorimetry (DIC) is a distinctive focus within our sensing research, connecting material-dependent colour changes with image acquisition and quantitative analysis. It complements our work on gas-responsive materials and also provides analytical tools for other applications, including self-cleaning evaluation. Across all directions, we seek clear links between materials design, measurable response, and application performance.

01 / Materials

What we design

Metal oxides, silica, MOFs, and zeolite-based systems.

02 / Approaches

How we investigate

Photocatalysis, piezo-photocatalysis, adsorption, and sensing methods including DIC.

03 / Directions

What we pursue

Environmental, surface, sensing, separation, and energy applications.

01 Synthesize02 Modify03 Characterize04 Evaluate

Research directions

Explore our directions.

R01

Environmental Remediation

We investigate materials for removing or transforming pollutants in liquid and gas phases. Photocatalysis, piezo-photocatalysis, photo-Fenton chemistry, and adsorption provide complementary approaches, connecting material composition, structural defects, and interfaces with environmental treatment performance.

PhotocatalysisPiezo-photocatalysisPhoto-Fenton chemistry
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R02

Self-Cleaning & Functional Materials

We explore self-cleaning coatings and related functional materials, including antibacterial systems. Our research connects composition and surface modification with photocatalytic activity, wetting behaviour, contaminant removal, and biological interactions, while examining compatibility with the intended substrate and application.

Self-cleaningFunctional coatingsWettability
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R03

Chemical & Gas Sensing

We develop materials-based sensing with Digital Image Colorimetry (DIC) as a central methodological focus. Our work connects colour responses, smartphone imaging, and quantitative analysis for liquid-phase analytes, alongside materials for gas detection. Target systems include metal ions, glucose, and other chemical analytes.

Digital Image ColorimetrySmartphone-based sensingColorimetric detection
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R04

Selective Adsorption & Separation

We investigate porous inorganic and hybrid materials for selective uptake from liquids and separation of gas mixtures. Our research connects pore structure, composition, and surface chemistry with adsorption capacity, molecular discrimination, and material recovery, including MOFs and waste-derived magnetic adsorbents.

Selective adsorptionGas separationMetal–organic frameworks
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R05

Sustainable Energy & Chemical Conversion

We investigate functional inorganic materials and heterogeneous catalysts for hydrogen production and sustainable chemical conversion. Current interests include hydrogen evolution, iron redox cycling, and biomass-derived compounds, connecting catalyst structure, performance, and reusability with the production of energy carriers and value-added chemicals.

Hydrogen evolutionIron redox cyclingHeterogeneous catalysis
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Research collaborators

Connections through shared work.

The institutions below are represented by coauthors in shared publications. Each connection links to the relevant work.

Takahiro Takei; Norio Saito; Nobuhiro Kumada. Associated unit: Center for Crystal Science and Technology.

Joint publications on semiconductor photocatalysts, photo-Fenton systems, and magnetic adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants from water.

Athanasia Amanda Septevani; Rudiawan Edwin; Joddy Arya Laksmono. Publication affiliations include the Research Center for Electronics and Research Center for Polymer Technology; units follow the individual papers.

Joint publications on silica-based photocatalysts, recoverable polymer–photocatalyst composites, and the synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks.

Fitri Khoerunnisa — Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education.

Joint publications on green-synthesized TiO₂ and titania–mesoporous silica materials for the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants.

Nur Farhana Binti Jaafar — School of Chemical Sciences. The name appears as Nur Farhana Jaafar in some publications.

Joint publications on TiO₂-based photocatalysts, including green synthesis and silica-supported systems, for the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.

Mochamad Lutfi Firdaus — published as M. Lutfi Firdaus. Associated unit: Graduate School of Science Education.

Joint publications on natural silica, zinc silicate photocatalysts, and TiO₂–silica coatings for pollutant degradation and self-cleaning textiles.

Yasuo Izumi — Surface Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Science.

Joint publications on multiphase TiO₂ photocatalysts for pharmaceutical degradation and titania–natural silica coatings for self-cleaning textiles.

Senny Widyaningsih — Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Joint publications on TiO₂–SiO₂ photocatalysts and recoverable polyimide composite beads for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Ferli Septi Irwansyah; Eko Prabowo Hadisantoso. Eko is also a FIMP Group member; his dual affiliations are listed on the People page.

A joint publication on waste-derived ZnO/hydroxyapatite composites for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.