Center Manager, Assistant Professor
The Joint Center of Excellence in Integrated Nanosystems (JCIN)
Mohammad Hayal Alotaibi has completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, UK in 2008 with Professor Keith Smith. He is Assistant Research Professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). His research involves the development of novel organic synthetic methods, especially ones that are “greener” than traditional methods. Also, he has a great interest in the synthesis of compounds with interesting properties. Particularly, current research projects involve the use of zeolites and solid-supported reagents as catalysts in order to gain regioselectivity in organic reactions. Active collaborations exist with Prof. Brian J. Cantwell Stanford University to study the fundamental properties of green propellants, such as ionic liquids. In addition, he is currently in collaboration with Prof. Michael Grätzel from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Perovskite solar cell. Furthermore, he is interested in the preparation of catalysis with supported metal nanoparticles, such as Au, Pd and Ir, to be used in different reactions, such as selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols and decomposition of formic acid.
Mohammad has been awarded several awards and medals, such as the Medal of Proficiency and Medal of Innovation from The Minister of Interior in KSA. Further, he is a member of many associations, including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the American Chemical Society (ACS), American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS), and the Saudi Chemical Society (SCS).