Environmental Chemistry Commons^™

Microplate-Like Metal Pyrophosphate Engineered On Ni-Foam Towards Multifunctional Electrode Material For Energy Conversion And Storage, Rishabh Srivastava

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

High clean energy demand, dire need for sustainable development, and low carbon footprints are the few intuitive challenges, leading researchers to aim for research and development for high-performance energy devices. The development of materials used in energy devices is currently focused on enhancing the performance, electronic properties, and durability of devices. Tunning the attributes of transition metals using pyrophosphate (P₂O₇) ligand moieties can be a promising approach to meet the requirements of energy devices such as water electrolyzers and supercapacitors, although such a material’s configuration is rarely exposed for this purpose of study.

Herein, we grow …

Intersections Of Environmentalism, Chemistry, And Racism: An Experimental Study Of Halobenzene Hydrogenolysis And Critical Communication Studies Of Equitable Learning Practices Rooted In Black Feminism, Lauren O. Babb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing concentrations of fluorinated aromatic compounds in surface water, groundwater, and soil pose threats to the environment. Fundamental studies that elucidate mechanisms of dehalogenation for C-X compounds (where X represents a halide) are required to develop effective remediation strategies. For halogenated benzenes, previously published research has suggested that the strength of the C-X bond is not rate-determining in the overall rate of dehalogenation. Instead, the rate-determining step has been hypothesized to be adsorption of the C-X compound onto the surface of a catalyst. Building on this hypothesis, in this work, we examine the reaction kinetics of fluorobenzene conversion to benzene, …

Scale-Up Of Flow-Electrode Capacitive Deionization Method For Hard Water Softening, Noah Henry

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This study’s purpose is to further document a capacitive deionization design that could be capable of purifying H₂O at a household scale where clean water is otherwise unobtainable in applicable regions of the world. The hypothesis behind this study was continuously larger scaled electrochemical cell-units would increase their water softening capabilities in sustainable fashion. The trend at which performance will scale is currently unknown. The units studied were constructed using graphite plates, anion exchange membranes, cation exchange membranes, and Teflon channels. Three streams, two being CaCl₂ solutions in DI H₂O (one being concentrated with CaCl …

Valorization Of Xylan In Agroforestry Waste Streams, Harrison Appiah

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Valorization of Xylan in Agroforestry Waste Streams.

Harrison Appiah

Microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent and gamma-valerolactone metallic chloride catalyzed conversion of xylan to furfural were investigated using a 2x3 factorial experimental design at two levels of percent microwave power, reaction time, and catalyst concentration. The levels of each factor studied were (20%, 60% microwave power, 2, 4 minutes, and 10, 20mg) respectively. The effect of three metallic chloride catalysts (LiCl, FeCl3.6H20, CuCl2) on the conversion of xylan to furfural was also investigated. The gamma-valerolactone-ferric chloride sent system exhibited the highest mean yield of furfural (56.50%). The next highest furfural yield of …

Ni-Au Anodic Nano-Electrocatalyst For Direct Glucose Fuel Cells, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Aya S. Abdulhalim Eng

Chemical Engineering

This study aims at the sequential assembling of a nickel oxide (NiOx: cauliflower-like nanostructure, 90 nm) and gold (Au; spherical, 95 nm in an average particle size) onto the GC surface nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Au/GC) for the glucose electro−oxidation (GO); the principal anodic reaction in the direct glucose fuel cells (DGFCs). The charge of the Ni deposition on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was initially optimized to obtain the highest catalytic activity toward GO which attained at (339.8 Ag−1) by applying 15 mC in the Ni deposition. Yet, …

Enhanced Glucose Electrooxidation At Ni-Cu Binary Oxide Nanocatalyst, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Mahmoud M. Abuzaied Eng

Chemical Engineering

The aim of this study is to fabricate a nickel (NiOx) and copper (CuOx) oxide nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Cu/GC) for glucose oxidation (GO). A sequential electrodepositon mode was applied to assemble NiOx and CuOx in the fabrication scheme. The optimization of Ni loading on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was achieved first to attain the maximum catalytic efficiency in terms of the specific current toward GO. This (409 Ag^-1)was obtained by applying 15 mC/cm² in the deposition of Ni. However, unfortunately the NiOx/GC could not …

