1.

Details of Student
Name of the Student: Iqra Manzoor

Designation: M.Phil

Department: Environmental Sciences

Institution/University: The Women University, Multan

Registration # 219-WUM-ES-44
Current Semester: 2nd
Session: 2019-2021

Chairperson Official Stamp

Signature:______________________________

Name:_____________________________

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1. Research Proposal
3-1. Title of the Research Proposal

Green Synthesis of activated carbon/coordination complex composites from PET waste for
environmental remediation.

3-2. Problem Statement (max. 100 words)

Environmental pollution has been a major concern with the growing population. Over the past
couple of years, various sources of pollution have been identified that altered the water and air
quality. One of the major source is Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste that has raised
serious environment issues owing to its recalcitrant to degradation. A number of technologies
are available to recycle the PET waste from environment. However, less capital resources
available for its reutilization for remediation of other environmental pollutants. This research
is an attempt to utilize the PET waste for development of coordination complexes (known to
be crystalline porous materials) which have found their applications in various fields. These
complexes will be composited with activated carbon to form a novel material to increase its
catalytic activity. Incorporation of activated carbon will increase the mechanostability of
coordination complexes that altered on exposure to moisture. These materials will provide and
alternative remedial options that are economically viable, efficient materials and processes to
combat the environmental hazards.
3-3. Research Objective
1. Depolymerization of PET waste for recycling and extraction of terephthalic acid ligand
2. Synthesis of coordination complexes using transition metal nodes through solvothermal
process.
3. Development of activated carbon/coordination complex composites using reflux
method for enhanced catalytic activity and tuned properties of coordination complexes.
4. Batch adsorption studies of composite materials for removal of organic dyes.
5. Mathematical modelling of adsorption experiments for validation of results.
3-4. Research Methodology (including research plan, experimentation, data collection
etc. (max. 250 words)

1. Collection of PET waste

Waste PET water bottles will be collected from local surroundings. The bottles will be cleaned
with tap water, de-capped, and de-labeled before further processing.
2. Depolymerization of PET waste.
Extraction of terephthalic acid will be done by depolymerization of PET waste through
glycolysis process.
3. Synthesis of Coordination complexes
Synthesis of coordination complexes will be done through solvothermal process using d-block
transition metals as metal nodes and terephthalic acid as organic linker. Various experiments
will be conducted using range of organic solvents to study effect of solvents on synthesis of
coordination complexes.
4. Synthesis of activated carbon composites
Reflux experiment will be conducted for synthesis of composite materials of coordination
complexes with activated carbon. Modification will be done using different ratios to study the
geometrical changes resulting from activated carbon incorporation.
5. Characterization of synthesized product
The synthesized materials will be characterized using various characterization tools. Chemical
bonding will be studied through FTIR Analysis. Geometrical characterization will be done
using XRD and Thermal stability will be judged through Thermogravimetric Analysis.
Morpphological studies will be done using SEM/EDX.
6. Batch Adsorption experiments.
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Batch adsorption experiments will be conducted in dark mode (UV light) and light mode to
study the catalytic degradation and remediation of organic dyes. Reaction mixture will be
gathered at regular interval and removal and degradation efficiency will be measure using UV-
Visible Spectrophotometer.
7. Mathematical Modelling
Validation of experimental results will be done by applying various kinetic and isotherm
models at various adsorbate concentration and contact time.
Collection of PET Waste
Washing and Physical Treatments

Depolymerization of PET Waste

Extraction of terephthalic acid using Glycolysis

Synthesis of coordination complex

Solvothermal method using transition metal nodes

Synthesis of Activated Carbon/ Coordination complex composite

Reflux experiments for synthesis Effect of different concentration ratios on geometry

Characterization of Synthesized Product

FTIR XRD TGA SEM/EDX

Batch Adsorption experiments.

Adsorption-desorption Equillibrium Experiments for dyes at various concentration and contact time

Mathematical Modelling
Kinetic Models Isotherm Models

3-5. Possible Outcome of Research

The research will provide an effective way for recycling of plastic waste into an efficient
material. A greener approach will be used to recycle one form of waste for remediation of other
form of waste. Many activated carbon/coordination complex composites have been synthesized
using commercial chemicals but utilization of waste material for their synthesis will be
attempted first time. Previous studies have reported the moisture effect on geometrical changes
of coordination complexes that make the coordination complex ineffective. Incorporation of
activated carbon will provide mechanostability to the coordination complex for degradation
and adsorption studies.

