Invited Speakers

Biography: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülizar Kurtoğlu Akkaya is an academician in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Necmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Engineering, Türkiye. She received her Ph.D. from Yıldız Technical University in 2018, with a dissertation on the treatment of landfill leachate using a submerged electro-membrane bioreactor system. Her main research interests include wastewater and leachate treatment, sludge management, electrochemical oxidation processes, circular economy approaches, and bio-based materials. Dr. Kurtoğlu Akkaya has extensive experience in both national and international research collaborations. Her recent studies focus on electrocoagulation, hybrid electrochemical systems, biochar-assisted remediation, and the valorization of waste-derived biomaterials into sustainable polymers and bioplastics. She has coordinated and contributed to several projects funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)—including programs such as 1001, 1507, 2218, and 2219—as well as university-supported research on environmental pollution control and resource recovery. Her works have been published in leading international journals such as Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Separation and Purification Technology and Chemical Engineering Research and Design. Alongside her research activities, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on waste management, sludge control, and environmental economics, and supervises students developing innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. Currently, Dr. Kurtoğlu Akkaya’s research focuses on developing low-cost, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials from renewable and waste-based resources, with an emphasis on biodegradation behavior, cost efficiency, and life cycle assessment (LCA) within the circular bioeconomy framework.

Biography: Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Azrina Abd Aziz is a prolific academic at the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA), UMPSA with expertise in Environmental Engineering, specializing in carbon dioxide mitigation, wastewater treatment, solid & scheduled waste management, environmental management and sustainable materials for the environment. Dr. Azrina obtained Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, and has proven her strength in academia through various achievements. Dr. Azrina has good professional knowledge in her field of research, and excels in terms of technical knowledge and skill. Her contributions to research are impressive, with numerous articles in international high-impact journals, with achievements of 23 WOS Indexed and 27 Scopus h-Index. In terms of professional skills, Dr. Azrina obtained the Certified Environmental Professional in Scheduled Waste Management (CePSWAM) from the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia and Certified HRDCorp Train-the-Trainer. Her talent and positive attitude are a great asset to the advancement of academia, research and innovation.

Speech title "CQDs embed g-C3N4 photocatalyst in dye removal and hydrogen evolution: An insight review"

Abstract: Recent research has highlighted heterogeneous photocatalysts as a feasible contender for addressing energy shortages and environmental cleanup. One of the best semiconducting photocatalysts used in wastewater treatment, disinfection, and energy evolution is graphitic carbon nitrate (g-C3N4). Researchers have used carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to maximize and enhance the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 and to get over the material’s limits due to photoinduced charges, partial surface area, and insufficient light-capturing difficulties. In this context, the fundamentals of CQDs and g-C3N4 are described in length, along with their structural state, synthesis, and modification techniques. The classification, manufacturing procedure, and characterization of CQDs/g-C3N4 are then highlighted in this paper. Following that, it is shown how CQDs/g-C3N4 photocatalysts are used in dye removal and hydrogen evolution studies. The discussion of CQDs/g-C3N4’s present hurdles, unmet needs, and future research prospects concludes while keeping in mind their practical applications. This study shows that by embedding CQDs, the influence of charges, morphological modification, and textural quality of g- C3N4 have been altered. It is anticipated that this review will offer a practical overview and comprehension of CQDs embedded with g-C3N4 photocatalysts in order to promote their utilization. The ultimate goal of this review may be to impart a fundamental understanding of photocatalysis while also providing an expository evaluation of the most recent advancements in g-C3N4/CQDs photocatalysts in the sectors of energy and environmental security.