Nidal Hilal

Professor Nidal Hilal is a leading academic at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), serving as the Director of the NYUAD Water Research Center. He holds a faculty position in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His research focuses on advancing desalination, water treatment technologies, and membrane innovation, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions for water scarcity and environmental challenges.

Key research themes include solar-driven membrane distillation, nanomaterial-enhanced membranes, and strategies for brine mining and nutrient recovery. He has pioneered work on feed spacer design, anti-fouling surfaces, and the integration of recycled materials into membrane fabrication. His contributions bridge fundamental material science with practical applications in industrial water treatment and renewable energy sectors.

Recent studies highlight advancements in proton-selective membranes for lithium battery waste recovery, ultra-high nitrate-selective materials, and scalable electrodialysis systems. His work frequently addresses global water-energy nexus challenges, advocating for circular economy principles in water management.

Notably, Dr. Hilal’s lab explores innovative methods to reduce chemical usage in membrane production, enhance membrane longevity, and apply machine learning for optimizing reverse osmosis systems. His interdisciplinary approach has led to breakthroughs in hydrogen generation via polymeric membranes and the development of electrolytic cleaning systems for fouling mitigation.

His leadership at NYUAD’s Water Research Center drives collaborative projects on desalination, wastewater reuse, and nanotechnology applications. While no formal student advisees are listed, his research group likely includes postdocs and graduate students engaged in cutting-edge membrane technology research.