Staff Profile

I am an internationally recognized researcher in solids processing intensification, with a particular focus on micro-fluidized beds. My work combines experiments, simulations, and theory to enhance the efficiency of industrial processes involving granular materials. My research covers areas such as micro-reactor technology, carbon capture, and solid process screening, with a broader interest in multiphase flow and particle technology. I integrate these insights into my teaching, developing research-driven content for courses like Process Intensification, where I deliver specialized material on micro-reactors.

Area of expertise

Carbon capture by adsorption

Fluidization

Particle technology

Process intensification

Multiphase flow

Granular flow

Laser diagnostics (DWS, SVS)

Google scholar: Click here.

Research Vision

My research vision is to explore the of i particles in granular systems in general and fluidized bed system to relate these behaviors to the macroscopic properties of such systems. By combining experimental, simulation, and theoretical approaches, I aim to deepen the fundamental understanding of granular material processes and enhance the efficiency and reliability of industrial applications involving their handling.

Research Background

The primary focus of my research lies in particle technology and multiphase flow. My initial work focused on granular dynamics in dense systems, particularly using advanced techniques like Dynamic Wave Scattering (DWS) and Speckle Visibility Spectroscopy (SVS) to measure granular temperature—an important parameter for understanding dynamic granular processes. More recently, my work has shifted towards the study of miniaturized fluidization, or micro-fluidization, with applications in carbon capture, bioreactor systems, and solid process screening.

Through collaborations with international institutions and industry partners, I have contributed to European and EPSRC-funded projects aimed at developing scalable solutions for industrial processes. My ongoing work continues to explore new applications of micro-fluidized beds, including desorption technologies and direct air capture, with a focus on creating sustainable industrial solutions.