3-6. Impact of this research for Economy and Society (Max 150 words) Quantifiable
measure of impact on society after project completion.
The success of the project will provide new data and advanced knowledge for scientific
community to work on 3R principle of reduce, recycle and reuse. The researcher will be able
to find alternative solutions for synthesis of efficient materials and their use for environmental
remediation. Use of waste material in synthesis procedure will provide a greener approach to
make economically viable compounds with range of applications that is limited not only to
remediation but also have potential as greener energy source for hydrogen storage applications.
This research will also be helpful in opening ways to the international market of automobiles
industry where hydrogen fuel automobile are more demanding. This research will not only help
in minimizing the plastic waste from the society, that has become one of the major problem
since many eras but also it will help in remediating different type of waste generated from
different industrial sectors.

3-7. Addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) (Max 150 words)

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How and which of the SDG’s will be addressed in this study?
This research project will help in achieving various sustainable development goals.
SGD-6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Recycling of waste and remediation of pollutants from waste-water will help in achieving goal
of Clean water and sanitation.
SGD-9: Industries, innovation and infrastructure
Synthesis of efficient materials using new approach will provide innovative solutions to
economic and environmental challenges.
SGD-13: Climate action
Many environmentalist have recognized plastic waste as one of the major source of carbon
emissions. Recycling of plastic waste will help in reduction of carbon load.
SGD-14: Life below water
Plastic waste is one of the major threat to aquatic life. It reutilization will decrease the plastic
load of marine environment. Remediation studies will provide industries with new
technology to control water pollution.
SGD-15: Life on Land
Non-biodegradability of plastic waste and waste generated from various industries have
increased various impacts on terrestrial ecosystem that can be reduced from remediation
and recycling approach of this project.
3-8. Proposed path to Commercialize the research outcomes (Max 150 words)

Various researches have highlighted the synthesis of activated carbon/coordination complex

composites from commercial chemicals that makes the research less economically viable. This
project uses a new approach of utilizing waste material to increase the economic efficiency of
these materials. The development of this project will influence significantly on scientific
community and industries leading towards commercialization of the research product. Pakistan
is a developing country and for its future development, this project can play a pivotal role in
designing energy efficient and green technological products in the growing market. This
research is aimed to produce innovative methods for synthesis of new and advanced materials,
which will be beneficent for all industries for removing toxic pollutants. These materials will
have a capability to store gases and thus they will provide efficient materials for storage of
gaseous fuel for different applications. This research will also be helpful in opening ways to
the international market of automobiles industry where hydrogen fuel automobile are more
demanding.

3-9. How the present research supplement or differ from your Ph.D. research work?
(max. 50 words)
The Ph.D research was also based on development of organic linkers and coordination
complexes. However, Ph.D research work was done one commercially available chemicals for
synthesis of organic ligands and coordination complexes. In addition, amine based organic
ligands were used for synthesis of coordination complexes. The present research proposal is
aimed at extraction of organic ligand from waste material and its utilization for synthesis of
composite materials. Further, the coordination complexes are based on carboxylic acid ligand
that differentiate the present research from PhD research.

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6. Budget Estimates
4-1. Lab Equipment/Machines/Apparatus
This may include necessary lab equipment, machines and apparatus to carry out the research.
The applicant will have to justify the procurement of equipment and apparatus in the context
of his/her research proposal. An applicant may demand lab equipment within Start-up Research
Grant maximum permissible limit of Rs. 1000,000.
Please note that:
(a) Applicant must attach 03 original quotations from registered vendors to justify the cost of the equipment
and apparatus if exceeds the limit of PKR 100,000/-
(b) Refrigerator, chiller, UPS, digital camera, multimedia and air-conditioner is not allowed in SRGP.
Item Justification Amount (Rs.)
Teflon Lined Hydrothermal Require for synthesis 50,000
Synthesis autoclave reactors
Memmert Oven Required in drying process 375,000
Hotplate Required in Reaction 50,000

Sub-Total 475,000

4-2. Chemicals/Glassware/Consumables/Accessories
The applicant may propose the chemicals, glassware, lab consumable and allied accessories
for lab use keeping in view the nature of the research project. The applicant must attach a
list of the items (along with quantity and cost) with the proposal. There is no limit within
Rs. 1000,000.
Item Justification Amount (Rs.)
Ethylene Glycol Depolymerizing agent 4500/2.5L
Formic acid Modulator in synthesis 8800/2.5L
Sodium Hydroxide pH maintenance 1800/kg
Dimethyl formamide solvent 15000/2.5L
N,N-Dimethylacetamide solvent 20000/2.5L
Terephthalic acid precursor 8000/500g
Activated carbon precursor 3200/500g
Zinc nitrate hexahydrate Metal nodes for complexes 4000/500g
Cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate Metal nodes for complexes 3000/100g
Copper(II) Nitrate Metal nodes for complexes 5000/500g
Hexahydrate
Nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate Metal nodes for complexes 5000/500g
Dram Vial Required for solvothermal 10000/100piece
synthesis
Glass condensers Required for reflux 9000/3 pieces
Round Bottom Flasks Required for reflux 8000/3 pieces
Whatmann Paper-40 Required in adsorption 15000
experiments
Liquid wash with sponge For cleaning glassware 500
Sub-Total 120,800

4-3. Field Visit

The applicant may include the cost of field visits in the proposal. This may include travel cost
by air or by road, POL to official vehicle, rent a car service etc. The maximum limit under this
head is Rs. 20,000 depending upon the nature of the project.
Visits (from - to) Justification Amount (Rs.)

