Mostafa Rahimnejad

Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering

Babol Noshirvani University of Technology

Mostafa Rahimnejad is the Vice President for Research at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology (BNUT), Iran, and a faculty member specializing in Bioelectrochemical Systems, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Biotechnology. He is the head of the Biofuel Cells, Bioenergy, and Renewable Energy Research Group, where he leads interdisciplinary research on sustainable energy technologies and innovative pollution management strategies.


 


Prof. Rahimnejad received his PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on bioelectrochemical systems, and over the past decade, he has established himself as a leading researcher in sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs), biocatalytic energy conversion, and waste-to-energy technologies. His work bridges fundamental science with real-world industrial applications, particularly in the development of electrogenic bioreactors that address water pollution, energy recovery, and environmental sustainability.


 


He has published extensively in high-impact journals and has contributed several book chapters in the fields of microbial electrochemical technologies and sustainable bioenergy systems. Prof. Rahimnejad has also served as reviewer and editor for numerous scientific journals and has been an invited speaker at international conferences and workshops on clean energy and environmental engineering.


 


In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Rahimnejad plays a key leadership role in advancing innovation and research strategy at BNUT. Under his supervision, the university has strengthened collaborations with industry, governmental organizations, and international research partners. He has also led major funded projects, including international joint research initiatives on Innovative Electrogenic and Biodegradative Technologies for Pollution Management, supporting PhD and postdoctoral researchers in cutting-edge environmental biotechnology.


 


Prof. Rahimnejad is passionate about fostering research culture and developing future scientists. He has organized numerous research festivals, open days, and community engagement programs aimed at promoting scientific literacy and practical innovation among students and industry stakeholders.


 


His research interests include:


 


Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFCs)


 


Electrogenic and Biodegradative Biotechnologies


 


Renewable and Bio-based Energy Systems


 


Waste Valorization and Pollution Management


 


Bioelectrochemical Monitoring and Environmental Sensors


 


 


Through his scientific work and leadership roles, Prof. Rahimnejad continues to contribute to the global transition toward clean, sustainable, and technology-driven environmental solutions.


 

Participates in

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules

Fueling the Future: Innovations & Strategies for Tomorrow’s Electricity Supply
Forum 13 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
28
April
10:00 12:00
UTC+3
The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions necessitates innovative approaches to waste management and energy generation. This abstract presents the application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a transformative technology for producing renewable energy while treating oil and petrochemical wastewater. MFCs harness the metabolic processes of microorganisms to convert organic pollutants into electricity, effectively addressing the dual challenge of wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. This study highlights the technical advancements in MFC design, including innovations in electrode materials and microbial consortia selection that enhance energy output and degradation efficiency of complex petrochemical compounds. Moreover, this session will explore the economic viability of integrating MFCs into existing wastewater management systems, emphasizing their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy production methods. By optimizing feedstock utilization through MFCs, we can transition towards a more sustainable energy paradigm that not only mitigates environmental impacts but also enhances resource recovery from industrial operations. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary research in advancing biofuel technologies and promoting the adoption of microbial fuel cells as a key player in the renewable energy landscape.

We utilized a dual-chambered MFC equipped with a photosynthetic cathode that features innovative photocatalytic surfaces aimed at optimizing light absorption and boosting microbial activity. Our experiments explored different light exposure conditions, including continuous illumination and alternating light/dark cycles, to assess their impact on power generation and wastewater treatment efficiency. Initial results reveal a significant increase in maximum power density, showing up to a 30% improvement compared to conventional MFC designs, which can be linked to enhanced oxygen production from the photocatalytic processes.
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