Liwa university | United Arab Emirates
Author Profile
Orcid
🧑🔬 Professional Summary
Dr. Osman Makkawi is an accomplished materials physicist and educator with over 10 years of experience in semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, and energy systems. His work focuses on 2D materials, optoelectronic devices, and graphene-based field-effect transistors (FETs). With a strong background in translational research, he has published extensively in high-impact journals and led collaborative innovation across academia and industry. He is passionate about graduate-level teaching and mentorship, aiming to inspire and develop future researchers in the field.
🔍 Research Interests
His primary research areas include emerging semiconductor devices and van der Waals heterostructures, synthesis of 2D materials for FET and optoelectronic applications, electrochemical energy storage, and sustainable hydrogen generation. Dr. Makkawi is particularly interested in applying nanotechnology to solve real-world energy challenges through translational research.
👨🏫 Professional Experience
Currently, Dr. Makkawi serves as an Assistant Professor of Physics & Applied Electric Circuit at Liwa College of Engineering, UAE (Jan 2023–Present), where he developed industry-relevant curricula and enhanced student engagement, increasing participation by 70%. He previously lectured at Sharjah Maritime Academy (2020–2023), where he significantly improved student pass rates through interactive teaching methods, and at the Academy of Engineering Science in Sudan (2008–2010), delivering courses in physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, and materials science.
🎓 Education
Dr. Makkawi earned his PhD in Material Physics and Chemistry from Harbin Institute of Technology, China (2013–2017), where he specialized in nanomaterial fabrication. He also holds an M.Sc. in Physics (Material Science) from Al-Neelian University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Open University of Sudan, and a B.Sc. in Physics (Honours) from the University of Khartoum.
🧪 Technical & Research Skills
His technical expertise includes 2D material fabrication (graphene, InSe, MoSe₂, h-BN), device applications such as supercapacitors, FETs, and hydrogen generation, and advanced characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, XPS, EDX). He is proficient in simulation and data analysis tools including COMSOL Multiphysics, OriginLab, and LabView.
📚 Teaching & Academic Service
Dr. Makkawi teaches graduate-level courses in advanced physics, nanotechnology, and electronic materials. He is actively involved in curriculum development that integrates modern industry needs, and he mentors graduate students in both research and professional development. He also serves as a peer reviewer for respected journals in nanotechnology and applied materials.
🌍 Professional Engagement
A regular participant in international conferences on materials science and sustainable energy, Dr. Makkawi collaborates with global research teams to develop advanced technologies for a greener future. His ongoing efforts contribute to a growing network of international academic and industry partnerships.
Publications
Optimized electrochemical performance and longevity in asymmetric supercapacitors using binder-free MOF-808/Ti₂N electrodes
Authors: Makkawi Osman; Md Rezaul Karim; Haseebul Hassan; Abdullatif Hakami; M. Musa Saad H.-E; M. Iqbal; Sidra Mumtaz
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2025
Enhanced photoresponse through van der Waals heterostructure integration: p-GaSe and n-MoSe₂ on h-BN substrate
Authors: Makkawi Osman; Haseebul Hassan; Muhammad Waqas Iqbal; Muhammad Hasnain Jameel; Samia Arain; Khaled Althubeiti; Mohammed Aljohani; Ehsan Elahi; Sidra Mumtaz
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Year: 2024
Graphene Quantum Dots Decorated on Chromium Oxide and Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework Composite (GQDs@Zr-MOF/Cr₂O₃) for Asymmetric Supercapacitors and Hydrogen Production
Authors: H. Hassan; Misbah Shoaib; Khakemin Khan; Mohamed A. Ghanem; Makkawi Osman
Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2024
Temperature optimization for enhancing the electrochemical performance of covalent triazine frameworks composite with Nb-based Mxene in asymmetric supercapacitors and hydrogen production
Authors: Makkawi Osman; Haseebul Hassan; Zubair Ahmad; Imad Barsoum; Sidra Mumtaz; Muhammad Waqas Iqbal; Ahmed Althobaiti; Alsharef Mohammad; Khakemin Khan
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
Year: 2024
Enhanced ionic diffusion in a gold-augmented binary metal–organic framework composite with zirconium oxide for asymmetric supercapacitors and monosodium glutamate (MSG) detection
Authors: Haseebul Hassan; Muhammad Imran; Makkawi Osman; Abdullatif Hakami; Khakemin Khan; Ahmed Mahmoud Idris
Journal: Ionics
Year: 2024