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Functional coatings
The multi-functional nanocomposite materials group is a subgroup of the Renewable Energy Laboratory in membrane technologies, and nanocomposites for multipurpose applications (oil-water separation, desulfurization, anti-icing/fogging). Superhydrophobic materials with self-cleaning properties, desulfurization, and oil-water separation capabilities, anti-fogging and anti-icing applications, and gecko-inspired materials all represent diverse innovations in the field of advanced materials
Research team
  • Dr. Olzat Toktarbaiuly
    Senior Researcher, Group leader
    Education
    PhD in Physics (2015) - Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
    Bachelor of Science in Physics (2010) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Materials Science, Solid State Physics, Spintronics, Nanotechnology, Materials Chemistry. Physical Chemistry, Surface and Structure Characteristics

    Specialization
    Synthesis of Nanomaterials and Coatings, Thin Film Growth, Hall Effect Measurement, Analytical Spectroscopies, Scanning Probe and Electron Microscopy
  • Tolagay Duisebayev
    Research Assistant, PhD student
    Education
    PhD in Physics (2021 - Current) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Physics (2017) - ITMO University, Russia.
    Bachelor of Science in Physics (2015) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Detection of Gases and Electrical Characteristics of Semiconductors and Thin Films, Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials, Water Splitting Processes and Sustainable Energy Solutions, Advanced Materials Science

    Specialization
    Magnetron sputtering deposition, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopic analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization
  • Yerbolat Tezekbay
    Research Assistant, PhD student
    Education
    PhD in Physics (2021 - Current) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Physics (2018) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Physics (2016) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Gas Sensing and Electrical Properties of Semiconductors and Thin Films, Nanomaterials and Their Applications, Water Splitting and Renewable Energy Technologies, Materials Science

    Specialization
    Magnetron sputtering, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis
  • Nazerke Kydyrbay
    Research Assistant
    Education
    Master of Science in Chemical Engineering and Technologies (2022) - Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian Technical University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2020) - Karaganda State Technical University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Multifunctional Surface Engineering: Superhydrophobic, Anti-icing and Anti-fogging Materials in Construction, Infrastructure, and Textiles

    Specialization
    Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Water Contact Angle (WCA) Measurements
  • Mergen Zhazitov
    Research Assistant, MSc student
    Education
    Master of Mining Engineering (2023 - Current) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Mining Engineering (2023) - Rudny Industrial Institute, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, Biomining, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, and Physics.

    Specialization
    Operation and maintenance of advanced surface analysis instruments (TEM, AFM), Data analysis using statistical methods and specialized software (Python, MATLAB, Origin)
  • Muhammad Abdullah
    Research Assistant
    Education
    Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering (2024) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (2021) - NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan

    Research Area
    Physical Chemistry, Numerical and Analytical Simulations, Fabrication of Nanomaterials and Thin Films, Superhydrophobic and Anti-icing Properties of Coatings and Composite Materials, Powder Technology

    Specialization
    DEM Simulation, Python, COMSOL, FTIR, Powder Flow Behaviour Techniques
  • Dr. Zhexenbek Toktarbay
    Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
  • Gulim Imekova
    Junior Researcher, PhD student
    Education
    PhD (2023 - current) - L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science (2021) - L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science (2019) - L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Junior Researcher with experience in materials science focused on polymer composite materials and their applications in the petrochemical industry. Specializing in microfluidic systems and the analysis of the physicochemical properties of polymers.

    Specialization
    NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, microfluidic measurements, Zeta-sizer, MestReNova, ImageJ, Python.
  • Aida Ardakkyzy
    Research Assistant
    Education
    Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (2023) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    NUFYP (2018 - 2019) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Membranes for oil-water separation, surface modification, and functionalization of materials, polymers, composites, and nanoparticles.

    Specialization
    Electrospinning
  • Damir Karimov
    Research Assistant, PhD student
    Education
    PhD in Chemical Engineering (2021 - Current) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (2020) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (2015) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering

    Specialization
    In my current role, I perform different types of simulations for cementing, design and execute various cement types for specific client requests and needs and operate and maintain cementing units and related equipment. I have hands-on experience in cementing operations, including casing accessories, centralizers, float equipment, stage tools, and cement plugs. I also have skills in enhanced oil recovery, gas processing, liquid nitrogen fertilizers, and business economics.
Publications
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, E. Adotey, A. Kaisha, N. Kydyrbay, R. Asmatulu, N. Nuraje. Chapter 16 - Nanotechnology safety in semiconductor industry. In R. Asmatulu, W. S. Khan, & E. Asmatulu (Eds.), Nanotechnology Safety (Second Edition). Elsevier. pp. 311–320 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15904-6.00014-9
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, M. Baisariyev, A. Kaisha, T.S. Duisebayev, N.Kh. Ibrayev, T. M. Serikov, M. K. Ibraimov, B. A. Khaniyev, Y. Zh. Tezekbay, A. N. Zhambyl, N. Nuraje, G. K. Sugurbekova. Enhancement of power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells via incorporation of gan semiconductor material synthesized in hot-wall chemical vapor deposition furnace. Eurasian Phys. Techn. Journ. 21, 4 (2024). https://doi.org/10.31489/2024no4/131-139
  • N. Kydyrbay, E. Adotey, M. Zhazitov, Z. Suiindik, Z. Toktarbay, N. Nuraje, O. Toktarbaiuly. Enhancing Road Durability and Safety: A Study on Silica-Based Superhydrophobic Coating for Cement Surfaces in Road Construction. Engineered Science 30, 1221 (2024). https://doi.org/10.30919/es1221
  • E. Adotey, D. Kozhabai, O. Toktarbaiuly, M. Abutalip, B. Baptayev, L. Tastanova, A. Bekeshev, D. Shah, N. Nuraje, M. Balanay and M. Torkmahalleh. Chemical Characterization and Sources Identification of PM10 Aerosols in an Industrial Area. ES Energy & Environment 26, 1312 (2024).  https://doi.org/10.30919/esee1312
  • Zh. Suiindik, E. Adotey, N. Kydyrbay, M. Zhazitov, N. Nuraje, O. Toktarbaiuly. Formulating superhydrophobic coatings with silane for microfiber applications. Eurasian Chem.-Technol. J., 26, 4 (2024). https://doi.org/10.18321/ectj1607
  • A. Kaisha, D. Caffrey, A. Ainabayev, O. Toktarbaiuly, M. Ibraimov, H. Wang, N. Nuraje, and I. V. Shvets. Examining the Desirable Properties of ZnSnOy by Annealing Treatment with a Real-Time Observation of Resistivity. ACS Omega 9 (24), 26205-26212 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c01857
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, A. Kurbanova, G. Imekova, M. Abutalip, Zh. Toktarbay. Desert Water Saving and Transportation for Enhanced Oil Recovery: Bridging the Gap for Sustainable Oil Recovery. Eurasian Chem.-Technol. J., 25(3), pp. 193–200 (2023). https://doi.org/10.18321/ectj1522
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, A. Syrlybekov, O. Mauit, A. Kurbanova, G. Sugurbekova, I. Shvets. Magnetic and electronic properties of Fe3O4/PtSe2/Fe3O4 junctions. Materials Today Proceedings, 49 (6), 2469-2473 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.08.283
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, A. Syrlybekov, N. Nuraje, G. Sugurbekova, I. Shvets. Surface faceting of vicinal SrTiO3(100). Materials Today: Proceedings, 71 (1), 69-77 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.579
  • O. Toktarbaiuly, A. Kurbanova, O. Ualibek, A. Seralin, T. Zhunussova, G. Sugurbekova, N. Nuraje. Fabrication of superhydrophobic self-cleaning coatings by facile method: stable after exposure to low temperatures and UV light. Bulletin of the Karaganda University. “Chemistry” series. 3rd Issue (2022). https://doi.org/10.31489/2022ch3/3-22-14
  • A. Kurbanova, N. Myrzakhmetova, N. Akimbayeva, K. Kishibayev, M. Nurbekova, Y. Kanagat, A.Tursynova, T. Zhunussova, A. Seralin, R. Kudaibergenova, Zh. Toktarbay, O. Toktarbaiuly. Superhydrophobic SiO2/TMCS coating for self-cleaning application of construction materials. Coatings 12(10), 1422 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12101422
  • A. Seralin, G. Sugurbekova, A. Kurbanova, N. Nuraje, O. Toktarbaiuly. Designing Water-Repellent Concrete Composites Using Cheap Organic Materials. Eurasian Chem.-Technol. J. 24, 251‒258 (2022). https://doi.org/10.18321/ectj1438
  • R. Zulkarnay, O. Ualibek, O. Toktarbaiuly, P.W. May. Hydrophobic behaviour of reduced graphene oxide thin film fabricated via electrostatic spray deposition. Bulletin of Materials Science 44, 2021 (1-7). 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-021-02381-x
  • V. Usov, C. Ó Coileáin, A.N. Chaika, S. I. Bozhko, V.N. Semenov, S. Krasnikov, O. Toktarbaiuly, S. Stoyanov, and I.V. Shvets. Revealing electromigration on dielectrics and metals through the step-bunching instability. Physical Review B. 102, 035407 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.102.035407
  • G. Sugurbekova, Y.Sugurbekov, G. Demeuova, O.Ualibek, A.Kurbanova, O. Toktarbaiuly, O.Mauit. The Effect of Doping on the Structure of Zinc Oxide Obtained by Atomic Layer Deposition. Materials Science Forum 990, 330-336 (2020). https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.990.33
  • O. Mauit, D. Caffrey, A. Ainabayev, A. Kaisha, O. Toktarbaiuly, Y. Sugurbekov, G. Sugurbekova, I. Shvets, K. Fleischer. Growth of ZnO:Al by atomic layer deposition: Deconvoluting the contribution of hydrogen interstitials and crystallographic texture on the conductivity. Thin Solid Films 690, 137533 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2019.137533
Funded projects
"Designing of Functional Magnetic Semiconductor Materials for Spintronic Devices"
Project PI: Olzat Toktarbaiuly
Duration: 2024 – 2026
"The Fabrication of Promising Superhydrophobic Anti-Icing Materials for Road Construction"
Project PI: Olzat Toktarbaiuly
Duration: 2023 - 2025
"Surface Modification and Production of Multifunctional Self-Cleaning Superhydrophobic Materials"
Project PI: Olzat Toktarbaiuly
Duration: 2020 - 2022
"Controlled synthesis of PtSe2 thin film for large scale electronic applications"
Project PI: Olzat Toktarbaiuly
Duration: 2018 - 2020