Prof. Leo Choe Peng

TDTU Adjunct Professor

Faculty of Environment & Labour Safety

Place of work

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

chcpleo@usm.my

Web of Science Google Scholar ORCID

Research areas

Membrane technology,
Nanotechnology,
Wastewater Treatment and Recovery,
Separation and Purification Technology for Food and Beverages Industry

Research activities

Prof. Leo focuses on the engineering aspects of membrane innovations for carbon capture and water reuse. She has published more than 130 indexed journal papers. A total citation of more than 4217 and an H-index of 33 have been recorded in SCOPUS. Her scientific works were funded by the Royal Society (UK), Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), NICT (Japan), American Chemical Society (US), Sime Darby, Malaysia Rubber Council and more in the past. Besides Top Research Scientists Malaysia, she was named as the finalist of the AGFD Young Scientist Award (American Chemical Society), the recipient of the Women in Science Award (Ton Duc Thang University), Pioneers of Change Award (Penang Women’s Development Corporation), and Leader in Innovation Fellowship (Royal Academy of Engineering). Her engineering innovations also granted 1st Prize in GIST Catalyst, the Real Tech Holdings Award of the Tech Planter Asia 2022, the Grand Winner Award of Tech Plan Demo in Malaysia, the Mitsui Chemicals Award, and gold medals in several exhibitions. She served as the honorary secretary of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Penang Branch), the committee for the American Chemical Society- Malaysia Chapter and the Institute of Materials Malaysia.

