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HomeAcademic staffDr Suela Kellici
Dr Suela Kellici

Dr Suela Kellici

kellicis@lsbu.ac.uk

Chemical and Energy Engineering

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1387-2345

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I am an Associate Professor in Materials Engineering and the Head for London Centre for Energy Engineering. I originally studied at the Queen Mary University in London where I completed a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Materials Chemistry. Prior to joining LSBU I worked as a Researcher at University College London. I am Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Higher Education Academy.

I lead NANO2D Lab and we are currently working on several research projects. We rationally design and synthetically engineer materials using a target-oriented approach in order to deliver world-class materials engineering. The group has developed expertise in material synthesis using a green, continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis process that enables a step change in cost, materials performance and durability.

Functional 2D structures (e.g. graphene, MXene), 0D quantum dots (e.g. graphene, biomass derived carbon quantum dots), metals, and metal oxides (homo/hetero), are all part of our materials portfolio. We apply these materials in energy related areas (supercapacitors/batteries, green hydrogen production), environmental (water treatments, photocatalysis), and biomedical applications (antibacterial, photothermal and bio-tagging).

Click here to see an overview of our research:

1) www.nano2d.co.uk

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1-0mHDVrDQ

I am recipient of InnovateUK funding, industrial partners, as well as EPSRC Grand Challenges. I have been awarded several prizes for my work including first prize in the Materials Innovation for the 21st Century and the Increased Manufacturing Value poster at the ChemEngdayUK 2014 for my research on the synthesis of graphene. I am recipient of “Early Career Scientific Achievement", 2017 award (School of Engineering, Staff Award). Nano2D lab was selected as finalist in IChemE Global Awards 2020 in the Research Project category where we presented “Using Water for Next Generation 2D-Materials”. To highlight, the paper titled: “Continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of blue-luminescent, excitation-independent nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots as nanosensors”, Journal of Materials Chemistry A 8.6 (2020): 3270-3279 was editorial choice for the themed collection: Editor’s Choice: Hydrothermal Materials Synthesis for Journal Materials Chemistry A and Materials Advances.

I am also passionate about increasing access to Higher Education and the numbers of women working in STEM. I am involved in coordinating/participating in activities for open days and outreach activities for LSBU (e.g. LSBU 100: Centenary of Women in Engineering, Salters Festival, International Woman in Engineering day) as well as externally (STEMNET) and taking on interns and supervising Erasmus students.

Click to see more:

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62hjJz_1Ks

2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dW-Jr-O19U

Courses taught

Chemical and Energy Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Chemical and Energy Engineering - MEng (Hons)

Advanced Chemical Engineering - MSc

Postgraduate Research Supervision
Current
Mr Conor Paul DavidsDevelopment of continuous hydrothermal flow methodologies into the synthesis of conductive doped rGOs and 2D nanocomposites for wireless communicationPhD
Mr Uthman Kayode AlliWater-Assisted Synthesis of Next Generation 2D Materials for Energy StoragePhD
Mr Guru Prasanna Ganapathi SubramaniamEnhancing piezocatalysis for chemical transformations using cocatalysed ferroelectricsPhD
Mr Mudasar NazirDevelopment of Organic Semiconductors for Artificial PhotosynthesisPhD
Mr Md Maruf MridhaComputational investigation of 2D carbon nitride photocatalysts for H2 productionPhD
Mr Remon Ashraf Sabry MankariousInvestigation of 2D materials for water treatment applicationsPhD
Miss Falak NazThermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) based hyperflourescence OLEDsPhD
Mr Sean Paul DoidgeNanoparticle bioconjugates for early-stage cancer diagnosis through detection of miRNAPhD

Awarded in the last 5 years
Mr Kiem Giap NguyenTransforming Carbon Quantum Dots Synthesis: Innovative Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Methods for Environmental Advancements and BeyondPhD
Mrs Saham SherhaniStudy of enhanced oil recovery using polymer-stabilised CO2-FoamPhD
Mr Sunil Jayantha HettiarachchiEnhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additivesPhD
Mr Bisi Ajayi OlaniyanHeterogeneous catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to chloromethyl ethylene carbonate and styrene carbonate using a novel Zr/ZIF-8 catalystPhD
Mr Zhen LuInvestigation of nanoparticles in EORPhD
Miss Ana AntelavaEstablishing the role of surface chemistry and topography in determining wettability and the development of a novel assessment methodology for repellent surfacesPhD
Mr Ioan-Alexandru BaragauNew generation of continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis materials for environmental applications PhD
BSc Chemistry

