Research Areas


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1) Membrane Filtration technologies development:

This research area aims to advance high-performance membrane technologies for water and wastewater treatment, with a focus on nanocomposite membranes. I develop membranes functionalized with nanomaterials to achieve high-efficiency removal of PFAS, antibiotics, petroleum-derived pollutants, and persistent organic contaminants. This work combines materials innovation—such as electrocatalytic and antimicrobial membranes—with synchrotron-based analysis to understand mechanisms of fouling control and pollutant rejection, ultimately supporting safer and more sustainable water systems.

Publications

  • Z. X. Zhang, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, Y. Yao, X. J. Chen, Y. Z. Zhang, Y. F. Luo, and K. Zhao. (2025). Copper single atoms/atomic clusters modified electrocatalytic membrane for antibiotic removal and membrane fouling control via electro-Fenton reactions. Chemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier), 515, 163677.
  • M. N. Li, G. H. Huang*, X. J. Chen, Z. Y. Xu, J. Huang, J. N. Yin, R. F. Feng, N. Chen, S. Read, and S. G. Wang. (2025). Development of an EOR-produced petroleum wastewater treatment system through integrated polyacrylonitrile membrane and ZrO2/sericin technologies: revelation of interactive mechanism based on synchrotron and XDLVO analyses. npj Clean Water (Nature), 8(1), 24.
  • Z. X. Zhang, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, Y. Yao, P. Zhang, X. J. Chen, S. J. Ren, Y. F. Luo, and Y. Z. Zhang. (2025). Antibiotic oxidation and fouling control of ceramic microfiltration membrane through effective heterogeneous electro-Fenton process based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and Cu-Fe bimetallic oxides. Separation and Purification Technology (Elsevier), 354, 128834.
  • M. N. Li, G. H. Huang*, X. J. Chen, H. N. Xiao, C. J. An, H. F. Bi, R. F. Feng, X. Y. Xin, and J. Huang. (2024). Development of an antimicrobial and antifouling PES membrane with ZnO/poly(hexamethylene biguanide) nanocomposites incorporation. Chemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier). 481, 148744.
  • Z. X. Zhang, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, X. J. Chen, Y. Yao, P. Zhang, S. J. Ren, M. N. Li, Y. F. Luo, N. Chen, and R. F. Feng. (2023). Heterogeneous electro-Fenton catalytic FeOCl@NCNT/ceramic membrane filtration for in-situ membrane fouling control: Performance and mechanism, Separation and Purification Technology (Elsevier), 316, 123845.
  • X. J. Chen, C. Z. Huang, R. F. Feng, P. Zhang, Y. H. Wu, and W. W. Huang*. (2023). Multifunctional PVDF membrane coated with ZnO-Ag nanocomposites for wastewater treatment and fouling mitigation: Factorial and mechanism Analyses, Journal of Environmental Informatics (International Society of Environmental Information Sciences). 41(1), 37-51.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, R. F. Feng, Y. H. Wu, and C. Huang. (2022). Superwetting polyethersulfone membrane functionalized with ZrO2 nanoparticles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon removal, Journal of Materials Science & Technology (Elsevier), 98, 14-25.
  • M. N. Li, X. J. Chen, Z. H. Wan, S. G. Wang, and X. F. Sun*. (2021). Forward osmosis membranes for high-efficiency desalination with Nano-MoS2 composite substrates. Chemosphere (Elsevier), 278, 130341.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, C. J. An, R. F. Feng, Y. H. Wu, and J. Shen. (2020). Functional PVDF ultrafiltration membrane for Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) removal with high water recovery. Water Research (Elsevier), 181, 115952.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, R. F. Feng, Y. Yao, S. Zhao, C. Z. Huang, and Y. H. Wu. (2019). Plasma-induced poly (acrylic acid)-TiO2 coated polyvinylidene fluoride membrane for produced water treatment: Synchrotron X-Ray, optimization, and insight studies. Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier), 227, 772-783.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, R. F. Feng, Y. H. Wu and C. Z. Huang. (2019). Plasma-induced PAA-ZnO coated PVDF membrane for oily wastewater treatment: preparation, optimization, and characterization through Taguchi OA design and synchrotron-based X-ray analysis, Journal of Membrane Science (Elsevier), 582, 70-82.