Research impact

Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=FwoRbwoAAAAJ&hl=en

Undergraduate Teaching

Stage 1: Principles of Chemical Engineering  - Case Study

Stage 2: Reactor Engineering                             - Module leader

Stage 2: Separation Processes 1                      - Module leader

Stage 3: Plant Design Project

Stage 4: Process Intensification

Stage 4: MEng Research Project

Postgraduate Teaching

MSc Sustainable Engineering: Process Intensification

• Articles

  • Chen J, Liu T, Zhang Y, Zheng L, Goh K-L, Zivkovic V, Zheng M. Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of cinnamyl acetate by immobilized lipase on ordered mesoporous silicon with CFD simulation and molecular docking analysis. Food Chemistry 2025, 464, 141843.
  • Saczek J, Yao X, Zivkovic V, Mamlouk M, Wang S, Pramana SS. Utilisation of Bubbles and Oil for Microplastic Capture from Water. Engineering 2024, 41, 71-83.
  • Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu R, Liu Z, Goh K-L, Zivkovic V, Zheng M. Solvent-free synthesis of diacylglycerols via enzymatic glycerolysis between edible oils and glycerol catalyzed by self-made immobilized lipase PS@LXTE-1000. Oil Crop Science 2024, 9(4), 225-233.
  • Saczek J, Murphy K, Zivkovic V, Putranto A, Pramana SS. Impact of coating particles on liquid marble lifetime: reactor engineering approach to evaporation. Soft Matter 2024, 20(29), 5822-5835.
  • Zhang Y, Goh K-L, Zivkovic V, Ng YL, Chow Y. Bioproduction of high-value raspberry ketone by submerged fermentation of Nidula niveo-tomentosa. Process Biochemistry 2024, 144, 168-178.
  • Jamei R, McDonough JR, Mobley PD, Tanthana J, Gupta V, Zivkovic V. Addressing small-scale temperature swing adsorption challenges using intensified fluidised bed technology for carbon capture process development. Chemical Engineering Journal 2024, 498, 155568.
  • Li R, Chen Q, Li H, Xiu W, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Translation and rotation of particles in different flow pattern areas of a silo. Particuology 2023, 73, 68-77.
  • Xiu WZ, Li R, Chen Q, Zivkovic V, Yang H. The significance of the trapped kink in granular segregation pattern formation. Powder Technology 2023, 413, 118053.
  • Alamri A, McDonough J, Zivkovic V. Fluidisation behaviour and wall effects of cohesive hydrotalcilte powder in a micro-fluidised bed. Powder Technology 2023, 415, 118192.
  • Zhang Y, Peterson EC, Ng YL, Goh K-L, Zivkovic V, Chow Y. Comparison of Raspberry Ketone Production via Submerged Fermentation in Different Bioreactors. Fermentation 2023, 9(6), 546.
  • Asiedu-Boateng P, Asiedu NY, Zivkovic V, Patience GS. Attrition characteristics of limestone in gas-solid fluidized beds. Powder Technology 2023, 419, 118342.
  • Wang G, McDonough J, Zivkovic V, Long T, Wang Z, Wang S. Terminal velocities of a deformed Leidenfrost liquid: Experiments and self-propulsion model. Physical Review Fluids 2022, 7(3), 033602.
  • Sana S, Manson J, Zivkovic V, Boodhoo K. Solvent-antisolvent precipitation in a spinning disc reactor: Precipitation kinetics and mathematical modelling of starch nanoparticles. Chemical Engineering and Processing- Process Intensification 2022, 176, 108962.
  • Chen Q, Li R, Xiu WZ, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Relationship between mass discharge rate and granular temperature of silo flow with a variance of outlets. Particuology 2022, 63, 76-82.
  • Jamei R, McDonough JR, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Rapid and intensified screening of a carbon capture adsorbent using a 3D-printed swirling fluidised bed. Chemical Engineering Journal 2022, 451(2), 138405.
  • Xiu WZ, Li R, Chen Q, Sun QC, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Prediction of segregation characterization based on granular velocity and concentration in rotating drum. Particuology 2022, 73, 17-25.
  • Zhang Y, Ullah N, Law R, Reay D, Zivkovic V. Investigation into the hydrodynamics of liquid-solid inclined micro-fluidized beds. Resources Chemicals and Materials 2022, 1(1), 8-15.
  • Xu L, Zhang Y, Zivkovic V, Zheng M. Deacidification of high acid rice bran oil by the tandem continuous-flow enzymatic reactors. Food Chemistry 2022, 393, 133440.