Queen Mary University of London

1999
2002
PhD in Materials Chemistry

Queen Mary University of London

2002
2006
FunderYear wonProjectRole
UKIERI2024“Towards a Circular Economy: Exploring Nanotechnology, Plastics and Additive Manufacturing for the Production of Sustainable Concrete”Co-Investigator
Applied Science University2023Sustainable Building Components for Innovative Environmentally Friendly Construction:  Graphene-based Concrete in construction Co-Investigator
Innovate UK 2023AKTP- Chika UdeajaCo-Investigator
Vito Vision on Technology for a Better World20214D printing of 2D materials for energy storage and conversion applicationsPrincipal Investigator
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)2020Directed Assembly Network Awards: Seed Funding and Travel AwardPrincipal Investigator
Innovate UK 2017Suela Kellici_FirestopPrincipal Investigator
Alsitek2016SCi031_Eng_Cons_Alsitek_Fire_resistant_materialPrincipal Investigator
Solar Polar Ltd2016SCi001_Eng_Cons_Solar polar_Nano ParticlesPrincipal Investigator
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)2016Calixarene Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots (GQD) for Energy Related Applications and BeyondPrincipal Investigator
ProposalProjectRoleFunderStatusStatus last updated
Directed Assembly Network Awards: Seed Funding and Travel AwardDirected Assembly Network Awards: Seed Funding and Travel AwardPrincipal InvestigatorEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)OPEN Approved for submissionApr 2020
Sustainable Building Components for Innovative Environmentally Friendly Construction:  Graphene-based Concrete in construction Sustainable Building Components for Innovative Environmentally Friendly Construction:  Graphene-based Concrete in construction Co-InvestigatorApplied Science UniversityOPEN Approved for submissionApr 2023
A nose for toxins, arrayed rapid gas detectionA nose for toxins, arrayed rapid gas detectionCo-InvestigatorHome OfficeOPEN Approved for submissionMar 2024
Gram-scale synthesis of hollow carbon quantum dots for photoelectrochemical water splittingGram-scale synthesis of hollow carbon quantum dots for photoelectrochemical water splittingPrincipal InvestigatorRoyal SocietyOPEN SubmittedMar 2024
ISPF Vietnam ISPF Vietnam Principal InvestigatorBritish Council OPEN SubmittedMar 2024
Quantum dots-based nano-optical antennas for versatile and sustainable agricultureISPF UK Turkey Co-InvestigatorBritish Council OPEN Approved for submissionMar 2024
WaterLilyWaterLilyPrincipal InvestigatorEuropean Commission Horizon Europe (ERC)OPEN SubmittedJan 2024
Royal Society of Chemistry
2021
Higher Education Academy
2016

Maximizing Polypropylene Recovery from Waste Carpet Feedstock: A Solvent-Driven Pathway Towards Circular Economy
Salazar Salazar, H., Baragau, I., Lu, Z., Roman Ramirez, L. and Kellici, S. (2024). Maximizing Polypropylene Recovery from Waste Carpet Feedstock: A Solvent-Driven Pathway Towards Circular Economy. RSC Sustainability . https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00270E

Engineering Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots: Tailoring Optical and Chemical Properties through Selection of Nitrogen Precursors
Nguyen, K., Huš, M., Baragau, I., Bowen, D.J., Heil, T., Nicolaev, a., Abramiuc, L., Sapelkin, A., Sajjad, M. T. and Kellici, S. Engineering Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots: Tailoring Optical and Chemical Properties through Selection of Nitrogen Precursors. Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202310587

Enhancing physicochemical properties of coconut oil for the application of engine lubrication
Hettiarachchi, S., Kellici, S., Kershaw, M and Bowen, D.J. (2023). Enhancing physicochemical properties of coconut oil for the application of engine lubrication. Tribology International . 190, p. 109060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.109060

Nanostructured Al2O3/Graphene Additive in Bio-Based Lubricant: A Novel Approach to Improve Engine Performance
Hettiarachchi, S., Bowen, D.J., Kershaw, M, Baragau, I., Nicolaev, A and Kellici, S. (2023). Nanostructured Al2O3/Graphene Additive in Bio-Based Lubricant: A Novel Approach to Improve Engine Performance. Tribology International . 186, p. 108619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108619

Outstanding visible light photocatalysis by nano-TiO2 hybrids with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and/or reduced graphene oxide
Baragau, I., Buckeridge, J., Nguyen, K., Heil, T, Sajjad, T., Thomson, S., Rennie, A., Morgan, D., Power, N., Nicolae, S., Titirici, M., Dunn, S. and Kellici, S. (2023). Outstanding visible light photocatalysis by nano-TiO2 hybrids with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and/or reduced graphene oxide. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09586F

