Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Membrane Fouling Dynamics And Flux Optimization In The Ultrafiltration Of Chlorella Sp. Mur 269 And Dunaliella Salina Cs 744/01, Victor Okorie Mkpuma, Mohadeseh Najafi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Masoumeh Zargar, Navid Reza Moheimani, Houda Ennaceri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Membrane filtration has emerged as a viable technique for microalgal dewatering. However, fouling constraints limit their large-scale implementation. In this research, the fouling patterns during ultrafiltration of Chlorella sp. and Dunaliella salina were investigated using both dead-end and crossflow filtration modules. Chlorella sp. filtration in the dead-end module revealed an initial flux of 72.02 L.m⁻².h⁻¹ in the first cycle, which rapidly decreased to 19.18 L.m⁻².h⁻¹ within 30 min. In the second and third cycles, the initial flux exhibited decreases of 23 % and 50 %, respectively. Chlorella sp. demonstrated lower fouling than D. salina …

Bridging Materials And Energy Storage Mechanisms In Zn-I2 Batteries, Rong-Qi Liu, Wen-Shuo Shang, Jin-Tao Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Zinc-iodine (Zn-I₂) batteries have emerged as a compelling candidate for large-scale energy storage, driven by the growing demand for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to conventional systems. Benefiting from the inherent advantages of aqueous electrolytes and zinc metal anodes, including high ionic conductivity, low flammability, natural abundance, and high volumetric capacity, Zn-I₂ batteries offer significant potential for grid-level deployment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in three critical domains: positive-electrode engineering, zinc anode stabilization, and in situ characterization methods. On the cathode side, anchoring iodine to conductive matrices effectively mitigates polyiodide shuttling and enhances …

Significantly Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity In Co-N-C Catalysts Through Synergistic Boron Doping, Chang Lan, Jing-Sen Bai, Xin Guan, Shuo Wang, Nan-Shu Zhang, Yu-Qing Cheng, Jin-Jing Tao, Yu-Yi Chu, Mei-Ling Xiao, Chang-Peng Liu, Wei Xing

Journal of Electrochemistry

The weak adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates on Co center leads to a considerable performance disparity between Co-N-C and costly Pt benchmark in catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we strategically engineer the active site structure of Co-N-C via B substitution, which is accomplished by the pyrolysis of ammonium borate. During this process, the in-situ generated NH₃ gas plays a critical role in creating surface defects and boron atoms substituting nitrogen atoms in the carbon structure. The well-designed CoB₁N₃ active site endows Co with higher charge density and stronger adsorption energy toward oxygen species, …

Series Reports From Professor Wei’S Group Of Chongqing University: Advancements In Electrochemical Energy Conversions (2/4): Report 2: High-Performance Water Splitting Electrocatalysts, Ling Zhang, Wang-Yang Wu, Qiu-Yue Hu, Shi-Dan Yang, Li Li, Rui-Jin Liao, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

The unavailability of high-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts has impeded the large-scale deployment of alkaline water electrolyzers. Professor Zidong Wei’s group has focused on resolving critical challenges in industrial alkaline electrolysis, particularly elucidating hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) mechanisms while addressing the persistent activity-stability trade-off. This review summarizes their decade-long progress in developing advanced electrodes, analyzing the origins of sluggish alkaline HER kinetics and OER stability limitations. Professor Wei proposes a unifying “12345 Principle” as an optimization framework. For HER electrocatalysts, they have identified that metal/metal oxide interfaces create synergistic “chimney effect” and “local electric field enhancement effect”, enhancing selective …

Local Electric Fields Coupled With Cl− Fixation Strategy For Improving Seawater Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance, Yu-Rong Liu, Miao Zhang, Yan-Hui Yu, Ya-Lin Liu, Jing Li, Xiao-Dong Shi, Zhen-Ye Kang, Dao-Xiong Wu, Peng Rao, Ying Liang, Xin-Long Tian

Journal of Electrochemistry

Development of robust electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a seawater electrolyte is the key to realize seawater electrolyte-based zinc-air batteries (SZABs). Herein, constructing a local electric field coupled with chloride ions (Cl⁻) fixation strategy in dual single-atom catalysts (DSACs) was proposed, and the resultant catalyst delivered considerable ORR performance in a seawater electrolyte, with a high half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 0.868 V and a good maximum power density (Pmax) of 182 mW·cm⁻² in the assembled SZABs, much higher than those of the Pt/C catalyst (E_1/2: 0.846 V; Pmax: 150 mW·cm^{−2 …}

