
Chemical Engineering Dissertation Topics
- Posted by C. Russell
- Date September 8, 2021
Introduction
If you are reading this then you probably know the challenges that come with writing and choosing a Chemical Engineering dissertation. This branch of engineering is especially challenging due to the vast array of knowledge from several subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.
Deciding upon a dissertation suitable for your interests and ability should not be taken lightly. After all, you are going to be studying and researching this for some time. This is why we have put together a list of potential topics for you to consider. These topics have been put together by PhD qualified writers of our team, so you can rest assured to use these hot and current topics.
It’s important to note that these topics are targeted towards a Master’s dissertation and PhD thesis; however, you can apply them to report writing and other related coursework within your university. We will be offering a FREE course on how to write and format a dissertation, so be sure to look out for that!
Depending on the requirements of your Master’s dissertation you might be required to use a PhD structure which is why we would encourage any dissertation to follow these important procedures prior to the actual construction of the dissertation.
A research proposal is important especially when submitting your ideas to study a PhD, however, this provides you with a good baseline to check if you will enjoy the research you intend on doing.
Our Top Dissertation Topics

1. Catalytic Applications of Chemically Designed Palladium Nanoarchitectures
Research Aim: This research looks into the future development of chemically designed Palladium based catalysts. The study will be looking into their various applications, and will also discuss the use of the different types of palladium-based nano architectures, which include alloys, intermetallic compounds, etc. against the limitations of pure palladium.
2. High Value Compounds From Microalgae
Research Aim: This research looks into the cultivation and extraction processes and techniques for microalgae. Microalgae contain several high-value compounds however, extraction can be costly and often uneconomical. The research will focus on new methods of mass extraction and the development of cell factories, designed to increase the net value of microalgae.
3. Deformation of Geopolymers From Metakaolin Through Chemical Procedures.
Research Aim: This research will look into the chemical deformation process individually and the effect of these deformations on the volume stability in the case of binder materials. It will focus on the impact of deformation in metakaolin based geopolymers as they experience three stages of deformation due to chemical procedures.
4. The Influence of Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-design for Green Chemical Engineering.
Research Aim: This research will analyse how the implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-design concepts in a chemical engineering company solves issues of design from a technical, social, economic, and environmental viewpoint. The research will aim to use empirical data to conduct the study. This means performing a survey of chemical engineers from various companies throughout the UK.
5. Designing Fracture Resistant Lithium Metal Anodes with Bulk Nanostructured Materials.
Research Aim: This research will aim to use bulk nanostructured materials on lithium metal anodes to form anodes with the stress exerted by a passing electrical flow that is equally distributed to avoid fracturing. This method will allow creating fracture-resistant lithium metal anodes in high rate electric cycles with a larger capacity.
6. Assessing the Competencies of Personal Skills in Chemical Engineers.
Research Aim: This research will analyse the impact of transferable skills or personal skills of chemical engineers using PLS-SEM. The study will examine the variables of communications, team working, IT skills, self-learning, numeracy, and problem-solving. This is aimed to determine the qualities associated with successful Chemical Engineers.
7. Using Various Biogas and Manure Types To Synthesize A Biogas Supply Network.
Research Aim: This research will attempt to form a supply of biogas to generate electricity over a 30-day period. The development of a generic mixture of manure and vegetative materials to build a biogas mixture will be used. It will then note the amounts of material used for the mix and note the changes to the number of electricity formations if the ratio of the original mix is altered.
8. Technologies used in chemical industry for industrial waste water treatment.
Research Aim: This research will aim to uncover the wide range of technologies currently available and in development for wastewater treatment. Using current techniques to assess the possibility of hybrid systems or new proposed ideas for efficient wastewater treatment will be the focal point of this research.
9. How biodiesel is produced: comparison of different production methods.
Research Aim: Biodiesel is the fossil fuel-derived alternative to diesel. Current production can’t sustain the consumption of regular diesel, so the biodiesel produced is introduced and mixed in with the traditional diesel. Considering the different methods and finding the bottlenecks within the processes will provide useful insight into making the processes more efficient and sustainable.
10. Efficient Detoxification of Toxic Metals and Dyes Under visible Light Illumination.
Research Aim: This research will discuss the heterojunction of Fe2O3 on BOC (Bismuth carbonate) to increase the efficiency of detoxifying toxic metals and dyes by visible light illumination. It will also explain the effect of Fe2O3 heterojunction on the photocatalytic impact as well as the solar harvesting ability and enhanced charge carrier ability of BOC.
11. Impact of Chemicals on Environment
Research Aim: This research aims to uncover the influence of several Chemicals on Environmental Management. This research will provide a useful framework for the selection of chemicals for newly established processes.
12. Preparing Hydrogen by Using Solar Energy
Research Aim: This research aims to focus on the method of preparing hydrogen by using solar energy
13. Hydrogen Production Using Activated Molybdenum Disulphide
Research Aim: This research looks into the application of Molybdenum disulfide as a promising catalyst for the process known as the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). The two-dimensional layered structure of MoS2 will be discussed as well as the possible reason why it is a suitable replacement for the already used Platinum (Pt) catalyst. The research will also look to explain the formation of this catalyst (MoS2) and how it becomes chemically activated.
Top Tips for a First-Class Dissertation

Getting a First-Class degree is difficult in most subjects, however, this is especially so in scientific and engineering-based courses. From my experience especially with a Master’s degree, the dissertation plays a huge part in your overall classification.
For example on a credits basis a typical module in the UK is around 20 credits, so out of a total 180 credits to pass the year then each module contributes about 11%. A Master’s dissertation is 60 credits, so by contributing 33% you can see the influence your dissertation grade has on your overall classification.
Here is our list of key habits and attributes for getting a First-Class dissertation…
- Have good time management, and use your time effectively.
- Stay organized and lay out your milestones with reasonable timeframes.
- Focus on the information found during the Literature Review and apply it where possible.
- Start writing early; don’t wait until 4 weeks before the deadline, start writing from week 1.
- Make time for yourself, don’t overwork yourself, as your quality of work will diminish significantly.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from your peers and lectures, after all, multiple minds are better than one.
- Proofread your work on a regular basis and adjust where you see fit.
- Enjoy the process and the journey, as if you enjoy learning about the topic you will absorb the information easier and produce a more accurate and well-written piece of work.
My name is Callum Russell, I am the founder of The ChemEng Student, and a Chemical Engineering & Project Manager Lecture in the UK. My current active research is on the development of high-value biochemical compound extraction using novel, Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvents.
Having over 9-years of teaching experience, I have combined my passion for chemical engineering and teaching to create this truly unique learning community. My main areas of expertise lie in Heat Transfer, Distillation, Pinch Technology, Reactor Design, and Thermodynamics.
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