  • Han R, Feng J, Zhang Y, Yang H, Zivkovic V, Li R. Numerical simulation of avalanche propagation dynamics in a rotating drum. Powder Technology 2021, 380, 199-204.
  • Chen Q, Li R, Xiu WZ, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Measurement of granular temperature and velocity profile of granular flow in silos. Powder Technology 2021, 392, 123-129.
  • Wang G, McDonough JR, Zivkovic V, Long T, Wang S. From Thermal Energy to Kinetic Energy: Droplet Motion Triggered by the Leidenfrost Effect. Advanced Materials Interfaces 2021, 8(2), 2001249.
  • Zhang Y, Ng YL, Goh KL, Chow Y, Wang S, Zivkovic V. Fluidization of fungal pellets in a 3D-printed micro-fluidized bed. Chemical Engineering Science 2021, 236, 116466.
  • Zhang Y, Goh K-L, Ng Y-L, Chow Y, Zivkovic V. Design and investigation of a 3D-printed micro-fluidized bed. ChemEngineering 2021, 5(3), 62.
  • Xiu WZ, Li R, Chen Q, Sun QC, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Binary-size granules segregation from core pattern to streak pattern in a rotating drum. Powder Technology 2021, 380, 518-525.
  • Qiang ZD, Li R, Chen Q, Zheng G, Zivkovic V, Yang H. The surface structure and the active layer depth of the irregular sand particles in a continuously avalanching flow. Powder Technology 2020, 360, 1037-1046.
  • do Nascimento OL, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Solid circulating velocity measurement in a liquid-solid micro-circulating fluidised bed. Processes 2020, 8(9), 1159.
  • Sana S, Zivkovic V, Boodhoo K. Shear-thinning effect of the spinning disc mixer on starch nanoparticle precipitation. Processes 2020, 8(12), 1622.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Groszek D, Zivkovic V. Miniaturisation of the toroidal fluidization concept using 3D printing. Chemical Engineering Research and Design 2020, 160, 129-140.
  • Kong P, Wang BD, Wang P, Zivkovic V, Zhang JQ. Improved spatial filtering velocimetry and its application in granular flow measurement. Chinese Physics B 2020, 29(7), 074201.
  • Wang SS, Li R, Chen Q, Zheng Q, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Experimental measurement of granular flow layers in the chute. Powder Technology 2020, 376, 22-30.
  • Sana S, Zivkovic V, Boodhoo K. Empirical Modelling of Hydrodynamic Effects on Starch Nanoparticles Precipitation in a Spinning Disc Reactor. Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2022.
  • Chen Q, Li R, Xiu WZ, Zheng G, Zivkovic V, Yang H. Dynamics of irregular particles in the passive layer under the slumping regime. Powder Technology 2020, 372, 32-39.
  • Sana S, Boodhoo KVK, Zivkovic V. Production of Starch Nanoparticles Through Solvent-Antisolvent Precipitation in a Spinning Disc Reactor. Green Processing and Synthesis 2019, 8(1), 507-515.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Fluidization in small-scale gas-solid 3D-printed fluidized beds. Chemical Engineering Science 2019, 200, 294-309.
  • Chen Q, Yang H, Li R, Xiu WZ, Han R, Sun QC, Zivkovic V. Compaction and dilatancy of irregular particles avalanche flow in rotating drum operated in slumping regime. Powder Technology 2019, 364, 1039-1048.
  • Lin SH, Yang H, Li R, Zheng G, Zivkovic V. Velocities of irregular particles in a continuously avalanching surface flow within a rotating drum. Powder Technology 2018, 338, 376-382.
  • Nascimento OLD, Reay D, Zivkovic V. Study of Transitional Velocities of Solid-Liquid Micro-Circulating Fluidised Beds by Visual Observation. Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan 2018, 51(4), 349-355.
  • Gong JM, Yang H, Lin SH, Li R, Zivkovic V. Spatial filtering velocimetry for surface velocity measurement of granular flow. Powder Technology 2018, 324, 76-84.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Intensified Carbon Capture using Adsorption: Heat Transfer Challenges and Potential Solutions. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress 2018, 8, 17-30.
  • Goh KL, Makaremi M, Pasbakhsh P, DeSilva R, Zivkovic V. Direct measurement of the elasticity and fracture properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/halloysite fibrous mesh in water. Polymer Testing 2018, 72, 11-23.
  • Goh KL, Makaremi M, Pasbakhsh P, De Silva R, Zivkovic V. Dataset on structure and mechanical properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous mesh reinforced by halloysite nanotubes. Data in Brief 2018, 21, 2170-2178.