The Effect Of Ozone Treatment On The Quality Of Biodiesel From Waste Cooking Oil, Sri Redjeki Setyawati, Singgih Wibowo

Makara Journal of Science

This research demonstrates the successful production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) using the transesterification method. A methoxide solution, formed by employing a base catalyst and alcohol, facilitated the conversion of triglycerides into methyl esters and glycerol as the byproduct. The conversion process yielded 74% biodiesel and 13.5% glycerol content, with the remaining proportion consisting of water and contaminants. The application of ozone (O₃) aeration proved effective in reducing contaminants—such as alcohol, unreacted catalysts, food residues and water—by approximately 60%. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) testing affirmed that the biodiesel product—treated with O₃ aeration—maintained its original …

Effect Of Varying Chitosan Molecular Weights On The Morphology And Physical Characteristics Of Pva/Chitosan Composite Hydrogels, Yuan Alfinsyah Sihombing, Halida Rahmi Luthfianti, William Xaveriano Waresindo, Marathur Rodhiyah, Nur’Aini Nafisah, Dian Ahmad Hapidin, Dhewa Edikresnha, Khairurrijal Khairurrijal

Makara Journal of Science

We employed the innovative freeze–thaw method to investigate the effect of chitosan (CS) molecular weights incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol on the morphology and physical characteristics of the hydrogel. This study aimed to unravel the intricate relationships between CS molecular weight variations, CS concentration, and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (4 or 6 cycles) on hydrogel swelling degree and weight loss. Incorporating CS improved the hydrogel structure and enhanced its porosity, resulting in remarkable increases in swelling degree ranging from 2 to 6 times the initial weight. Higher molecular weight CS (310,000–375,000 Da) exhibited a lower swelling degree than medium molecular …

Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Anushchenko, Dmitrii Evgenievich Bondarev, Aleksandr Yurievich Schukin

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study shows results of development of the ``frame-boiler'' system with hysteresis dampers analytical model. Hysteresis dampers are used as boiler antiseismic bracing. It is noted that simplified analytical models are necessary at the stage of preliminary iterative calculations, when a CAE-modeling is impractical due to significant time costs. The authors have proposed 2 options of analytical models: 2-mass model and 3-mass model. The differential equations of motion for each model are written below. The results of the calculation for seismic impacts are compared with the finite element model. It is shown that 3-mass model gives good match of results …

Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development, Thomas Cadenazzi, Busra Keles

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This paper investigates innovative Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) rebars as a sustainable alternative to conventional Carbon Steel (CS) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The feasibility of HFRP rebars is assessed, focusing on mechanical properties and sustainability advantages. A virtual tensile test on a modeled M19 HFRP rebar, conducted using Autodesk's Fusion 360, demonstrates tensile strength comparable to CS 235 and greater environmental sustainability than GFRP, despite a slight reduction in stiffness. The study also considers the potential of graphene fiber integration to enhance mechanical properties, underscoring HFRP's adaptability. Findings suggest that HFRP rebars, …

Effect Of Clays On The Spontaneous Imbibition Behavior Of Surfactant Solutions In Shale Oil Reservoirs, Ning Xu, Yanling Wang, Baojun Bai, Chuanbao Zhang, Shizhang Cui, Yu Zhang, Di Li, Wenjing Shi, Wenhui Ding

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Surfactant-enhanced spontaneous imbibition is a proven method of enhancing oil recovery from shale reservoirs. However, a significant knowledge gap concerning the impact of clay minerals on surfactant-enhanced imbibition in shale reservoirs remains. Therefore, this study first analyzed the mineral composition and pore structure of the shale reservoirs. Subsequently, three surfactants were selected for spontaneous imbibition experiments. The influence of various clay minerals on the surfactant imbibition was assessed by considering various properties of the imbibition system. The results showed that the shale pores primarily consisted of macropores (44.03%) and mesopores (43.94%). Surfactants enhance the imbibition recovery by altering the wettability …

