
TAN Ji Siang
Assistant Professor Dr.
SDGs Focus


About Me
Dr. Tan Ji Siang received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from The University of Technology Malaysia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 2021. He is currently an assistant professor at School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia in Selangor, Malaysia. His research interests focus in the areas of artificial photosynthesis, photothermal catalysis, heterogeneous catalytic reaction systems, particularly to catalytic (bi-reforming and partial oxidation) reforming of hydrocarbons respective of energy conversion, thermodynamic and kinetic analyses, as well as surface chemistry of nanocatalysts for renewable energy at molecular level. He is also an expert in advanced material synthesis and catalyst characterization. To date, he has record of citations about 1535 with h-index of 25 and i10-index of 36 based on the Google Scholar profile. He has published 6 book chapters, more than 40 peer-reviewed journals including 40 prestigious impact factor journal articles and more than 10 conference proceedings. He serves as a regular reviewer for 13 esteemed international journals published by Elsevier and Springer publishers, including International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Topics in Catalysis, Chemical Engineering Science, Scientific Reports etc.
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia, 2021
- Master's Degree, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMPSA), Malaysia 2018
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Chemical Engineering, National University of Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia, 2013
Graduate engineer (Board of Engineers Malaysia)
Research Interests
My research interests reflect a deep engagement with cutting-edge sustainable energy technologies and catalytic processes.
Heterogeneous Catalysis
It is pivotal in industrial and environmental processes, as it involves the use of solid catalysts to enhance the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. My interest in this field likely explores how solid catalysts can improve reaction efficiency, selectivity, and longevity, potentially focusing on materials like metals, oxides, or nanoparticles to innovate catalytic performance in energy conversion.
Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is gaining global importance due to its potential to decarbonize various sectors, from transport to heavy industry. My interest here revolves around the production, storage, and utilization of hydrogen, with particular attention to sustainable generation methods such as water splitting or reforming processes, as well as hydrogen's role in energy systems and fuel cells.
Solar Fuels
This involves harnessing solar energy to produce storable and transportable chemical fuels, such as hydrogen or synthetic hydrocarbons. In this area, investigating ways to mimic natural photosynthesis or develop artificial systems that convert solar energy into chemical energy is essential to address key challenges in efficiency and scalability.
Photothermal Catalysis
By merging light and heat to drive catalytic reactions, it leverages both the photonic and thermal energy of sunlight. My research interest in this is to focus on designing catalysts that effectively utilize the full solar spectrum, optimizing light absorption and heat generation to improve reaction rates and energy efficiency for processes like CO2 reduction or hydrogen production.
Artificial Photosynthesis
aims to replicate the natural process plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy-rich compounds. Exploring innovative catalysts and systems that could produce sustainable fuels or chemicals is a necessity, contributing to carbon-neutral energy cycles and tackling the growing challenge of global energy demand and climate change.
Together, these research interests of mine in these areas drive me to explore the forefront of sustainable energy technologies, with a strong focus on harnessing renewable resources and advanced catalysis for future energy systems.
Current Courses Taught
- BSC113 Engineering Mathematics II
- CME322 Plant Equipment Design
- G0341 Globalization and Sustainable Development
Research Projects
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) 2024, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia [Status: Research member]
Project: Modulating zinc and sulfur vacancies density in zinc indium sulfide: unravelling charge dynamics and reaction mechanisms for photoredox dual reaction of CO2 reduction and benzyl alcohol oxidationPETRONAS-Academia Collaboration Dialogue 2023, PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) [Status: Co-principal investigator]
Project: Solar-powered artificial photosynthesis of CO2 for GHG reduction from flaring onshore gas terminals
Journal
G.Z.S. Ling, S.H.W. Kok, P. Zhang, T.J. Siang, C.Y. Haw, L.L. Tan, B. Chen, W.J. Ong. (2024). All-in-one ultrathin nanoporous ZnIn2S4 with ameliorated photoredox capability: Harvesting electron–hole pairs in cooperative hydrogen and benzaldehyde production. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 12(3), 1453-1464.
A.N.T. Cao, K.H. Ng, S.F. Ahmed, H.T. Nguyen, P.S. Kumar, H.T. Tran, N. Rajamohan, M. Yusuf, P.L. Show, A. Balakrishnan, M.B. Bahari, T.J. Siang, D.V.N. Vo. (2023). Hydrogen generation by heterogeneous catalytic steam reforming of short-chain alcohols: A review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 1-23.
K.J. Wong, J.J. Foo, T.J. Siang, W.J. Ong. (2023). Shining light on carbon aerogel photocatalysts: unlocking the potentials in the quest for revolutionizing solar‐to‐chemical conversion and environmental remediation. Advanced Functional Materials, 33(50), 2306014.
