The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) has once again produced a new doctoral graduate through the Doctoral Promotion Session of the Chemical Engineering Study Program (October 3). Saddam Husein officially earned his doctoral degree with Cum Laude honors (GPA 3.93). He became the 623rd doctoral graduate of FTUI and the 79th from the Chemical Engineering Study Program.
In his dissertation titled “Development of WO/g-C3N4/TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays Nanocomposite for the Elimination of Tetracycline and Tartrazine as well as Hydrogen Production in a Combined Electrocoagulation–Photocatalysis System”, Saddam addressed a critical issue concerning hospital and pharmaceutical industrial wastewater, which often contains hazardous pollutants such as antibiotics and synthetic dyes.
Through his research, Saddam discovered that such waste can not only be treated to reduce environmental pollution but also utilized as a reactant source for producing hydrogen gas (H₂), a clean and renewable energy resource.
The study explored the integration of Photocatalysis (PC) and Electrocoagulation (EC) technologies as a simultaneous approach to eliminate contaminants while improving hydrogen production efficiency. The W-CN-TiNT nanocomposite system was synthesized through three different methods (CVD, IA, and IM). Experimental results demonstrated that the EC-PC combination was capable of degrading synthetic dyes by up to 89.1% and producing hydrogen at a rate of 226.5 mol/m³. When applied to mixed wastewater, pollutant elimination efficiency increased to 94%, with hydrogen production reaching 237 mol/m³.
Saddam emphasized that these findings have the potential to serve as a dual solution for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment and sustainable energy generation. “Waste, which has long been considered a problem, can actually become an opportunity if managed with the right technology. The hybrid EC-PC approach offers an environmentally friendly solution while supporting the transition to clean energy,” he explained.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., also expressed his appreciation for this achievement. “Saddam Husein’s research reflects the direction of FTUI’s Chemical Engineering research, which not only focuses on waste control but also offers innovative solutions for renewable energy. This accomplishment underscores FTUI’s commitment to producing doctoral graduates capable of addressing sustainability challenges at both national and global levels,” said Prof. Kemas.
The doctoral defense was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ir. Winarto, M.Sc., with Prof. Dr. Ir. Slamet, M.T. as the Promoter and Prof. Dr.Eng. Eniya Listiani Dewi, M.Eng. as the Co-Promoter. The examination committee consisted of Prof. Sutrasno Kartohardjono, Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Jarnuzi Gunlazuardi, Dr. Bambang Heru Susanto, S.T., M.T., Muhammad Ibadurrohman, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., and Dr. Abdul Hamid Budiman, S.T., M.Sc.
This achievement further strengthens FTUI’s role as a leading engineering education institution in Indonesia, consistently supporting innovative research for environmental sustainability and the future of clean energy.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