Ni-Au Anodic Nano-Electrocatalyst For Direct Glucose Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Aya S. Abdulhalim Eng, Yassr M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

This study aims at the sequential assembling of a nickel oxide (NiOx: cauliflower-like nanostructure, 90 nm) and gold (Au; spherical, 95 nm in an average particle size) onto the GC surface nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Au/GC) for the glucose electro−oxidation (GO); the principal anodic reaction in the direct glucose fuel cells (DGFCs). The charge of the Ni deposition on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was initially optimized to obtain the highest catalytic activity toward GO which attained at (339.8 Ag−1) by applying 15 mC in the Ni deposition. Yet, …

A Spin-Coated Tiox/Pt Nanolayered Anodic Catalyst For The Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The CO poisoning of the platinum anodic catalyst which typically functions the catalytic deterioration of the direct formic acid fuel cells could be minimized with a simple modification for Pt with titanium oxide. The fabrication scheme involved the spin-coating of a Ti precursor onto a Pt thin layer that was physically sputtered onto a Si substrate. The whole assembly was subjected to a post-annealing processing to produce the TiOx layer (60 nm) in a porous structure (mostly Anatase) atop of the Pt surface. The porous nature of the TiOx layer permitted the participation of Pt in the electrocatalysis of the …

Enhanced Glucose Electrooxidation At Ni-Cu Binary Oxide Nanocatalyst, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Mahmoud M. Abouzaid Eng, Yaser M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The aim of this study is to fabricate a nickel (NiOx) and copper (CuOx) oxide nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Cu/GC) for glucose oxidation (GO). A sequential electrodepositon mode was applied to assemble NiOx and CuOx in the fabrication scheme. The optimization of Ni loading on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was achieved first to attain the maximum catalytic efficiency in terms of the specific current toward GO. This (409 Ag1)was obtained by applying 15 mC/cm2 in the deposition of Ni. However, unfortunately the NiOx/GC could not support a long-term …

Effect Of The Electrodeposition Potential Of Platinum On The Catalytic Activity Of A Pt/Gc Catalyst Toward Formic Acid Electro−Oxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Bilquis A. Al-Qodami Ms., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The electrocatalytic activity of platinum (Pt)–modified glassy carbon (GC) (referred as Pt/GC) electrodes toward the formic acid electro−oxidation (FAO) was investigated. The Pt deposition on the GC substrate was carried out by a potentiostatic technique at different potentials (from 0.2 V to −0.2 V vs. Hg/Hg2Cl2/KCl (sat.) reference electrode) and the corresponding influence on the catalytic activity toward FAO was monitored. The electrocatalytic inspection revealed a potential role for the Pt deposition potential in boosting the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst toward FAO and further in mitigating the CO poisoning that eventually deactivate the catalyst. Interestingly, the highest activity toward …

A Promising Modification Of Pt Surfaces With Cnts For Decreasing Poisoning Impact In Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Aya A. Khalifa Ms.

Chemical Engineering

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are clean energy sources that have many applications due to the high energy density of methanol as a fuel. However, this type of fuel cells (FCs) has limitations that are preventing it from being commercialized. One such limitation is the adsorption of intermediates such as CO into the surface of the Platinum (Pt) catalyst during methanol oxidation (MO) which deactivates its active sites, where the reaction is taking place, and leads to poisoning of the electrode over the long term. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been introduced to the Pt-modified glassy carbon …

A Simple And Effective Way To Overcome Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Of Platinum Surfaces In Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Sohair A. Darwish Ms

Chemical Engineering

A glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), Pt/MWCNTs-GC, has been introduced for formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO). A similar loading of PtNPs has been conserved for a proper comparison between the Pt/MWCNTs-GC and the unmodified Pt/GC electrodes. The modification with MWCNTs could enhance the loading of PtNPs onto the GC electrode in a way that minimizes its agglomeration and increases its dispersion in the CNTs network. This not only increases the surface area exposed to the reaction but also interrupts the contiguity of the Pt active sites minimizing the adsorption of the poisoning …

Facile Synthesis Of A Tailored-Designed Au/Pt Nanoanode For Enhanced Formic Acid, Methanol, And Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The recent revolution in nanoscience and global energy demand have motivated research in liquid fuel cells (LFCs) due to their enhanced efficiency, moving flexibility, and reduced contamination. In line with this advancement, a glassy carbon (GC) electrode was modified with platinum (PtNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles to fabricate a nanosized anode for formic acid, methanol, and ethylene glycol electrooxidation (abbreviated, respectively, to FAO, MO, and EGO), of the key anodic reactions of LFCs. The deposition sequence of the catalyst’s layers was important where the Au/Pt/GC electrode (in which PtNPs were directly deposited onto the GC surface followed by AuNPs—surface coverage …

