YONG Wai Fen
Professor Ir. Dr.
SDGs Focus
About Me
Prof. Ir. Dr. Yong Wai Fen is a Professor and Head of Programmes for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia. She received her PhD degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2014 and continued working there as a Postdoctoral Fellow till 2017. She was a visiting scholar at Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Germany. Her research focuses on developing sustainable materials and membrane technologies for CO2 capture, biogas separation, industrial air purification, haze removal, air quality control and water purification. She was awarded the Distinguished Women Scientist Award at the 2024 International Congress on Separation and Purification Technology (ISPT) by Elsevier, 2023 World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in 2023, 2016 Green Talents and Top 50 outstanding Green Talents alumni from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Chartered Engineer (CEng) from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), UK, and Professional Engineer (PEng) from the Board of Engineers Malaysia. Additionally, she was a Finalist for the Carbon Capture Future Leader Award, Carbon Capture Science and Technology (CCST), Ireland, and a Finalist for the Energy and Sustainability Awards from the IChemE Singapore, Travel Grant Award from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Australia, and Elias Klein Travel Award from North American Membrane Society (NAMS). She also serves as a Youth Editorial Board Member for various internationally reputable journals such as Advanced Membranes, Results in Engineering, and Nano Research Energy, and Separation and Purification Technology.
- Ph.D. (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 2014
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) (Chemical Engineering with First Class Honours), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, 2006
Professional Engineer (PEng) of Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE): Chartered Engineer (CEng), University Assessor
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM): Member
International Association for Carbon Capture (SMIACC): Senior Member
- MyMembrane Society: University Representative
- Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) for Separation and Purification Technology (2023 – present)
- Youth Editorial Board Member of Nano Research Energy (2023 – present)
- Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) of Results in Engineering (2022 – present)
- Youth Editorial Board Member of Advanced Membranes (2022 – present)
- Editorial Board Member of Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering (2020 – present)
- Guest Editor of Special Issue of Membranes entitled “Hollow Fiber Membranes: Past, Present and Future” (2021 – 2022)
- Guest Editor of Special Issue of Chemical Engineering Research and Design entitled “Development and Application of Membranes for Challenging Environments” (2021 – 2022)
Research Interests
My research interests encompass a wide range of fields, including membranes, polymers, green synthesis, nanomaterials, CO2 capture, and water treatment. My work focuses on developing advanced and sustainable solutions to address environmental and energy challenges. I design high-performance membranes using polymers and nanomaterials for efficient separation processes and explore eco-friendly methods for synthesizing functional materials. Additionally, I aim to develop CO2 capture technologies and innovative membrane-based water treatment processes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to me, as I seek to contribute to a more sustainable world with practical, real-world impact.
Research Project(s)
Membranes/ materials for CO2 capture
Membranes/ materials for water treatment and wastewater purification
Green and sustainable membrane science and technology
Materials for heavy metals adsorption/ lithium recovery
Waste to wealth through adsorption and separation technologies
Current Courses Taught
- CME429 – Project Management and Economics
- CME436 – Membrane Technology
- CME439 – Research Project II
- CME219 – Chemical Engineering Laboratory I
- CME531 – Research Methodology and Entrepreneurship
- CME531 – Research Methodology and Entrepreneurship
- CME598/599 – PhD Research (2) / PhD Research (10)
Local Grant(s)
XMUM Research Fund (XMUMRF), 2024-2027, Principal Investigator.
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Malaysia, 2022-2025, Co-researcher.
XMUM Research Fund (XMUMRF), 2021-2024, Principal Investigator.
Hengyuan International Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia 2019-2021, Project Leader.
XMUM Research Fund (XMUMRF), 2018-2021, Principal Investigator.
International Grant(s)
State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, China, 2025-2026, Principal Investigator.
Divigas, Australia, 2023-2024, Principal Investigator.
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), 2021-2024, Principal Investigator.
