معرفی
John Anthony (Tony) Byrne is Professor of Photocatalysis and Research Director in the School of Engineering at Ulster University. He leads the Clean Technology research theme within the Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC) and heads the Photocatalysis Research team.
Byrne earned his 1st class honors degree in biology and chemistry at Ulster University, followed by a DPhil in chemistry under Dr. Brian Eggins. Appointed as a lecturer in the School of Engineering in 2005, he was rapidly promoted and made Professor in 2012.
Professor Byrne's research focuses on photocatalytic nanomaterials for environmental remediation and renewable energy applications, with particular emphasis on metal oxides. His work significantly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in clean water and sanitation. He has developed expertise in titanium dioxide-based photocatalysis, water disinfection technologies, and nanomaterial fabrication and characterization.
His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward practical water treatment applications, particularly in household and rural settings. The research spans photocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic, and UVC-based disinfection methods, with increasing focus on contaminants of emerging concern and waterborne pathogens in diverse water matrices.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Byrne serves on multiple professional committees including the RSC Northern Ireland Section Committee, the Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Interest Group, and chairs the Professional Bodies Forum supporting the All Party Group on Science and Technology in the NI Assembly. He is a founding Board Member of the Northern Ireland Science Festival. His research portfolio includes numerous projects such as SAFEWATER POC, funded by Invest Northern Ireland, focusing on commercializing water treatment technologies.
Professor Byrne leads the Photocatalysis Research team at Ulster within the Nanotechnology and Integrated BioEngineering Centre (NIBEC), where he directs the Clean Technology research theme. His laboratory work focuses on developing and testing photocatalytic nanomaterials for water treatment applications, with strong emphasis on practical implementation in real-world settings.