3D printed SrNbO2N photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants in water
Iborra-Torres, A., Husˇ, M., Nguyen, K., Vamvakeros, A., Sajjad, T., Dunn, S., Mertens, M., Jacques, S., Beale, A., Likozar, B., Hyett, G., Kellici, S. and Middelkoop, V. (2023). 3D printed SrNbO2N photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants in water. Materials Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA01076C

Investigating the effect of N-doping on carbon quantum dots structure, optical properties and metal ion screening.
Nguyen, K.G., Baragau, I-A., Gromicova, R., Nicolaev, A., Thomson, S. A J, Rennie, A., Power, N. P, Sajjad, T. and Kellici, S. (2022). Investigating the effect of N-doping on carbon quantum dots structure, optical properties and metal ion screening. Scientific Reports. 12 (1), p. 13806. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16893-x

In-situ continuous hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles on conductive N-doped MXene nanosheets for binder-free Li-ion battery anodes
Alli, U., McCarthy, K, Baragau, I., Power, N., Morgan, K, Dunn, S., Killian, S, Kennedy, T. and Kellici, S. (2021). In-situ continuous hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles on conductive N-doped MXene nanosheets for binder-free Li-ion battery anodes. Chemical Engineering Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.132976

3D printed catalytic reactors for aerobic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde in continuous multiphase flow
Jacquot, C., Middelkoop, V., Köckritz, A., Pohar, A., Bienert, R., Kellici, S., Bărăgău, I.A., Venezia, B., Gavriilidis, A., Likozar, B. and Beale, A.M. (2021). 3D printed catalytic reactors for aerobic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde in continuous multiphase flow. Sustainable Materials and Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2021.e00329

An Efficient Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots from a Targeted Biomass Precursor for On-Off Metal Ions Nano-Sensing
Baragau, I., Power, N., Morgan, D, Lobo, R, Roberts, C, Titirici, M., Dunn, S. and Kellici, S. (2021). An Efficient Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots from a Targeted Biomass Precursor for On-Off Metal Ions Nano-Sensing. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 9 (6), pp. 2559-2569. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c08594

CHFS of MXene Derivatives for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Alli, U. and Kellici, S. (2020). CHFS of MXene Derivatives for Electrochemical Energy Storage. London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020. Online 06 - 09 Jul 2020 London South Bank University.

Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of S-Functionalised Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Baragau, I., Lu, Z., Power, P.N., Morgan, J.D, Bowen, J., Diaz, P. and Kellici, S. (2020). Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of S-Functionalised Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Oil Recovery. Chemical Engineering Journal. 405, p. 126631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126631

Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Blue-Luminescent Carbon Quantum Dots as Nanosensors for Chromium (VI) Detection
Baragau, I. and Kellici, S. (2020). Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Blue-Luminescent Carbon Quantum Dots as Nanosensors for Chromium (VI) Detection. London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020. Online 06 - 09 Jul 2020 London South Bank University.

Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives
Hettiarachchi, S. J., Kellici, S. and Bowen, D.J. (2020). Enhancing engine oil performance using nanoparticles and bio-lubricants as additives. London Doctoral Academy Postgraduate Research Summer School 2020. Online 06 - 09 Jul 2020 London South Bank University.

Continuous flow vortex fluidic-mediated exfoliation and fragmentation of two-dimensional MXene
Mohammed Al-antaki, A, Kellici, S., Power, P .N., Lawrance, W and Raston, C (2020). Continuous flow vortex fluidic-mediated exfoliation and fragmentation of two-dimensional MXene. Royal Society Open Science. 7 (5), p. 192255. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.192255

Chemical functionalisation of 2D materials via batch and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis
Alli, U., Hettiarachchi, S. and Kellici, S. (2020). Chemical functionalisation of 2D materials via batch and continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis. Chemistry–A European Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202000383

Vortex fluidic mediated synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle/MXene composites
Al-antaki, A., Alharbi, T, Kellici, S., Power, N., Lawrance, W. and Raston, C. (2020). Vortex fluidic mediated synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle/MXene composites. ChemNanoMat. https://doi.org/10.1002/cnma.201900779

Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Blue-Luminescent, Excitation-Independent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Nanosensors
Baragau, I., Power, N., Morgan, D., Heil, T., Lobo, R., Roberts, C., Titirici, M.M., Dunn, S. and Kellici, S. (2020). Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Blue-Luminescent, Excitation-Independent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Nanosensors. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. (8), pp. 3270-3279. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA11781D

Hydrothermal flow for 2D materials
Kellici, S. (2019). Hydrothermal flow for 2D materials. Materials World. September (2019), p. 42.