Quan Zhou Source Membrane Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd., China, 2019-2020, Principal Investigator.
Journal(s)
Jun Yi Teh, Wai Fen Yong* (2024) Recent advances in H2 purification and CO2 capture: Evolving from flat sheet to hollow fiber membranes, Carbon Capture Science & Technology, 13 100334, doi: 10.1016/j.ccst.2024.100334.
Hui Shen Lau, Angelica Eugenia, Ying Weng, Wai Fen Yong* (2024). Recent advances in polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) membranes: Delving into the intrinsic microstructure for carbon capture and arduous industrial applications, Progress in Materials Science, 145 101297, doi: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2024.101297.
Hao Yi Peng, Siew Kei Lau, Wai Fen Yong* (2024). Recent advances of thin film composite nanofiltration membranes for Mg2+/Li+ separation, Advanced Membranes, 4, 100093, doi: 10.1016/j.advmem.2024.100093.
Leong Sing Soh, Seang Uyin Hong, Can Zeng Liang, Wai Fen Yong* (2023). Green solvent-synthesized polyimide membranes for gas separation: Coupling Hansen solubility parameters and synthesis optimization, Chemical Engineering Journal, 478, 147451, doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.147451.
Siew Kei Lau, Tian-Zhi Jia, Xue-Li Cao, Shi-Peng Sun, Wai Fen Yong* (2023). Sustainable fabrication of zwitterionic nanofiltration membranes with enhanced antifouling performance using sugar, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 811, 110588, doi: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.110588.
Tian-Zhi Jia, Ming-Yue Rong, Chang-Tao Chen, Wai Fen Yong, Siew Kei Lau, Rong-Fei Zhou, Min Chen, Shi-Peng Sun, Recent advances in nanofiltration-based hybrid processes, Desalination, 565 (2023) 116852.
Wei Hang Desmond Goh, Hui Shen Lau, Wai Fen Yong*, An integrated life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis: Evaluation on the production of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) and UiO-66-NH2 as membrane materials, Science of the Total Environment, 892 (2023) 164582.
Seang Uyin Hong1, Yida Wang1, Leong Sing Soh, Wai Fen Yong*, Are green solvents truly green? Integrating life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis for sustainable membrane fabrication, Green Chemistry, 25 (2023) 4501–4512.
Zin Thong Chong, Leong Sing Soh, Wai Fen Yong*, Valorization of agriculture wastes as biosorbents for adsorption of emerging pollutants: Modification, remediation and industry application, Results in Engineering, 17 (2023) 100960. [invited paper in Special Issue entitled “Emerging Women Investigators in Engineering”]
Wenhao Xia, Siew Kei Lau, Wai Fen Yong*, Comparative life cycle assessment on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) production for CO2 capture, Journal of Cleaner Production, 370 (2022) 133354.
Hui Shen Lau, Siew Kei Lau, Leong Sing Soh, Seang Uyin Hong, Xie Yuen Gok, Shouliang Yi, Wai Fen Yong*, State-of-the-art organic- and inorganic-based hollow fiber membranes in liquid and gas applications: Looking back and beyond, Membranes, 12 (2022) 539. [invited paper in Special Issue entitled "Hollow Fiber Membranes: Past, Present and Future"]
Boon Kee Voon, Hui Shen Lau, Can Zeng Liang, Wai Fen Yong*, Functionalized two- dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets in PIM-1 mixed matrix membranes for gas separation, Separation & Purification Technology, 296 (2022) 121354.
Ziwen Yuan, Hang Liu, Wai Fen Yong, Qainhong She, Jesús Esteban, Status and advances of deep eutectic solvents for metal separation and recovery, Green Chemistry, 24 (2022) 1895–1929.
Guat Teng Tee, Xie Yuen Gok, Wai Fen Yong*, Adsorption of pollutants in wastewater via biosorbents, nanoparticles and magnetic biosorbents: A review, Environmental Research, 212 (2022) 113248.