Facile Synthesis Of A Tailored-Designed Au/Pt Nanoanode For Enhanced Formic Acid, Methanol, And Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr

Chemical Engineering

The recent revolution in nanoscience and global energy demand have motivated research in liquid fuel cells (LFCs) due to their enhanced efficiency, moving flexibility, and reduced contamination. In line with this advancement, a glassy carbon (GC) electrode was modified with platinum (PtNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles to fabricate a nanosized anode for formic acid, methanol, and ethylene glycol electrooxidation (abbreviated, respectively, to FAO, MO, and EGO), of the key anodic reactions of LFCs. The deposition sequence of the catalyst’s layers was important where the Au/Pt/GC electrode (in which PtNPs were directly deposited onto the GC surface followed by AuNPs—surface coverage …

A Promising Modification Of Pt Surfaces With Cnts For Decreasing Poisoning Impact In Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Aya A. Khalifa Ms.

Chemical Engineering

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are clean energy sources that have many applications due to the high energy density of methanol as a fuel. However, this type of fuel cells (FCs) has limitations that are preventing it from being commercialized. One such limitation is the adsorption of intermediates such as CO into the surface of the Platinum (Pt) catalyst during methanol oxidation (MO) which deactivates its active sites, where the reaction is taking place, and leads to poisoning of the electrode over the long term. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been introduced to the Pt-modified glassy carbon …

Enhanced Electro-Oxidation Of Methanol At Pt-Au Nanocatalyst For Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

In this investigation, a Pt-Au nanocatalyst prepared by the coelectrodeposition of Pt (PtNPs) and Au (AuNPs) nanoparticles is assembled onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode for efficient methanol oxidation (MO). Several molar ratios between PtNPs and AuNPs have been used and the corresponding catalytic activity towards MO is tracked. The Pt1:Au1 catalyst showed the highest catalytic activity (5 times higher oxidation peak current (Ip) and a 126 mV negative shift in the onset potential (Eonset) toward MO). The catalyst’s morphology, composition and activity are investigated and the ehancement mechanism is recognized.

A Simple And Effective Way To Overcome Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Of Platinum Surfaces In Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Sohair A. Darwish Ms

Chemical Engineering

A glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), Pt/MWCNTs-GC, has been introduced for formic acid electro-oxidation (FAO). A similar loading of PtNPs has been conserved for a proper comparison between the Pt/MWCNTs-GC and the unmodified Pt/GC electrodes. The modification with MWCNTs could enhance the loading of PtNPs onto the GC electrode in a way that minimizes its agglomeration and increases its dispersion in the CNTs network. This not only increases the surface area exposed to the reaction but also interrupts the contiguity of the Pt active sites minimizing the adsorption of the poisoning …

Call For Abstracts - Resrb 2019, July 8-9, Wrocław, Poland, Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

No abstract provided.

Photocatalytic Activity: Experimental Features To Report In Heterogeneous Photocatalysis, Md. Ariful Hoque, Marcelo I. Guzman

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a prominent area of research with major applications in solar energy conversion, air pollution mitigation, and removal of contaminants from water. A large number of scientific papers related to the photocatalysis field and its environmental applications are published in different journals specializing in materials and nanomaterials. However, many problems exist in the conception of papers by authors unfamiliar with standard characterization methods of photocatalysts as well as with the procedures needed to determine photocatalytic activities based on the determination of “apparent quantum efficiencies” within a wavelength interval or “apparent quantum yields” in the case of using monochromatic …

Assembling Of Niox/Mwcnts-Gc Anodic Nanocatalyst For Water Electrolysis Applications, Yaser M. Asal Mr., Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Saher D. Khamis Eng

Chemical Engineering

Glassy carbon (GC) electrode is intended to be modified with nickel oxide (NiOx) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the anodic reaction of water electrolysis. NiOx deposition time is optimized and a 5 min was enough to attain the maximum activity. A further modification of the catalyst with MWCNTs could greatly enhance its stability during continuous electrolysis. As an outcome, an energy amount of 21.7 kWh/KgO₂ is minimized. Several electrochemical and materials characterization setups will be utilized to test the catalyst activity and to know its geometry and structure.