Next frontiers in cleaner synthesis: 3D printed graphene-supported CeZrLa mixed-oxide nanocatalyst for CO2 utilisation and direct propylene carbonate production
Middelkoop, V, Slater, T, Florea, M, Neațu, F, Danaci, S, Onyenkeadi, V, Boonen, K, Saha, B., Baragau, I. and Kellici, S (2019). Next frontiers in cleaner synthesis: 3D printed graphene-supported CeZrLa mixed-oxide nanocatalyst for CO2 utilisation and direct propylene carbonate production. Journal of Cleaner Production. 214, pp. 606-614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.274

Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots
Kellici, S, Acord, J, Power, N, Morgan, D, Heil, T, Coppo, P, Middelkoop, V, Baragau, I., Moore, K and Raston, C (2018). Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots. Reaction Chemistry and Engineering. 6. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8RE00158H

Greener synthesis of 1,2-butylene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalyst
Onyenkeadi, V, Kellici, S and Saha, B (2018). Greener synthesis of 1,2-butylene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalyst. Energy. 165, pp. 867-876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.09.135

Greener synthesis of butylene carbonate via CO2 utilisation using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysts
Onyenkeadi, V, Aboelazayem, O, Kellici, S and Saha, B (2018). Greener synthesis of butylene carbonate via CO2 utilisation using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysts. GPE 2018 – 6th International Congress on Green Process Engineering. Toulouse, France 03 - 06 Jun 2018

Greener synthesis of dimethyl carbonate using a novel tin-zirconia/graphene nanocomposite catalyst
Saada, R, Aboelazayem, O, Kellici, S, Heil, T, Morgan, D, Lampronti, G and Saha, B (2018). Greener synthesis of dimethyl carbonate using a novel tin-zirconia/graphene nanocomposite catalyst. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. 226, pp. 451-462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2017.12.081

New Pathways in the Synthesis of 2-Dimensional Materials
Kellici, S (2017). New Pathways in the Synthesis of 2-Dimensional Materials. 1st Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration. Sousse, Tunisia 22 - 25 Nov 2017 Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70548-4_1

Greener synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysts
Onyenkeadi, V, Kellici, S and Saha, B (2017). Greener synthesis of styrene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysts. 10th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (WCCE10). Barcelona, Spain 01 - 05 Oct 2017

Greener synthesis of 1, 2 butylene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysis
Onyenkeadi, V, Kellici, S and Saha, B (2017). Greener synthesis of 1, 2 butylene carbonate from CO2 using graphene-inorganic nanocomposite catalysis. SEEP 2017 –10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection. Bled, Slovenia 27 - 30 Jun 2017

Selective Calixarene Directed Synthesis of MXene Plates, Crumpled Sheets, Spheres and Scrolls.
Vaughn, A, Ball, J, Heil, T, Morgan, D, Lampronti, G, Maršalkaitė, G, Raston, CL, Power, N and Kellici, S (2017). Selective Calixarene Directed Synthesis of MXene Plates, Crumpled Sheets, Spheres and Scrolls. Chemistry. 23 (34), pp. 8128-8133. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201701702

Rapid synthesis of graphene quantum dots using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis approach
Kellici, S, Acord, J, Power, N, Morgan, D, Coppo, P, Heil, T and Saha, B (2017). Rapid synthesis of graphene quantum dots using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis approach. RSC Advances. 24, pp. 14716-14720. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7ra00127d

Calixarene Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Silver-Graphene Nanocomposites with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
Kellici, S, Acord, J, Vaughn, A, Power, N, Morgan, D, Heil, T, Facq, S and Lampronti, G (2016). Calixarene Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Silver-Graphene Nanocomposites with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity. ACS applied materials & interfaces. 8 (29), pp. 19038-19046. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6b06052

Optical and photocatalytic behaviours of nanoparticles in the Ti-Zn-O binary system
Goodall, JBM, Kellici, S, Illsley, D, Lines, R, Knowles, JC and Darr, JA (2014). Optical and photocatalytic behaviours of nanoparticles in the Ti-Zn-O binary system. RSC Advances. 4 (60), pp. 31799 - 31809. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3ra48030e

Green Process Engineering as the Key to Future Processes
Patel, D, Kellici, S and Saha, B (2014). Green Process Engineering as the Key to Future Processes. Processes. 2 (1), pp. 311-332.

Imaging the continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of nanoparticulate CeO2 at different supercritical water temperatures using in situ angle-dispersive diffraction
Middelkoop, V, Tighe, CJ, Kellici, S, Gruar, RI, Perkins, JM, Jacques, SDM, Barnes, P and Darr, JA (2014). Imaging the continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of nanoparticulate CeO2 at different supercritical water temperatures using in situ angle-dispersive diffraction. Journal of Supercritical Fluids. 87, pp. 118 - 128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2013.12.022