Research interests

My research is interdisciplinary, focusing on the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as biofuels and solar energy, for greener, more sustainable, and reliable industrial processes. I specialize in life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis to evaluate the feasibility of these processes.

Currently, I am working on the European Horizon-funded project “PYSOLO”, which explores the conversion of raw biomass into high-efficiency biofuels using concentrated solar power (CSP). This involves indirect solar radiation via solid particle heat carriers from a solar tower to a biomass pyrolysis reactor. My work also includes the modeling and design of flexible pyrolysis process models capable of predicting product yields across various biomass feedstocks and operating conditions. Additionally, I have experience in designing biomass chemical kinetic models, reactor network models and integrating them with process simulations.

Beyond biofuel production, my research extends to the application of bio-based products, particularly biochar, in industrial applications such as textile wastewater treatment and agriculture. Through this work, I aim to advance sustainable energy solutions and circular economy practices in industrial systems.

Education

• Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. Nov. 2020 – Jan. 2025
• Research Scholar, Ocean university of China. Sep. 2018 – Aug. 2020
• Visiting Researcher at Arizona State University (USA). Jan. 2017 – May 2017
• Master of Science (MSc) in Energy System Engineering at USPCAS-E (Pakistan).

  Sep. 2015 – Nov. 2017

Selected Publications

• M.A. Amjed, F. Sobic, M.C. Romano, T. Faravelli, M. Binotti. “Techno-economic analysis of a solar-driven biomass pyrolysis plant for bio-oil and biochar production.” Sustainable Energy & Fuels (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SE00450G
• M.A. Amjed, M. Colombi, J.P.R. Duarte, C. Lorreyte, G. Moumin, M.C. Romano, M. Binotti. “Solar-driven Biomass Pyrolysis Plant for Negative-Emission Biofuels Production” SolarPACES (2024).
• L.L. Berkel, P. Debiagi, H. Nicolai, M.A. Amjed, A. Stagni, C. Hasse, T. Faravelli. “Development of a multiphase chemical reactor network method as a tool for simulating biomass gasification in fluidized beds”. Fuel (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.129731
• X. Zou, P. Debiagi, M.A. Amjed, M. Zhai, T. Faravelli. “Impact of high-temperature biomass pyrolysis on biochar formation and composition”. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2024.106463
• M.A. Amjed, X. Wu, I. Ali, I. Naz, M. Dai, A. Tehrim, W. Niaz, S.F. Javaid, C. Peng. “Surface decoration and characterization of solar driven biochar for the removal of toxic aromatic pollutant”. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology (2021).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6759