Fabrication Of Mnox/Mwcnts-Gc Nanocatalyst For Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Yaser M. Asal Mr, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Amr M. Arafa Eng.

Chemical Engineering

Manganese oxide (MnOx) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are intended to modify the GC electrode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Optimization of MnOx loading is carried out and the deposition of 55 cycles was sufficient to obtain the highest activity toward OER. The stability of the catalyst is enhanced by the addition of MWCNTs. As a result, an amount of 22 kWh/Kg of O₂ of energy is saved. Several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy will be combined to track the catalyst activity and to determine its …

Nanoporous Carbon-Based Co2 Reduction Catalysts: Exploring The Combined Effects Of Surface Chemistry And Porosity, Wanlu Li

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

For the first-time sulfur-doped, nitrogen-doped and sulfur, nitrogen-codoped nanoporous carbons were systematically studied as catalysts for CO₂ electrochemical reduction reaction (CO₂ERR). The Faradaic efficiencies (FE) of CO and CH₄ formation were calculated to evaluate the performance of these carbons. The best catalysts showed the FE of CO and CH₄ formation of 29% and 0.76%, respectively. It was found that the overall performance in CO₂ERR dramatically increased upon the reduction pretreatment of the carbons in N₂-saturated electrolyte before the CO₂ reduction process. The pretreated carbon showed the maximum FE of CO …

Fabrication Of Mnox/Mwcnts-Gc Nanocatalyst For Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Amr M. Arafa Eng.

Chemical Engineering

Manganese oxide (MnOx) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are intended to modify the GC electrode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Optimization of MnOx loading is carried out and the deposition of 55 cycles was sufficient to obtain the highest activity toward OER. The stability of the catalyst is enhanced by the addition of MWCNTs. As a result, an amount of 22 kWh/Kg of O2 of energy is saved. Several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy will be combined to track the catalyst activity and to determine its morphology …

Assembling Of Niox/Mwcnts-Gc Anodic Nanocatalyst For Water Electrolysis Applications, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Yaser M. Asal Mr, Saher D. Khamis Eng

Chemical Engineering

Glassy carbon (GC) electrode is intended to be modified with nickel oxide (NiOx) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the anodic reaction of water electrolysis. NiOx deposition time is optimized and a 5 min was enough to attain the maximum activity. A further modification of the catalyst with MWCNTs could greatly enhance its stability during continuous electrolysis. As an outcome, an energy amount of 21.7 kWh/KgO2 is minimized. Several electrochemical and materials characterization setups will be utilized to test the catalyst activity and to know its geometry and structure.

Fabrication Of Cuox-Pd Nanocatalyst Supported On A Glassy Carbon Electrode For Enhanced Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof, Mohamed S. El-Deab Prof, Bahgat E. El-Anadouli Prof

Chemical Engineering

Formic acid (FA) electro-oxidation (FAO) was investigated at a binary catalyst composed of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) and copper oxide nanowires (CuOxNWs) and assembled onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode. /e deposition sequence of PdNPs and CuOxNWs was properly adjusted in such a way that could improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the electrode toward FAO. Several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were all combined to report the catalyst’s activity and to evaluate its morphology, composition, and structure. /e highest catalytic activity and stability were obtained at the CuOx/Pd/GC …

C.V. - Wojciech Budzianowski, Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

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Renewable Energy And Sustainable Development (Resd) Group, Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

No abstract provided.

Biomimetic Devices To Drive A Thermodynamically Uphill Reaction Using Light And To Degrade Industrial Waste Stream Components, Madison Joanne Sloan

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Given the amount of industrial waste produced each year, as well as the accruing amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere produced by the burning of fossil fuels, it is imperative that humanity develop environmentally-sustainable sources of energy and methods of remediation. Nature achieves both of these by use of enzymes as catalysts, inspiring interest in designing biomimetic systems capable of harnessing clean energy and remediating industrial waste. This study examined the ability of enzymes in electrochemical and convective flow systems to achieve these tasks. The first portion studied the incorporation of enzymes into an electrochemical system to drive the …

Procesy Cieplne I Aparaty (Lab), Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

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Inżynieria Chemiczna Lab., Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

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