2) Oil Spill cleanup and Waste Management:

This research area aims to develop innovative materials and system-level strategies for oil spill response and oily waste management. This includes designing hydrophilic membranes and responsive biomaterials for effective oil-water separation and sorption. This research also includes optimization models for emergency waste management and the development of environmentally friendly washing agents for shoreline cleanup, combining experimental performance studies with life-cycle and inventory-theory-based planning for holistic solutions.

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Publications

  • J. Y. Chen, X. J. Chen, B. Y. Zhang, B. A. S. Lee, M. Yang, X. D, Ye, H. Choi, and B. Chen*. (2025). Oily liquid waste emergency management for offshore oil spill response through a factorial inventory-theory-based mixed-integer approach. Marine Pollution Bulletin (Elsevier), 220, 118328.
  • Z. N. Qu, C. J. An*, R. Y. Yue, X. J. Chen, S. Zhao, H. F. Bi, and M. Boufadel. (2024). Investigation of the vertical infiltration of spilled oil in soil impacted by root netting and surface rainfall. Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE), 150(8), 04024039.
  • H. J. Wang, X. J. Chen*, B. Chen, Y. M. Zhao, and B. Y. Zhang*. (2024). Development of a spiropyran-assisted cellulose aerogel with switchable wettability as oil sorbent for oil spill cleanup, Science of the Total Environment (Elsevier), 923: 171451.
  • R. Y. Yue, C. J. An*, Z. B. Ye, X. J. Chen, K. Lee, K. Q. Zhang, S. Y. Wan, and Z. N. Qu. (2022). Exploring the characteristics, performance, and mechanisms of a magnetic-mediated washing fluid for the cleanup of oiled beach sand. Journal of Hazardous Materials (Elsevier). 438. 129447.
  • X. J. Chen, Y. Q. Liu, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, R. F. Feng, Y. Yao, W. Huang, and S. Q. Weng. (2022). Functional flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation, Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering (Springer). 16(12), 153.
  • R. Y. Yue, C. J. An*, Z. B. Ye, S. C. Gao, X. J. Chen, B. Y. Zhang, K. Lee, and H. F. Bi. (2022). A pH-responsive phosphoprotein surface washing fluid for cleaning oiled shoreline: Performance evaluation, biotoxicity analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation. Chemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier).
  • Z. K. Chen, C. J. An*, X. J. Chen, E. Taylor, A. Bagchi, and X. L. Tian. (2021). Inexact inventory-theory-based optimization of oily waste management system in shoreline spill response. Science of the Total Environment (Elsevier), 777, 146078.
  • H. F. Bi, C. J. An*, X. J. Chen, E. Owens, and K. Lee. (2020). Investigation into the oil removal from sand using a surface washing agent under different environmental conditions, Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), 275(1), 111232.
  • Y. Q. Liu, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, X. J. Chen, P. Zhang, R. F. Feng, and W. H. Xiong. (2020). Use of nano-TiO2 self-assembled flax fiber as a new initiative for immiscible oil/water separation. Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier), 249, 119352.

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3) Emerging Contaminants and Pollution Control:

This research area aims to address critical challenges posed by emerging contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, antibiotics, and persistent organic pollutants in aquatic environments. We focus on developing novel sorbents, exploring oxidation and degradation processes, and understanding contaminant fate and transformation under real-world conditions. This research integrates materials engineering with environmental chemistry and modeling to design effective treatment strategies and inform risk mitigation.