Publications
1	Xu, Y., Leo, C. P., & Hu, Z. (2026). Photoelectrocatalytic regeneration of oil-fouled lignin-coated PVDF hollow fiber membranes using TiO₂-modified electrodes. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 108975. 10.1016/j.psep.2026.108975
2	Tan, S. Y., & Leo, C. P. (2026). Ethyl oleate production via reactive distillation: A comparative simulation study using experimental kinetics of sulfonated resin and NbOPO₄ catalysts. Engineering Research Express. 8 105001. 10.1088/2631-8695/ae6606
3	Cheong, Y. N., Leo, C. P., Yu, K. H., Jaafar, M., & Yin, B. Y. W. (2026). Wettability and thermomechanical influence of the photocatalytically depolymerized and epoxidized lignin on the underfill epoxy properties. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 151911. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151911
4	Xu, Y., Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., & Hu, Z. (2026). Recent advances in photocatalytic TiO2-based membranes for eliminating water pollutants. Separation & Purification Reviews, 55(2), 150-167. https://doi.org/10.1080/15422119.2025.2487991
5	Chiam, S. L., Wong, P. Y., Xu, Y., Leo, C. P., & Pung, S. Y. (2026). Tunable photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of chitosan/lignin coating on PVDF hollow fiber membrane for efficient oil-water separation. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 81, 109293. 10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.109293
6	Nie, Y., Yu, K. H., Leo, C. P., Yen, K. S., Li, H. B., & Matsumura, T. (2025). Machine learning-based calibration of IoT turbidity sensors: enhancing sensing accuracy and implementation. Engineering Research Express, 7(4), 0455e5. 10.1088/2631-8695/ae29cf
7	Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., Chan, D. J. C., & Yasin, N. H. M. (2025). Biofilm cultivation and air blow harvesting of Navicula incerta on PVDF hollow fiber membrane with different biocoatings. Biomass and Bioenergy, 203, 108373. 10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108373
8	Wong, T. L. X., Hasan, M. R. M., Ghazali, M. F. H. M., Leo, C. P., Hussin, M. H., & You, L. (2025). From paper waste to pavement: Hydrophobic recycled paper mill sludge as sustainable filler for asphalt mixtures. Construction and Building Materials, 501, 144330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.144330
9	Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., & Pung, S. Y. (2025). Biodegradable cellulose-based hydrogel fertilizer with porous network for sustained NPK release and improved plant growth. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 149056. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149056
10	Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., Chan, D. J. C., & Yasin, N. H. M. (2025). Carbonate-enhanced cultivation of microalgae biofilm on the bovine serum albumin coated hollow fiber membranes. Process Biochemistry, 156, 300-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2025.06.010
11	Luo, Z., Leo, C. P., Guo, F., & Zhao, X. Y. (2025). Visible light initiated norfloxacin degradation through a double Z-scheme Bi2WO6/ZnO/CdS photocatalyst. Separation and Purification Technology, 366, 132670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.132670
12	Xu, Y., Leo, C. P., & Hu, Z. (2025). Photoelectrocatalytic regeneration of adsorptive lignin-coated PVDF membranes for antibiotic removal during microfiltration. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 76, 108104. 10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.108104
13	Bee, S. L., Ooi, C. W., Pung, S. Y., Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., & Tan, W. K. (2025). In Situ synthesis and immobilization of Co₃O₄ nanowalls on kanthal substrate using a rapid direct heating approach. Materialia, 42, 102457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2025.102457
14	Cheong, Y. N., Leo, C. P., Yu, K. H., Jaafar, M., & Yam, B. W. Y. (2025). Advancement of epoxy resins with enhanced wettability and thermal properties for flip-chip packaging. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 194, 109535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2025.109535
15	Kim, J. Y., Yee, H. M., Ahmad, M. H., Asadi, H., Leo, C. P., & Hazwan, H. M. (2025). Development of a superhydrophobic concrete coating: Using paper sludge ash and lignosulfonate adhesive. Latin American Applied Research-An international journal, 55(3), 383-389. https://doi.org/10.52292/j.laar.2025.3623
16	Xu, Y., Leo, C. P., Hu, Z., & Hong, C. H. (2025). Photocatalytic valorization and cleaning of lignin coating on PVDF hollow fiber membranes for oil–water separation. Separation and Purification Technology, 360, 131062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.131062
17	Lim, N. Y. Y., Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., Pung, S. Y., Chang, C. K., & Ang, W. L. (2025). Suppression of charge recombination using microfibrillated cellulose in carboxymethyl cellulose coatings containing ZnO nanorods and BiOCl during photoelectrocatalysis. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 308, 142421. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142421
18	Luo, Z., Leo, C. P., Guo, F., & Zhao, X. Y. (2025). Transition of BiOCl nanosheet into cotton-like clusters for piezoelectric enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dye and photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 21, 100698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2024.100698
19	Ahmad, N. N. R., Nasir, R., Ricci, E., Leo, C. P., Bahru, R., & Koh, S. P. (2025). Integration of deep eutectic solvent with adsorption and membrane-based processes for CO2 capture: An innovative approach. Separation and Purification Technology, 355, 129592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129592
20	Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., Pung, S. Y., & Ang, W. L. (2025). Modulation of MnO2-BiOCl photocatalyst immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for reusable photodegradation of Rhodamine B and Ibuprofen under visible light. Solid State Sciences, 160, 107831. 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2025.107831
21	Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., & Pung, S. Y. (2025). MXene hydrogel as a flexible platform: recent synthesis, properties, and applications. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 185, 109016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2024.109016
22	Low, S. C., & Leo, C. P. (2024). Ceramic Membrane Structure-Transport Performance Correlation for Wastewater Treatment: Membrane Modification Strategies and Challenges. In Advances in Water and Wastewater Treatment (pp. 155-173). Apple Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2024.109016
23	Hong, C. H., Leo, C. P., Ahmad, N. N. R., & Ahmad, A. L. (2024). Aminated ZIF‐8 to facilitate CO2 sieving through polyvinyl alcohol/ionic liquid membranes. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, 14(6), 995-1007. https://doi.org/10.1002/ghg.2308
24	Lim, N. Y. Y., Chiam, S. L., Leo, C. P., & Chang, C. K. (2024). Recent modification, mechanisms, and performance of zinc oxide-based photocatalysts for sustainable dye degradation. Hybrid Advances, 7, 100318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hybadv.2024.100318