Shu Hua Goh, Hui Shen Lau, Wai Fen Yong*, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation: A review on advanced materials in harsh environmental applications, Small, 18 (2022) 2107536.
Can Zeng Liang, Wai Fen Yong, Ji Wu, Martin Weber, Christian Maletzko, Juin-Yih Lai, Tai- Shung Chung, Plasticization-enhanced trimethylbenzene functionalized polyethersulfonehollow fiber membranes for propylene and propane separation, Journal of Membrane Science, 647 (2022) 120293.
Hui Shen Lau, Wai Fen Yong*, Recent progress and prospects of polymeric hollow fiber membranes for gas application, water vapor and particulate matters removal, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 9 (2021) 26454–26497.
Siew Kei Lau, Wai Fen Yong*, Recent progress of zwitterionic materials as antifouling membranes for ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis, ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 3 (2021) 4390–4412.
Yi Tong Chew, Wai Fen Yong*, Recent advances of thin film nanocomposite membranes: Effects of shape/structure of nanomaterials and interfacial polymerization methods, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 172 (2021) 135–158. [invited paper in Special Issue entitled “Emerging Stars”]
Wai Fen Yong*, Hao Zhang, Recent advances in polymer blend membranes for gas separation and pervaporation, Progress Materials Science, 116 (2021) 100713.
Tian-Dan Lu, Liu-Lin Zhao, Wai Fen Yong, Qian Wang, Lei Duan, Shi-Peng Sun, Highly solvent-durable thin-film molecular sieve membranes with insoluble polyimide nanofibrous substrate, Chemical Engineering Journal, 409 (2021) 128206.
Xinnian Jiang, Wai Fen Yong*, Jie Gao, Dan-Dan Shao, Shi-Peng Sun, Understanding the role of substrates on thin film composite membranes: A green solvent approach with TamiSolve® NxG, Journal of Membrane Science, 635 (2021) 119530.
Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Martin Weber, Christian Maletzko, New polyethersulfone (PESU) hollow fiber membranes for CO2 capture, Journal of Membrane Science, 552 (2018) 305–314.
Ali Naderi, Wai Fen Yong, You Chang Xiao, Tai-Shung Chung, Martin Weber, Christian Maletzko, Effects of chemical structure on gas transport properties of polyethersulfone polymers, Polymer, 135 (2018) 76–84.
Can Zeng Liang, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, High-performance composite hollow fiber membrane for flue gas and air separations, Journal of Membrane Science, 541 (2017) 367–377.
Wai Fen Yong, Yan Xun Ho, Tai-Shung Chung, Nanoparticles embedded in amphiphilic membranes for CO2 separation and dehumidification, Chemistry & Sustainability Energy & Materials, 10 (2017) 4046–4055.
Manqing Li, Yingnan Feng, Kaiyu Wang, Wai Fen Yong, Liya Yu, Tai-Shung Chung, Novel hollow fiber air filters for the removal of PM2.5 ultrafine particles with repetitive usage capability, Environmental Science & Technology, 51 (2017) 10041–10049.
Baiwang Zhao, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Haze particles removal and thermally induced membrane dehumidification system, Separation and Purification Technology, 185 (2017) 24–32.
Liang-Yi Wang, Wai Fen Yong, Liya E. Yu, Tai-Shung Chung, Design of high efficiency PVDF- PEG hollow fibers for air filtration of ultrafine particles, Journal of Membrane Science, 535 (2017) 342–349.
Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Mechanically strong and flexible hydrolyzed polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) membranes, Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, 55 (2017) 344–354.
Wai Fen Yong, Peymen Salehian, Liling Zhang, Tai-Shung Chung, Effects of carboxylated PIM-1 in polyimide-based membranes on C2-C4 alcohols dehydration via pervaporation, Journal of Membrane Science, 523 (2017) 430–438.
