Professor of Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran
Prof. Cavus Falamaki, born in 1964 in Italy, is a distinguished chemical engineer and Full Professor at Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT), Tehran. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from AUT, with part of his doctoral work completed at ETH Zurich, focusing on zeolite crystallization. With over two decades of academic experience, he has served in key positions at AUT and the Materials and Energy Research Center (MERC). His research encompasses zeolite synthesis, catalytic processes, membrane technology, nano-materials, and environmental engineering, with expertise in both theoretical modeling and practical applications. He has led numerous industrial and academic projects in fields like water treatment, CO₂ conversion, and nanoparticle synthesis, often integrating green chemistry and sustainable technologies. Prof. Falamaki is multilingual and actively contributes to teaching, research, and innovation. His achievements have earned him national and international recognition, including awards from Iran’s Biotech Festival, the Cyber International Genius Inventor Fair in South Korea, and honors in nanotechnology research. He is widely published and recognized for bridging fundamental science with real-world engineering solutions. Through his academic leadership and multidisciplinary work, he remains a key contributor to advancements in chemical engineering, catalysis, and nanotechnology, with ongoing contributions to science and industry alike.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Cavus Falamaki earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran in 1997. His doctoral research focused on mathematical modeling and aspects of ZSM‑5 zeolite crystallization—an area crucial for catalysis and material science applications. During his Ph.D., he was selected for an exchange opportunity, spending one year (1995–1996) at ETH Zurich’s Zeolite Group within the Laboratory of Crystallography. This international exposure enriched his understanding of crystallographic methods and international research collaboration. During his tenure at ETH, he contributed to advanced studies on zeolite structure and synthesis. Upon returning to Tehran, he completed his Ph.D. and applied these insights in both academic and industrial settings. This educational trajectory blends rigorous theoretical training with practical, hands-on experience at a world-renowned institution, preparing him for a career spanning modeling, materials, and nanotechnologies.
Professional Experience
Prof. Falamaki’s academic trajectory spans from Assistant Professor in 1997 to Full Professor since 2016, reflecting over two decades of sustained contributions. Between 1997 and 2006, he served as Assistant Professor in the Ceramics Department at the Materials and Energy Research Center (MERC), Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006–2007 at MERC before transitioning to the Department of Chemical Engineering at AUT from 2007 onward. At AUT, he served as Associate Professor from 2007 until achieving Full Professor status in 2016. In these roles, he taught courses in crystallization theory, catalytic processes, zeolite synthesis, water treatment, nano‑materials, and membrane science at undergraduate and graduate levels. His earlier experiences at MERC also included managing ceramic processing and research teams and heading departments, which honed his leadership. He has successfully headed numerous research projects—spanning zeolite catalysts, membranes, water desalination, wastewater treatment, and CO₂ conversion—underscoring his integration of academia and industry. His progression highlights a balance of instructional expertise, laboratory leadership, and impactful applied research.
Research Interests
Prof. Falamaki’s research concentrates on catalyst development, membrane technology, nano-material synthesis, and environmental applications. His primary interests include mathematical and molecular modeling of crystallization processes, zeolite synthesis (especially ZSM‑5 and clinoptilolite), and catalytic systems for petrochemicals such as xylene isomerization and propane-SCR of NOx emissions. He also explores green synthesis routes—e.g., graphene oxide composites, gold nanoparticle production in microfluidic reactors—and catalysis for CO oxidation, methanol synthesis from CO₂, and selective separations like p-xylene molecular sieves. Another major thrust is advanced membranes: ceramic nano-filtration, sintered membrane reactors for oxidative coupling, and micro-supercapacitors, targeting water desalination or pollutant removal. His strong interest in sustainable and green chemical processes is exemplified through studies on bio-polymers for ion sequestration, water desalination via hydrates, and pollutant removal. Together, these highlight his cross-disciplinary approach—melding chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental applications.
Research Skills
Prof. Falamaki possesses a rich suite of research skills spanning theoretical modeling, materials synthesis, catalysis, nano- and micro-fabrication, and analytical evaluation. He excels in mathematical and molecular modeling—particularly in crystallization kinetics and thermodynamics—and is adept with DFT simulations, molecular dynamics, and adsorption modeling. His lab expertise encompasses synthesizing zeolites, gold nanoparticles via microfluidic reactors, graphene composites, ceramic membranes, and nano-structured oxides. He has hands-on experience with pilot- and lab-scale reactor design, sintering methods, microwave-assisted processing, and membrane fabrication. Analytical skills include techniques like BET surface analysis, SPR sensors, resistive pulse sensing, electrode/electrochemical performance testing, and adsorption/desorption kinetics. Combined with his strength in green process development—like catalytic CO₂ hydrogenation, propane-SCR, and capacitive deionization—he demonstrates a comprehensive toolkit bridging theory to industrial application.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Falamaki’s contributions have been recognized by multiple awards at national and international levels. In 2013, he received recognition among the Top Three Products at Iran’s Biotech 2013 Festival, awarded by the Iranian Biotechnology Development Initiative under the Presidency. In 2011, he earned a Silver Award at the Cyber International Genius Inventor Fair in Seoul, South Korea, for an innovative invention. Earlier accolades include his selection as one of the Top Ten National Researchers in Nanotechnology by the Iranian Nanotechnology Initiative in 2007, and recognition as a Distinguished Researcher at MERC in 2006. These honors highlight his impact spanning biotechnology, invention, and nanotechnology, underscoring his innovative spirit and leadership in interdisciplinary science.
Conclusion
Prof. Cavus Falamaki is an accomplished academic whose career integrates advanced research, teaching, and leadership, anchored in his doctoral expertise in zeolite crystallization. His international exposure at ETH Zurich, extensive publication record, and decades of service at AUT and MERC reflect both depth and breadth. With a strong emphasis on catalysis, nano-materials, membranes, and environmental technologies, his work spans fundamental modeling to pilot-scale implementation. Recognized with several awards—including national honors in biotech and nanotechnology and global invention awards—his influence is both local and international. As a professor, researcher, and mentor, Prof. Falamaki embodies a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Gold nanoparticles green production using diethyl carbonate as continuum phase in a dripping regime microfluidic reactor
Year: 2025
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Title: Adsorption of asphaltene molecules on functionalized SiO₂ nanoparticles at atmospheric and high pressures in heptane/toluene environment: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
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Title: Casein/starch composites: novel binders for green carbonaceous electrodes applied in the capacitive deionization of water
Year: 2023
Citations: 5
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Title: Mass transfer analysis of the isochoric–isotherm hydrate-based water desalination from CO₂/C₃H₈ gas mixtures
Year: 2023
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Title: Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis: Enhanced Detection of Transparent Materials
Year: 2023
Citations: 3
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Title: Modified BET theory for actual surfaces: implementation of surface curvature
Year: 2023
Citations: 2
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Title: A comprehensive study of intravenous iron-carbohydrate nanomedicines: From synthesis methodology to physicochemical and pharmaceutical characterization
Citations: 1
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Title: 3D Graphene for Capacitive De-ionization of Water
Citations: 1
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Title: Applying a new approach to predict the residence time distribution in impinging streams reactors
Year: 2023
Citations: 3