  • Yang H, Zhang BF, Li R, Zheng G, Zivkovic V. Particle dynamics in avalanche flow of irregular sand particles in the slumping regime of a rotating drum. Powder Technology 2017, 311, 439-448.
  • Zivkovic V, Ridge N, Biggs MJ. Experimental study of efficient mixing in a micro-fluidized bed. Applied Thermal Engineering 2017, 127, 1642-1649.
  • Wang H, Mustaffar A, Phan A, Zivkovic V, Reay D, Law R, Boodhoo K. A review of process intensification applied to solids handling. Chemical Engineering and Processing 2017, 118, 78-107.
  • do Nascimento OL, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Influence of surface forces and wall effects on the minimum fluidization velocity of liquid-solid micro-fluidized bed. Powder Technology 2016, 304, 55–62.
  • Yang H, Jiang GL, Saw HY, Davies C, Biggs MJ, Zivkovic V. Granular dynamics of cohesive powders in a rotating drum as revealed by speckle visibility spectroscopy and synchronous measurement of forces due to avalanching . Chemical Engineering Science 2016, 146, 1-9.
  • Kashani MN, Elekaei H, Zivkovic V, Zhang H, Biggs MJ. Explicit numerical simulation-based study of the hydrodynamics of micro-packed beds. Chemical Engineering Science 2016, 145, 71-79.
  • Kashani MN, Zivkovic V, Elekaei H, Herrera LF, Affleck K, Biggs MJ. A new method for reconstruction of the structure of micro-packed beds of spherical particles from desktop X-ray microtomography images. Part B. Structure refinement and analysis. Chemical Engineering Science 2016, 153, 434–443.
  • Kashani MN, Zivkovic V, Elekaei H, Biggs MJ. A new method for reconstruction of the structure of micro-packed beds of spherical particles from desktop X-ray microtomography images. Part A. Initial structure generation and porosity determination. Chemical Engineering Science 2016, 146, 337-345.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ. On importance of surface forces in a microfluidic fluidized bed. Chemical Engineering Science 2015, 126, 143-149.
  • Yang H, Li R, Kong P, Sun QC, Biggs MJ, Zivkovic V. Avalanche dynamics of granular materials under the slumping regime in a rotating drum as revealed by speckle visibility spectroscopy. Physical Review E 2015, 91(4), 042206.
  • Mijajlovic M, Wright D, Zivkovic V, Bi JX, Biggs MJ. Microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing based synthesis of POPC liposomes for model biological systems. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 2013, 104, 276-281.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Alwahabi ZT. Experimental study of a liquid fluidization in a microfluidic channel. AIChE Journal 2013, 59(2), 361-364.
  • Zivkovic V, Zerna P, Alwahabi ZT, Biggs MJ. A pressure drop correlation for low Reynolds number Newtonian flows through a rectangular orifice in a similarly shaped micro-channel. Chemical Engineering Research and Design 2013, 91(1), 1-6.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass D. Granular pressure in a liquid-fluidized bed as revealed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. AIChE Journal 2012, 58(4), 1069-1075.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass DH. Scaling of granular temperature in a vibrated granular bed. Physical Review E 2011, 83(3), 031308.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass DH. Particle dynamics in a vibrated submerged granular bed as revealed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 2009, 42(24), 245404.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass DH, Xie L. Particle dynamics and granular temperatures in dense fluidized beds as revealed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. Advanced Powder Technology 2009, 20(3), 227-233.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass D, Pagliai P, Buts A. Granular temperature in a liquid fluidized bed as revealed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. Chemical Engineering Science 2009, 64(5), 1102-1110.
  • Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Glass DH, Pagliai P, Buts A. Particle dynamics in a dense vibrated fluidized bed as revealed by diffusing wave spectroscopy. Powder Technology 2008, 182(2), 192-201.
  • Biggs MJ, Glass D, Xie L, Zivkovic V, Buts A, Kounders MAC. Granular temperature in a gas fluidized bed. Granular Matter 2008, 10(2), 63-73.