25	Fu, J., Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., & Chang, C. K. (2024). Carboxymethyl cellulose/microfibrillated cellulose hydrogel beads for phosphate recovery: Templating effects of in situ-grown CaCO₃ nanoparticles from CO₂. Industrial Crops and Products, 218, 118979. 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118979
26	Fu, J., Ahmad, N. N. R., Leo, C. P., Aberilla, J. M., Cruz, I. J. D., Alamani, B., & Koh, S. P. (2024). Techno-economic and life cycle assessment of membrane separation in post-combustion carbon capture: A review. Gas Science and Engineering, 129, 205401. 10.1016/j.jgsce.2024.205401
27	Fu, J., Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., & Chang, C. K. (2024). Enhanced photocatalytic regeneration of carboxymethyl cellulose/lignin/ZnO complex hydrogel after methylene blue adsorption. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 274, 133510. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133510
28	Fu, J., Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., Chang, C. K., & Show, P. L. (2024). Polysaccharide hydrogels for controlling the nutrient release. Separation & Purification Reviews, 53(3), 276-288. https://doi.org/10.1080/15422119.2023.2269395
29	Gheibi, M., Wacławek, S., Leo, C. P., Sadr, S., & Behzadian, K. (2024). Dynamic Modelling, Simulation, and Sensitive Analysis of Lead Removal in a Fixed-Bed Adsorption Column using Waste-Based Materials. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1368, No. 1, p. 012009). IOP Publishing. 10.1088/1755-1315/1368/1/012009
30	Ho, N. A. D., Leo, C. P., Ta, A. T., & Nguyen, T. Q. (2024). From drainage to resource: a practice approach to reuse greywater for household irrigation purposes. Water Practice & Technology, 19(2), 311-323. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2024.033
31	Fu, J., Leo, C. P., & Chang, C. K. (2024). Nutrient recovery and pollutant removal using carboxymethyl cellulose/microfibrillated cellulose hydrogel: Templating effects of CaCO3 nanoparticles. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 58, 104869. 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.104869
32	Letchumanan, I., Leo, C. P., Pung, S. Y., Koe, C. M., Shaari, N., & Yusoff, Y. N. (2024). Fabrication of hybrid tin oxide‐cellulose nanocomposite as the flexible and thin supercapacitor. Energy Storage, 6(1), e508. https://doi.org/10.1002/est2.508
33	Ahmad, N. N. R., Lee, Y., Hamid, M. R. A., Ghazi, T. I. M., Nasir, R., Leo, C. P., ... & Tiong, S. K. (2023). Unlocking the potential of metal-organic frameworks-based mixed matrix membranes for hydrogen separation and purification. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 128, 143-160. 10.1016/j.jiec.2023.08.020
34	Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., Chan, D. J. C., Yasin, N. H. M., & Sajab, M. S. (2023). Chlorella vulgaris nanocellulose in hydrogel beads for dye removal. Separation and Purification Technology, 324, 124613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.124613
35	Kanthasamy, R., Almatrafi, E., Ali, I., Sait, H. H., Zwawi, M., Abnisa, F., ... & Ayodele, B. V. (2023). Biochar production from valorization of agricultural wastes: Data-driven modelling using machine learning algorithms. Fuel, 351, 128948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.128948
36	Kanthasamy, R., Almatrafi, E., Ali, I., Sait, H. H., Zwawi, M., Abnisa, F., ... & Ayodele, B. V. (2023). Bayesian optimized multilayer perceptron neural network modelling of biochar and syngas production from pyrolysis of biomass-derived wastes. Fuel, 350, 128832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.128832
37	Hamzah, N., & Leo, C. P. (2023). State-of-the-art membrane processing of solution rich in phenolic compounds. Journal of Applied Membrane Science & Technology, 27(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.11113/amst.v27n2.265
38	Nouri, A., Ang, W. L., Mahmoudi, E., Chua, S. F., Mohammad, A. W., Benamor, A., ... & Leo, C. P. (2023). Decoration of polylactic acid on graphene oxide for efficient adsorption of methylene blue and tetracycline. Chemosphere, 322, 138219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.13821
39	Fu, J., Yap, J. X., Leo, C. P., & Chang, C. K. (2023). Carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate beads incorporated with calcium carbonate nanoparticles and bentonite for phosphate recovery. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 234, 123642. 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123642
40	Kanthasamy, R., Algarni, M., Peng, L. C., Zakaria, N. A., & Zwawi, M. (2023). The effects of solvent on superhydrophobic polyurethane coating incorporated with hydrophilic SiO₂ nanoparticles as antifouling paint. Polymers, 15(6), 1328. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061328
Projects
1	Carbon capture and storage in the nutrient recovered from biogas digestate: mass transfer study at the air-liquid interface, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, Ministry of Higher Education. (1/10/2023 -30/9/2026).
2	Lignin and chemically modified CaCO3 nanoparticles for improving surface wettability and thermal conductivity in the epoxy underfills, Intel-USM Pelican Research Grant (1/4/2024 -31/3/2026)
3	Distinguished International Associates-Round 4, the Royal Academy of Engineering UK. (4/5/2024 -13/5/2025)
4	IoT System for Water Reuse in Developing Cities, ICT Virtual Organization of ASEAN Institutes and NICT (ASEAN IVO), Japan. (1/4/2021 -31/3/2023)
5	Superhydrophobic latex coating, Matching Grant, Malaysia Rubber Council, 01/02/2021 - 1/01/2023
6	Strategic Planning of Urban Water Reuse Interventions for Community Resilience, Royal Academy of Engineering. (03/08/2020 -31/07/2021)
7	Mechanistic and kinetic studies on the mechanochemically enhanced carbonation of alkaline waste for CO₂ capture and storage, FRGS, RM. (2019 – 2021)
8	Electrochemical sensor with food colourant selectivity and selfcleaning properties, Commonwealth Science Conference Follow-on Travel Grant 2017, The Royal Society. (15/3/2018 – 14/3/2019)
9	Diafiltration of monoclonal antibody using pH responsive membrane with positive charge, 2016 American Chemical Society GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable Research Grant for Greener Biologics Purification Methods. (1/4/2016 - 30/11/2017)
10	CO₂ Separation by ionic liquid locked in the mixed matrix membrane, Institute of Climate Change UKM-Sime Darby Foundation (22/2/2016 - 21/6/2017)
11	Thermodynamic study on the encapsulation of Palladium nanoparticles into polymeric thin film via phase inversion for coupling reaction, MOHE (FRGS). (1/12/2013 - 30/11/2015)
12	Flood resilience structures: Superhydrophobic ceramics produced from agricultural ash to engineer flood proof coating, FRGS Flood Disaster Management. (1/4/2015 - 31/12/2015)
13	Building opportunity out of Science and Technology (BOOST) Program: Finding a career pathway, American Chemical Society, RM960.00. (26/9/2013 - 25/9/2014)
Patents
1	Nanocellulose hydrogel fertilizer, Patent, PI2022006944, Filed, 07/12/2022.
2	Electrochemical enhanced photocatalysts in hydrogel, Patent, PI2024000105, Filed, 03/09/2024.