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 Sub-Total N/A

4-4. Sample Analysis

The applicant may include cost of sample analysis if the analytical facilities are not available
within the host university. The applicant must mention number of samples to be analyzed
and the name of service provider institution. For guidance please review HEC Access to
Scientific Instrument Policy at HEC website. The maximum limit under this head is Rs.
150,000.
Name of Test No. of Samples Rate/Test (Rs.) Amount (Rs.)
XRD 10 2500 25000
FTIR 20 500 10000
TGA 10 2500 25000
SEM/EDX 10 2500 25000
Sub-Total 85,000

4-5. Computer, Printer etc.

The applicant may include Laptop, Computer, and Printer for lab and personal use. This
facility may not be available to those scholars/faculty who have got laptop under any of
government or university schemes (PM Laptop Scheme, CM Laptop Scheme or any
other) within last two years. Anyhow, they may procure printer and scanner if required. The
maximum limit for laptop/computer is Rs. 60,000 -150,000, and Printer 35,000 – 70,000. The
total limit under this head is Rs. 200,000
Item Justification Amount (Rs.)
All in one Facility unavailable 30,000
Laster jet
Printer copier
and Scanner
Laptop Facility unavailable 70,000

Sub-Total 100,000
4-6. Studentship
The applicant may propose to hire the services of one final year undergraduate student or
master student for a maximum period of 6 months to work in the research project. The students
will be paid Rs. 15,000 per month in case of final year undergraduate and Rs. 20,000 per month
in case of master student. (attach the details (Name, Subject, Reg #, Session, Current Semester) of
student, hired for the project duly countersigned and stamped by HoD)
Category Rate/Month (Rs.) Period (months) Amount (Rs.)
B.S Final Year
MS Student 20,000 6 120,000
Sub-Total 120,000

4-7. Office/Lab Furniture

The applicant may propose lab and/or office furniture up to maximum limit of Rs. 50,000.
Item Rate (Rs.) Quantity Amount (Rs.)

Sub-Total N/A

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4-8. Stationery
The applicant may propose stationery for office use up to maximum limit of Rs. 40,000.
Item Rate (Rs.) Quantity Amount (Rs.)
A4 size paper 3000/carton 2 6000
Hard files 200 5 1000
Envelop 20 50 1000
(small + large)
File folder 30 10 300
Note pad 75 5 375
Book stags 100 5 500
Register 150 2 300
Tissue Roll 400/10 rolls 2 800
Marker Pen and 100 10 1000
Pencil etc
Stapler 500 2 1000
Paper punch 400 1 400

Sub-Total 12,675

4-9. Others
Item Amount (Rs.)
Honorarium P.I. (max. Rs. 40,000) 40,000
Honorarium Co P.I. (max. Rs. 30,000) 30,000
Contingencies/Unforeseen (max. Rs. 20,000) 16,525

Sub-Total 70,000
Grand Total (Rs.) 1,000,000

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Undertaking and Endorsement

I hereby undertake and affirm that:

 I hereby solemnly declared that I am not defaulters of any HEC scholarship Program (foreign
and indigenous) or any other.
 I, hereby, solemnly declared that I have not received any Lap top form any Government Scheme
with in last two years.
 All the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
 If the grant is provided, I shall solely be responsible for its proper utilization.
 All the supporting documents submitted are authenticated.

Signature of P.I Signature of Co P.I

Endorsed by (Head of University/Degree Awarding Institute )

Vice Chancellor/Rector Official Stamp

Signature:______________________________

Name:_____________________________

Dated:

Important Notes:
 Please submit one copy of the performa (in original)
 Ensure to attach the details (Name, Subject, Reg #, Session, current semester) of student, hired
for the project duly countersigned and stamped by HoD.
 Ensure to attach the CVs of P.I. & Co P.I. with the performa.
 Attach attested copy of the Ph.D. degree/Equivalence Certificate of Co P.I. (English Translation
if original is in other language)
 Attach attested copy of CNIC of Co P.I.
 Attach a copy of Appointment Letter of Co P.I.
 Attach the IPFP award letter and joining report.
Completed form may be sent at the following address
Mrs. Saima Naurin
Project Director (HRD)
Human Resource Development Division
HEC, Sector H-8, Islamabad

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