About

Dr. Tsatsu Nukunya is a seasoned chemical engineer with extensive academic and research experience spanning liquid membrane separations, biofiltration of air streams, kinetic and mass transfer modeling, lifecycle analysis, biosensor validation, and polymer engineering. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MEng from North Carolina A&T State University, and a BSc from KNUST in Ghana. Dr. Nukunya has contributed significantly to environmental and separation technologies, with a particular focus on the application of pore network models in biofiltration and the use of membrane systems for heavy metal extraction. His work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing sustainable chemical engineering solutions.

Education

PhD. Chemical Engineering – University of Southern California, USA

MEng. Chemical Engineering – North Carolina A&T State University, USA

BSc Chemical Engineering – KNUST, Ghana

Research Interest

• Liquid Membrane Separations
• Biofiltration of Air Streams
• Kinetic and mass transfer modelling
• Lifecycle Analysis
• Biosensor validation
• Polymer Engineering

Publications

• Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., KariKari, M., Annan, E., Yao, K. P., Essien, E., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Preparation and characterization of high-performance carboxylated-NR/NBR reinforced with silanized silica-carbon black: A potential material for automobile tire tread design. Journal of Polymer Research, 33(3), 88.
• Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., Annan, E., Brown, S., Mensah Embil, Z., Yao, K. P., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Temperature-dependent crosslinking behaviour of graphene-reinforced rubber nanocomposites. Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, 58(3), 648–670.
• Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., Aboagye, I. A., Zephaniah, M. E., Kwaku, G. M., Boakye, I. K., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Coconut-coir modified with nanoparticles for flexible sensors and energy harvesting applications. Polymers and Polymer Composites, 34, 09673911261432252.
• Mensah, B., Amobeng, W., Apalangya, V., Essien, E., Kwabena, K. D., Nyakudya, E., & Nukunya, T. (2025). Eco-friendly rubber compounds: Utilizing animal lard as a plasticizer oil. Polymer Engineering & Science, 65(6), 3085–3099.
• Mensah, B., Apalangya, V., Onwona-Agyeman, B., Nyakudya, E., Obeng Yirenya, I., Dawu, B., ... & Nukunya, T. (2025). Effect of maleic-anhydride and filler type on XNBR/IIR rubber blend. Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, 57(7), 1119–1147.
• Mensah, B., Zigah, M., Essien, E., Domanko, R., Apalangya, V., & Nukunya, T. (2025). Effect of sulfur and peroxide curatives on epoxidized natural rubber toughened with ethylene-vinyl-acetate. Polymer Science, Series B, 67(2), 11.
• Apalangya, V., Awity, S. A., Ngmenyelle, R. D., Nukunya, T., Dankyi, E., & Ibrahim, J. J. (2025). Food traceability and corporate social responsibility: A conceptual model for corporate sustainability. Science and Development Journal, 9(2), 101.
• Nukunya, T., Nukunya, B., Apalangya, V., Ngmenyella, R., Ibrahim, J. J., & Mensah, B. (2024). Anaerobic biofiltration of landfill gas. Science and Development Journal, 9(1), 87–97.
• Ouedrago, A., Ngmenyelle, R., Owusu, M. A., Eklemet, V. D., Awity, S. A., Dankyi, E., Nukunya, T., Ibrahim, J. J., & Apalangya, V. (2024). Potential application of cold plasma technology to control aflatoxin contamination in tropical food product. Science and Development Journal, 8(2), 62.
• Nukunya, T., Devinny, J. S., & Tsotsis, T. T. (2005). Application of a pore network model to a biofilter treating ethanol vapor. Chemical Engineering Science, 60(3), 665–675.
• Nukunya, T., Tsotsis, T. T., & Devinny, J. S. (2002). Application of a pore network model to a lava rock biofilter treating ethanol. In F. E. Reynolds (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2002 Conference on Biofiltration (an Air Pollution Control Technology). The Reynolds Group, Tustin, California, October 31–November 1, 2002.
• Ilias, S., Schimmel, K. A., & Nukunya, T. (2001). Stripping of Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) using DEHPA and EDTA in a hollow-fiber membrane module. Separation Science and Technology, 36, 823–834.
• Schwarz, B., Nukunya, T., Devinny, J. S., & Tsotsis, T. T. (2000). A pore network model of biofilter clogging. In F. E. Reynolds (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2000 Conference on Biofiltration (an Air Pollution Control Technology). The Reynolds Group, Tustin, California, October 19–20, 2000.
• Schimmel, K. A., Ilias, S., Srinivas, A., & Nukunya, T. (1998). Nondispersive liquid-liquid extraction of cadmium, cobalt, copper and zinc by DEHPA and stripping with EDTA. National Conference on Environmental Remediation Science and Technology, Greensboro, NC, September 8–10, 1998.