Publications

  • J. N. Yin, G. H. Huang*, X. J. Chen, J. Shen, C. J. An, N. Chen, R. F. Feng, and S. Rosendahl. (2023). Recyclable sericin/nanocellulose aerogel with high adsorption capacity for tetrabromobisphenol A in water: Insight from DFT calculations, Chemical Engineering Journal (Elsevier). 474, 145695.
  • M. F. Cai, Z. M. Qi, C. Guy, C. J. An*, X. J. Chen, Z. Wang, and Q. Feng. (2023). Insights into the abiotic fragmentation of biodegradable mulches under accelerated weathering conditions, Journal of Hazardous Materials (Elsevier), 454, 131477.
  • M. Yang, B. Y. Zhang*, X. J. Chen, Q. Kang, B. Y. Gao, K. Lee, and B. Chen. (2023). Transport of microplastic and dispersed oil co-contaminant in the marine environment, Environmental Science & Technology (American Chemical Society), 57, 14, 5633–5645.
  • M. D. Xu, J. Wei*, X. J. Chen, G. P. Pan, J. M. Li, L. Y. Xing, Y. F. Zhang, Y. N. Li, Z. X. Wang, and J. Li. (2022). Satisfactory degradation of tetracycline by a pH-Universal Mnfe-Ldh@Bc cathode in electric Fenton process: Performances, mechanisms and toxicity assessments, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Elsevier). 10(5), 108409.
  • Z. Wang, C. J. An*, K. Lee, X. J. Chen, B. Y. Zhang, J. N. Yin, and Q. Feng. (2022). Physicochemical change and microparticle release from disposable gloves in the aqueous environment impacted by accelerated weathering, Science of the Total Environment (Elsevier). 832, 154986.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, S. C. Gao and Y. H. Wu. (2021). Effects of permafrost degradation on global microplastic cycling under climate change. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Elsevier), 9(5), 106000.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, and D. Dionysiou. (2021). Emissions of microplastics and their control in the environment. Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE), 147(9).
  • Z. Wang, C. J. An*, X. J. Chen, K. Lee, B. Y. Zhang, and Q. Feng. (2021). Disposable surgical masks release microplastics to the aqueous environment with exacerbation by natural weathering. Journal of Hazardous Materials (Elsevier), 417, 126036.
  • S. Zhao, G. H. Huang*, S. Mu, C. J. An, and X. J. Chen. (2017). Immobilization of phenanthrene onto gemini surfactant modified sepiolite at solid/aqueous interface: Equilibrium, thermodynamic and kinetic studies, Science of The Total Environment (Elsevier), 598, 619-627.

4) Low-cost rural water and wastewater treatment:

This research area aims to develop accessible, low-cost treatment technologies for remote and rural communities. Our work includes designing ceramic water filters for microbial and chemical contaminant removal. Research also explores decentralized wastewater treatment systems, such as vertical-flow multi-soil-layering systems for nutrient and antibiotic removal. This area emphasizes affordability, local adaptability, and climate resilience, supporting safe drinking water and sanitation in remote and rural regions.

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Publications

  • Y. F. Luo, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, J. Huang, Y. Yao, P. Zhang, Z. X. Zhang, J. Shen, J. N. Yin, X. J. Chen, Y. W. Wu, M. N. Li, K. Zhao, S. C. Gao, and C. Zhang. (2025). Development of in-situ MOF-modified ceramic filters for enhancing fluoride removal in water supply for remote communities. Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), 381, 125198.
  • Y. Liang, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, X. Y. Xin, X. Li, J. N. Yin, S. C. Gao, Y. W. Wu, X. J. Chen, and R. F. Feng. (2022). Photocatalytic disinfection for point-of-use water treatment using Ti3+ self-doping TiO2 nanoparticles decorated ceramic disk filter, Environmental Research (Elsevier). 212, part E, 113602.
  • X. Li, G. H. Huang*, Y. P. Li, X. J. Chen, Y. Yao, Y. Liang, J. Huang, K. Zhao, and J. N. Yin. (2022). Low-cost ceramic disk filters coated with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for drinking water disinfection and purification, Separation and Purification Technology (Elsevier). 292, 120999.
  • W. Huang, X. J. Chen*, Y. R. Fan, and Y. P. Li. (2022). Management of drinking water source in rural communities under climate change. Journal of Environmental Informatics. (International Society of Environmental Information Sciences). 39(2), 136-151.
  • P. Song, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, X. Y. Xin, P. Zhang, X. J. Chen, S. Ren, Z. Q. Xu, and X. H. Yang. (2021). Exploring the decentralized treatment of sulfamethoxazole-contained poultry wastewater through vertical-flow multi-soil-layering systems in rural communities. Water Research (Elsevier), 188, 116480.
  • X. H. Yang, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, X. J. Chen, J. Shen, J. N. Yin, P. Song, and Y. P. Li. (2021). Removal of arsenic from water through ceramic filter modified by nano-CeO2: A cost-effective approach for remote areas, Science of The Total Environment (Elsevier). 750, 141510.
  • Z. Q. Xu, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, J. Huang, X. J. Chen, X. Y. Xin, P. Song, R. F. Feng, and Y. P. Li. (2020). Low-cost microbiological purification using a new ceramic disk filter functionalized by chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposites. Separation and Purification Technology (Elsevier), 248, 116984.
  • Y. Y. Zhao, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, X. Y. Xin, X. J. Chen, Y. Y. Hong, and P. Song. (2020). Removal of Escherichia coli from water using functionalized porous ceramic disk filter coated with Fe/TiO2 nano-composites. Journal of Water Process Engineering (Elsevier), 33, 101013.
  • J. Huang, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, X. Y. Xin, X. J. Chen, Y. Y. Zhao, R. F. Feng, and W. H. Xiong. (2020). Exploring the use of ceramic disk filter coated with Ag/ZnO nanocomposites as an innovative approach for removing Escherichia coli from household drinking water. Chemosphere (Elsevier), 245, 125545.
  • P. Song, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, P. Zhang, X. J. Chen, and S. Ren. (2019). Performance analysis and life-cycle greenhouse gas emission assessment of an integrated gravitational-flow wastewater treatment system for rural areas, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), 26, 25883-25897.
  • Y. Y. Hong, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, P. Song, X. Y. Xin, X. J. Chen, P. Zhang, Y. Y. Zhao and R. B. Zheng. (2019). Enhanced nitrogen removal in the treatment of rural domestic sewage using vertical-flow multi-soil-layering systems: Experimental and modeling insights, Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), 240, 273-284.
  • P. Song, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, J. Shen, P. Zhang, X. J. Chen, J. Shen, Y. Yao, R. B. Zheng, and C. X. Sun. (2018). Treatment of rural domestic wastewater using multi-soil-layering systems: Performance evaluation, factorial analysis and numerical modeling. Science of the Total Environment (Elsevier), 644, 536-546.
  • Y. He, G. H. Huang*, C. J. An, J. Huang, P. Zhang, X. J. Chen, and X. Y. Xin. (2018). Reduction of Escherichia Coli using ceramic disk filter decorated by nano-TiO2: A low-cost solution for household water purification, Science of the Total Environment (Elsevier), 616-617, 1628-1637.