Peymen Salehian, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Development of high performance carboxylated PIM-1/P84 blend membranes for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol and CO2/CH4, Journal of Membrane Science, 518 (2016) 110–119.
Wai Fen Yong, Zhi Kang Lee, Tai-Shung Chung, Martin Weber, Claudia Staudt, Christian Maletzko, Blends of PIM-1 and partially sulfonated PPSU for gas separation, Chemistry & Sustainability Energy & Materials, 9 (2016) 1953–1962.
Baiwang Zhao, Na Peng, Canzeng Liang, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Hollow fiber membrane dehumidification device for air conditioning system, Membranes, 5 (2015) 722–738.
Wai Fen Yong, Kar Hui Andrel Kwek, Kuo-Sung Liao, Tai-Shung Chung, Suppression of aging and plasticization in highly permeable polymers, Polymer, 77 (2015) 377–386.
Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Miscible blends of carboxylated polymers of intrinsic microporosity (cPIM-1) and Matrimid, Polymer, 59 (2015) 290–297.
Wai Fen Yong, Fu Yun Li, Tai Shung Chung, Yen Wah Tong, Molecular interaction, gas transport properties and plasticization behavior of cPIM-1/Torlon blend membranes, Journal of Membrane Science, 462 (2014) 119–130.
Wai Fen Yong, Fu Yun Li, Tai-Shung Chung, Yen Wah Tong, Highly permeable chemically modified PIM-1/Matrimid membranes for green hydrogen purification, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 1 (2013) 13914–13925.
Wai Fen Yong, Fu Yun Li, You Chang Xiao, Tai Shung Chung, Yen Wah Tong, High performance PIM-1/Matrimid hollow fiber membranes for CO2/CH4, O2/N2 and CO2/N2 separation, Journal of Membrane Science, 443 (2013) 156–169.
Wai Fen Yong, Fu Yun Li, You Chang Xiao, Pei Li, Kumari Pallathadka, Pramoda, Yen Wah Tong, Tai Shung Chung, Molecular engineering of PIM-1/Matrimid blend membranes for gas separation, Journal of Membrane Science, 407– 408 (2012) 47– 57.
Book(s)
- Wai Fen Yong*, Hui Shen Lau, Hao Zhang, Chapter 18: Composite Hollow Fibers for Gas Separation, Elsevier (2021) 385-405 (Book Title: Hollow Fiber Membranes: Fabrication and Applications).
- Wai Fen Yong, Ngoc Lieu Le, Tai-Shung Chung, Chapter 19: Solvent Transport Properties of POSS Nanocomposites, Elsevier (2021) 405-419 (Book Title: Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites).
- Tanay Kundu, Leisan Gilmanova, Wai Fen Yong, Stefan Kaskel, Chapter 1: Metal-Organic Frameworks for Environmental Applications, Springer-Nature (2021) 1-39 (Book Title: Porous Materials: Theory and Its Application for Environmental Remediation).
- Wai Fen Yong*, Can Zeng Liang, Chaitanyakumar Reddy Pocha, Application of Membrane Technology for CO2 Capture and Separation, Elsevier (2022) 257-289 (Book Title: Carbon Dioxide Capture and Conversion: Advanced Materials and Processes).
