Riyadh: Umm Al-Qura University has registered a patent with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property for an innovation developed by College of Science researchers Dr. Saleh Al-Luqmani, Fayez Al-Fayez, Abdulrahman Al-Bishri, and Musaed Hakami, providing an eco-friendly and energy-efficient method for extracting natural iron oxide nanoparticles under 20 nanometers from steelmaking slag.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the method applies circular economy principles by increasing recycling efficiency, lowering harmful emissions, and reducing future chemical wastewater treatment costs compared to traditional thermal and chemical approaches.

The resulting nanomaterial holds practical applications across petrochemical catalysis, microalgae cultivation, advanced agricultural nutrients, industrial water treatment, and mining, supporting the university's commitment to commercializing research and advancing sustainable, knowledge-based industrial solutions.