• Book Chapter

  • Zhang Y, Zivkovic V. Chapter 11. Characterization of liquid–solid micro-fluidized beds. In: Xu, G; Bai, D; Liu, M; Zivkovic, V, ed. Micro Fluidization: Fundamentals and Applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier, 2023, pp.303-328.

• Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstracts)

  • McDonough J, Alamri A, Jamei R, Zivkovic V. Rapid screening of carbon capture materials using small-scale 3D-printed fluidised beds. In: 8th European Process Intensification Conference. 2023, Warsaw, Poland.
  • Moses N, Zivkovic V, Franklin F, Novakovic K. Numerical Modelling and Simulation of Volume Variation of pH Sensitive Anionic Hydrogels. In: Chemical Engineering Day UK 2021. 2021, University of Bradford.
  • Sana S, Zivkovic V, Boodhoo K. Anti-solvent precipitation in a continuous flow spinning disk reactor: A route to nanoparticles via high intensity micromixing. In: AIChE Spring Meeting 2021. 2021, Virtual conference: American Institute of Chemical Engineer.
  • Moses NO, Franklin F, Zivkovic V, Novakovic K. Multiphysics Simulation of the Swelling Kinetics of pH-Responsive Anionic Hydrogels. In: COMSOL Conference 2020 Europe. 2020.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Zivkovoic V. Intensified carbon capture using swirling fluidized beds: hydrodynamics investigation and sorbent screening. In: The Second International Process Intensification Conference (IPIC2). 2019, Leuven, Belgium: IPIC2.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Intensified carbon capture using swirling fluidized beds. In: ChemEngDay 2019. 2019, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK: IChemE.
  • Zivkovic V, McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA. Fluidization in Small-Scale Gas-Solid 3D-Printed Fluidized Beds. In: Fluidization XVI. 2019, Guilin, China: AIChE.
  • Zhang Y, Ling Ng Y, Goh KL, Wang S, Zivkovic V. Experimental Study of a 3D-Printed 3-Phase Miniaturized Fluidized Bed for Bioprocessing Screening. In: Fluidization XVI. 2019, Guilin, China: AIChE.
  • Boodhoo KVK, Phan A, Zivkovic V, Eze V, Mustaffar A. Intensified-By-Design (IbD): Creating a Platform for Facilitating Process Intensification in Solids Handling Applications. In: AIChE 2018 Spring Meeting and 14th Global Congress on Process Safety. 2018, Orlando, Florida: AIChE.
  • McDonough JR, Law R, Reay DA, Zivkovic V. Flow regime mapping of small-scale gas-solid fluidized beds. In: 6th Micro and Nano Flows Conference (MNF). 2018, Atlanta, USA: MNF.
  • Zivkovic V, Yang H, Zheng G, Biggs M. Time-resolved granular dynamics of a rotating drum in aslumping regime as revealed by speckle visibility spectroscopy. In: Powders and Grains 2017 - 8th International Conference on Micromechanics on Granular Media. 2017, Montpellier, France.
  • Zivkovic V, Do Nascimento OL, Reay DA. Solid flux measurement in a solid-liquid micro-circulating fluidised bed. In: 12th International Conference on Fluidized Bed Technology, CFB 2017. 2017, Krakow, Poland: Warsaw University of Technology.
  • Whitelock N, Hanif R, Spitali M, Mijajlovic M, Zivkovic V. Mechanistic Modelling of Microscale Chromatography: Improving High Throughput Understanding . In: Fourth International Conference High-throughput process development (HTPD). 2017, Toledo, Spain. Submitted.
  • Zivkovic V, doNascimento OL, Reay DA. Flow regime map of a liquid-solid micro-circulating fluidised bed. In: Fluidization XV. 2016, Fairmont Le Chateau, Montebello, Quebec, Canada.
  • Yang H, Jiang GL, Zivkovic V, Biggs MJ, Saw HY, Davies CE. Energy Dissipation Trends in Tumbling Beds of Geldart Α/C and Α/B Powder Revealed By Speckle Visibility Spectrometry. In: 2016 AIChE Annual Meeting. 2016. Submitted.
  • Zivkovic V, Clarke R, DaCosta J, Biggs MJ. Interplay of surface forces and wall effects at a boundary of micro-fluidization. In: Joint Conference of 5th UK-China and 13th UK Particle Technology Forum. 2015, Leeds, UK.
  • Zivkovic V, Ridge N, Biggs MJ. Experimental study of efficient mixing in micro-fluidized bed. In: 13th International Conference on Microreaction Technology (IMRET). 2014, Budapest, Hungary: Flow Chemistry Society / Akadémiai Kiadó.
  • Zivkovic V, Kashani MN, Biggs MJ. Experimental and theoretical study of a micro-fluidized bed. In: 7th International Conference on Micromechanics of Granular Media: Powders and Grains 2013. 2013, Sydney, Australia: AIP Conference Proceedings.
  • Zivkovic V, Berry K, Glass DH, Biggs MJ. Determining key variables of the kinetic theory of granular flow using DWS. In: 7th International Conference on Micromechanics of Granular Media: Powders and Grains 2. 2013, Sydney, NSW; Australia: AIP Publishing.

• Patent

  • De Silva R, Pasbakhsh P, Goh KL, Zivkovic V, Siriwardane IW, Perera P, Kumaraswamy V, Mantilaka P, Hettiarachchi A, Rangajeewa G, Kumara BS, Pahalagedara L, Chandrakumara D. A portable water filtration device. Sri Lanka, 21609, 2023.

• Reviews

  • Han Z, Yue J, Zeng X, Yu J, Wang F, Guan Y, Liu X, Ding F, Fu L, Jia X, Song X, Wang C, Cui Y, Shi L, Wang K, Zivkovic V, Bai D, Xu G. Major challenges and recent advances in characterizing biomass thermochemical reactions. Resources Chemicals and Materials 2024, 3(2), 146-158.
  • Zhang Y, Goh KL, Ng YL, Chow Y, Wang S, Zivkovic V. Process intensification in micro-fluidized bed systems: A review. Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification 2021, 164, 108397.
  • Saczek J, Yao X, Zivkovic V, Mamlouk M, Wang D, Pramana SS, Wang S. Long-Lived Liquid Marbles for Green Applications. Advanced Functional Materials 2021, 2011198.