RESEARCH PROFILE

The high volumetric energy density and abundance features of iron are considered as the ideal candidate for the dense energy carrier. The CO2 free and recyclable metal fuel cycle can be obtained for Iron (powder) where energy is generated by a ‘clean’ combustion process and the rust (iron oxide) can be reduced into pure iron by the ‘green’ reduction process.

Electrolysis is one of the promising techniques to extract iron. However, a lot of challenges related to enhancement in low process efficiency and chemical substances transport are still found. A novel technique is explored to optimize the production process and directly harvest the iron powders, known as "(iron oxide) powder-to- (iron) powder" concept.

In Majid’s research, the phenomena associated with iron production optimization are studied using experimental works. A detailed reduction mechanism of the iron electrodeposition is also investigated in this study.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Akmal Irfan Majid completed his Master study in Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.) from Universitas Gadjah Mada-Indonesia (UGM) in 2015 with the major of energy conversion and multiphase flow. He experienced as a Fachpraaktikant at the Experimental Thermal & Fluid Dynamics Dept. of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany (2014) for his master thesis concerned ‘Dynamics of Taylor Bubble Flow in a Vertical Pipe’. Akmal also pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (S.T./B.Eng.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from UGM with a thesis entitled ‘Interfacial Analysis of Air-Water Slug Flow using Image Processing Technique'. He received the "Cumlaude" predicate for both degrees.

Prior to starting the Ph.D program at TU/e, Akmal worked as a Researcher in the ‘Energy Conversion Laboratory’ at the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and ‘Center for Energy Studies’ at the UGM, focused on gas-liquid two-phase flow, multiphase flow visualization, experimental combustion, and energy policy studies.

As dense energy carriers play an essential role in this energy transition era, he applies his background in multiphase flow to study 'Electrochemical Reduction of Iron Oxide' as a part of the reduction technique for the circularity of the metal fuels cycle. 

Akmal Irfan Majid joined the Power & Flow group as a Doctoral Candidate under supervision of Prof. Niels Deen, Dr. Yali Tang, Dr. Giulia Finotello (Power & Flow of Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. John van der Schaaf (Chemical Engineering and Chemistry).

Ancillary Activities

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