K.J. Wong, J.J. Foo, T.J. Siang, W.J. Ong. (2023). Transition metal carbide‐based photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis. SmartMat, e1238.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, S.Y. Liew, A.H.K. Owgi, A.F.A. Rahman. (2022). A review on state-of-the-art catalysts for methane partial oxidation to syngas production. Catalysis Reviews, 1-57.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, M.Y.S. Hamid. (2022). Bifunctional metal-free KAUST Catalysis Center 1 (KCC-1) as highly active catalyst for syngas production via methane partial oxidation. Materials Today Chemistry, 23, 100684.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, A.A. Abdulrasheed, H.U. Hambali. (2021). Enhanced carbon resistance and regenerability in methane partial oxidation to syngas using oxygen vacancy-rich fibrous Pd, Ru and Rh/KCC-1 catalysts. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 19, 2733-2742.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, N.A.A. Fatah, M.E. Chung. (2021). Tailoring Rh content on dendritic fibrous silica alumina catalyst for enhanced CO2 capture in catalytic CO2 methanation. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(1), 104616.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, M.Y.S. Hamid, A.A. Abdulrasheed, T.A.T. Abdullah, D.-V.N. Vo. (2020). Role of oxygen vacancies in dendritic fibrous M/KCC-1 (M= Ru, Pd, Rh) catalysts for methane partial oxidation to H2-rich syngas production. Fuel, 278, 118360.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, A.A. Abdulrasheed, H.U. Hambali, W. Nabgan. (2020). Thermodynamic equilibrium study of altering methane partial oxidation for Fischer–Tropsch synfuel production. Energy, 198, 117394.
Book Chapter
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, M.N.N. Shafiqah, M.B. Bahari, H.D. Setiabudi, S.Z. Abidin, T.D. Nguyen, A. Abdulrahman, Q. Van Le, S. Nanda, D.-V.N. Vo (2020). Recent progress in ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen generation. New Dimensions in Production and Utilization of Hydrogen, Elsevier, 57-80, Academic Press.
T.J. Siang, N.A. Roslan, H.D. Setiabudi, S.Z. Abidin, T.D. Nguyen, C.K. Cheng, A.A. Jalil, M.T. Le, P.K. Sarangi, S. Nanda, D.-V.N. Vo (2020). Recent advances in steam reforming of glycerol for syngas production. Biorefinery of Alternative Resources: Targeting Green Fuels and Platform Chemicals, Springer Nature, 399-425.
H. Abdullah, C.S. Yee, C.C. Chong, T.J. Siang, O.U. Osazuwa, H.D. Setiabudi, D.-V.N. Vo, S.Z. Abidin (2020). Recent advances in CO2 bi-reforming of methane for hydrogen and syngas productions. Chemo-Biological Systems for CO2 Utilization, Taylor & Francis Group, 49-75, CRC Press.
D.P. Minh, A.H. Torres, B.R. de Vasconcelos, T.J. Siang, D.-V.N. Vo (2020). Conversion of biogas to syngas via catalytic carbon dioxide reforming reactions: An overview of thermodynamic aspects, catalytic design, and reaction kinetics. Biorefinery of Alternative Resources: Targeting Green Fuels and Platform Chemicals, Springer Nature, 427-456.
T.J. Siang, D.P. Minh, S. Singh, H.D. Setiabudi, D.-V.N. Vo (2019). Recent advances in hydrogen production through bi-reforming of biogas. Fuel processing and energy utilization, Taylor & Francis Group, 71-89, CRC Press.
D.P. Minh, T.J. Siang, D.-V.N. Vo., T.S. Phan, C. Ridart, A. Nzihou, D. Grouset (2018). Hydrogen production from biogas reforming: An overview of steam reforming, dry reforming, dual reforming, and tri-reforming of methane. Hydrogen supply chains: Design, deployment and operation, Elsevier, 111-166, Academic Press.
Conference Proceeding
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, H.U. Hambali, A.A. Abdulrasheedand, M.S. Azami. (2020). Dendritic Mesoporous Ni/KCC-1 for Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 808, 012006.
A.A. Abdulrasheed, A.A. Jalil, T.J. Siang, H.U. Hambali. (2020). Thermodynamic sensitivity analysis of CO2 reforming of methane based on equilibrium predictions. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 808, 012001.
H.U. Hambali, A.A. Jalil, A.A. Abdulrasheed, T.J. Siang, N.A.A. Fatah, A.F.A. Rahman, I. Hussain. (2020). Effect of transition metals (Mo, Mn and Co) on mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst activity in carbon dioxide reforming of methane. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 808, 012005.
T.J. Siang, A.A. Jalil, H.U. Hambali, I. Hussain, M.S.M. Azami. (2019). Catalytic partial oxidation of methane to syngas over perovskite catalysts. E3S Web of Conferences, 90, 01006.
UTM Zamalah PhD Scholarship, 2018
CiTrex2017 (Creation, Innovation, Technology & Research Exposition) (Silver Medal)
International Trade Fair Ideas Inventions New Products 2016 (IENA 2016) (Gold Medal)
27th International Invention & Innovation Exhibition (ITEX’16) (Gold Medal)
Malaysia Technology Expo 2016 (MTE2016) (Silver Medal)