Current Supervision (Postgraduate only)
LAU Hui Shen
A greener approach in synthesizing mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for effective gas separation
2023 – Present
Xiamen University Malaysia
GOK Xie Yuen
Incorporation of 0D and 2D nanomaterials in the synthesis of thin film nanocomposite membranes for water treatment
2021 – Present
Xiamen University MalaysiaPENG Hao Yi
Polyimide based mixed matrix membranes for hydrogen separation
2023 – Present
Xiamen University MalaysiaGODARY Reza
Development of thin film composite membranes for hydrogen purification
2024 – Present
Xiamen University MalaysiaVOON Boon Kee
Assessing the environmental impact of membrane fabrication: A life cycle assessment
2024 – Present
Xiamen University Malaysia- Jerell HOH Shi Heng
Synthesis and application of novel materials in water-based agents for fire extinguishing
2024 – Present
Xiamen University Malaysia
Completed Supervision (Postgraduate only)
LAU Hui Shen
Mixed matrix membranes for gas separation: Rationale study on the fabrication and influence of inorganic fillers in polymer matrix
2020 - 2022
Xiamen University MalaysiaLAU Siew Kei
Zwitterionic membrane for water separation: Systematic study on the modification methods, applications and antifouling performance
2021 - 2023
Xiamen University MalaysiaSOH Leong Sing
Green solvent-synthesized polyimide membranes for gas separation
2021 - 2024
Xiamen University MalaysiaHONG Seang Uyin
Harnessing green solvents to fabricate greener mixed matrix membranes for more sustainable carbon capture
2021 - 2024
Xiamen University Malaysia
IChemE & Carbon Capture Science & Technology (CCST) Young Investigator Award, Elsevier (Nov 2024).
International Congress on Separation and Purification Technology (ISPT) 2024 Distinguished Women Scientist Award, Elsevier (Jul 2024).
Best Reviewer Award, Advanced Membranes Editorial Office, China (Apr 2024).
2023-2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, US (Oct 2023).
Finalist of the Carbon Capture Future Leader Award, Carbon Capture Science and Technology (CCST), Ireland (Jul 2023).
Top Ten Percent Achievements in the Field of “Energy, Water & Environment”, 3rd Knowledge Application and Notion for Society (KANS) Scientific Competition, Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation, Iran (Jun 2023).
Top 50 outstanding Green Talents alumni - Green Talents Networking Conference, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany (Oct 2019).
Finalist of the Energy Award, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Singapore (Oct 2017).
Finalist of the Sustainability Award, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), Singapore (Oct 2017).
Green Talents Award - International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany (Oct 2016).
Emerging Polymer Technologies Summit (EPTS) Travel Grant Award, The International Innovative Research Network and CSIRO, Australia (Jun 2016).
North American Membrane Society (NAMS) Elias Klein Travel Award, USA (May 2014).
2nd runner up in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Convention, Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia (Mar 2010).
General Manager (GM) Award, Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia (Dec 2009).
Carat Award in Technical Symposium, Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia (Oct 2009).
Patent(s)
Wai Fen Yong, Seang Uyin Hong, Leong Sing Soh, Sustainable and green fabrication of polyimide membranes, Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) Application No. PI2023002927 (22 August 2023).
Martin Weber, Kai-Uwe Schoening, Christian Maletzko, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Ali Naderi, New membrane polymer and membranes, European Patent PCT No. 17177933.3 (26 June 2017), PCT/EP2018/066996 (25 June 2018); World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Publication No. WO2019002226A1 (3 January 2019); US Patent Application No. 16/625,326, US Patent Application Publication No. US 2023/0090902 A1 (23 March 2023).
Can Zeng Liang, Martin Weber, Wai Fen Yong, Christian Maletzko, Tai-Shung Chung, New process for the separation of propylene from a gas mixture (GM) comprising propylene and propane, European Patent Application No. 21151175.3 (21 January 2021); International Application No. PCT/EP2022/050132; World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Publication No. WO 2022/152604 A1 (21 July 2022).
Martin Weber, Claudia Staudt, Christian Maletzko, Wai Fen Yong, Tai-Shung Chung, Method for preparation of membranes which comprising an organic polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) and a sulfonated polyarylenesulfone polymer, European Patent Application No. 16157896.8 (2016); World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), International Publication No. WO 2017/148850 A1 (8 September 2017).
Wai Fen Yong and Tai-Shung Chung, Hollow fiber membranes consisting of polymers of intrinsic microporosity for gas separation, US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/815848 (2013).