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5) Planning and optimization of environmental systems:

This research area aims to develop advanced modeling tools to support effective environmental system planning and management. Our work includes stochastic, fuzzy, and mixed-integer optimization frameworks for waste management and the waste–economy–environment nexus. By integrating uncertainty analysis, life-cycle assessment, and system dynamics, these models inform decision-making for sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient environmental infrastructure at urban, regional, and remote scales.

Publications

  • Z. Y. Wang, Z. H. Lu, X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang, C. J. An*. (2025). Improving efficiency and sustainability of the waste-economy-environment nexus in isolated island communities: A stochastic inexact mixed-integer fractional optimization model. Process Safety and Environmental Protection (Elsevier), 107003.
  • H. Mei, Y. P. Li*, J. Lv, X. J. Chen, C. Lu, C. Suo, and Y. Ma. (2021). Development of an integrated method (MGCMs-SCA-FER) for assessing the impacts of climate change – a case study of Jing-Jin-Ji region. Journal of Environmental Informatics. (International Society of Environmental Information Sciences). 38(2), 145-161.
  • J. N. Yin, G. H. Huang*, Y. L. Xie, C. J. An, and X. J. Chen. (2021). An inexact two-stage multi-objective waste management planning model under considerations of subsidies and uncertainties: A case study of Baotou, China. Journal of Cleaner Production (Elsevier), 298, 126873.
  • G. H. Cheng, G. H. Huang*, C. Dong, Y. Lv, J. L. Zhang, Y. Yao, and X. J. Chen. (2018). Resources and environmental systems management under synchronic interval uncertainties, Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment (Elsevier), 32(2), 435-456.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, S. Zhao, G. H. Cheng, Y. H. Wu, and H. Zhu. (2017). Municipal solid waste management planning for Xiamen City, China: A stochastic fractional inventory-theory-based approach, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), 24(31), 24243-24260.
  • G. H. Cheng, G. H. Huang*, C. Dong, Y. Xu, X. J. Chen, and J. P. Chen. (2017). Distributed mixed-integer fuzzy hierarchical programming for municipal solid waste management, Part I: System identification and methodology development, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), 24(8), 7236-7252.
  • G. H. Cheng, G. H. Huang*, C. Dong, Y. Xu, J. P. Chen, X. J. Chen, and K. L. Li. (2017). Distributed mixed-integer fuzzy hierarchical programming for municipal solid waste management. Part II: scheme analysis and mechanism revelation, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Springer), 24(9), 8711-8721.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, H. Zhu, M. Q. Suo, and C. Dong. (2016). Inexact inventory theory-based waste management planning model for the City of Xiamen, China, Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE), 142(5), 04016013.
  • X. J. Chen, G. H. Huang*, M. Q. Suo, H. Zhu, and C. Dong. (2014). An inexact inventory-theory-based chance-constrained programming model for solid waste management, Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment (Springer), 28(8), 1939-1955.

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