Mahmood Akbari

Mahmood is a Chemical Engineer and PhD researcher at Heriot-Watt University, where his research focuses on Direct Air Capture (DAC) and the development of advanced materials for atmospheric carbon dioxide removal. His PhD research, titled “Materials and Processes for Carbon Dioxide Capture from the air,” investigates advanced materials and process configurations aimed at improving CO₂ capture efficiency while reducing the energy requirements and overall cost of DAC systems. His research is multidisciplinary, combining materials development, experimental investigation, process modelling, simulation, and system-level analysis.

His work involves the screening and synthesis of MOFs coated monolith, and investigation of CO₂ adsorption and desorption behaviour. Alongside experimental research, his research activities include developing DAC process model, evaluating its performance and identifying opportunities to improve the overall efficiency and scalability of DAC systems.

His previous work has involved multidisciplinary engineering studies, technical analysis, and the application of engineering principles to industrial processes and infrastructure. He has also developed interests in hydrogen and methanol safety assessments, CFD analysis, and process quantitative risk assessment, broadening his understanding of process engineering and industrial safety.
His current research brings together his chemical engineering background and interest in emerging carbon-management technologies, with a particular focus on developing scalable and efficient solutions for atmospheric CO₂ removal. Through his doctoral work, he aims to contribute to the advancement of next-generation DAC technologies and their integration into future low-carbon energy and chemical systems.

ERPE PhD Student

Direct Air Capture, Advanced Materials, Process modelling.