Temporal Dynamics Of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling In Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity, Fibi Meshrkey, Somaya Y. Ibrahim, Rushita A. Bagchi, William J. Richardson

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Anthracyclines are widely used chemotherapeutic agents with proven efficacy against a broad range of malignancies, but their clinical utility is limited by a well-documented, dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. While this toxicity has traditionally been attributed to direct cardiomyocyte injury, emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in the development and progression of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This review examines the diverse effects of anthracycline focusing on doxorubicin (DOX) and CFs across the temporal phases of cardiac injury. DOX activates fibroblast-driven extracellular matrix remodeling and promotes fibrosis through enhanced collagen production and the induction of cellular senescence, thereby exacerbating early myocardial inflammation …

Figure Data For "Investigation Of A Stable And Saturated Reference Electrode Using Metal Chlorides And Oxides In Eutectic Licl-Kcl Molten Salts", Carlos Meija, Devin Rappleye

ScholarsArchive Data

This data set provide machine readable .csv files for the figures in the publication entitled "Investigation of a stable and saturated reference electrode using metal chlorides and oxides in eutectic LiCl-KCl molten salts" in Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Volume 58, Issue 1, January 2026, 103875).

Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings, Sadık Akşar, Gökçe Tuna

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Wood has long been used as a primary building material, but with the Industrial Revolution and the spread of multi-story structures, its structural limitations became evident. In the 21st century, engineered timber products have reintroduced wood as a sustainable alternative, offering advantages such as lightness, rapid assembly, and recyclability. At the same time, buildings are responsible for significant environmental impacts, making assessment methods essential. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating these impacts across all stages of a building’s life cycle. This study applies LCA to timber construction systems, focusing on both traditional …

Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties, Siti Nikmatin, Allen Kurniawan, Heriansyah Putra, Rima Fitria Adiati, Riawan Ma’Ruf, Dwi Arso Yedi Irwanto

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigated the potential use of rejected coal as a fine aggregate filler in paving block production. Comprehensive characterization of the rejected coal was conducted, including toxicity, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the coal. The results showed that the rejected coal met environmental safety standards (TCLP) and had suitable properties as an aggregate. Paving blocks were produced by incorporating different proportions of rejected coal fillers and were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density. The optimal mix with 35% rejected coal filler as a replacement of stone ash achieved a compressive strength of 14.61 MPa, water absorption …

Numerical Comparative Study Of The Thermal Performance And Load-Bearing Capacity Of Hollow Clay Bricks Used In Construction In Libya, Osama Lawej, Mahmoud Ahmed, Ismael Ehtiwesh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The optimization of structural and thermal performance in building components is a key challenge in sustainable construction, particularly in hot climate regions like Libya. Hollow clay bricks are widely used due to their local availability and affordability; however, their internal geometry is often not optimized for thermal resistance or mechanical integrity. This study addresses this gap by numerically investigating the effect of cavity geometry on the load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance of hollow clay bricks. Three configurations were analyzed, including two commercial designs from the Libyan market and a newly proposed arched cavity design. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations …

Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit, Patrick Daly

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The EU has implemented several policy and legislative initiatives aimed at decarbonisation and circularity transition of the Built Environment including a strategy for large scale renovation of the building / housing stock. Modularised construction solutions are argued to be a potential acceleration pathway toward this objective. Yet there remains issues and challenges in implementing such strategies in a complex and heterogeneous stock and sector. This research investigates this decarbonisation pathway, examining the feasibility and potential of applying a modularised construction over-clad system, based on advanced circularity, in the deep energy retrofit of social housing. The research is based on a …

Fluorinated Electrolytes For Lithium–Sulfur And Beyond-Lithium Metal–Sulfur Batteries, Avinash Raulo, Saheed Lateef, Hunter Mcray, Kaushek Rahul Ilancheran, Fabio Albano, Golareh Jalilvand

Faculty Publications

Metal–sulfur batteries, particularly lithium–sulfur (Li–S) systems, have attracted significant attention due to their high theoretical energy densities, low cost, and sustainability benefits arising from sulfur’s abundance and non-toxicity. Despite extensive research, their practical deployment remains limited by persistent challenges such as polysulfide shuttling and metal anode degradation, which collectively lead to poor coulombic efficiency and limited cycle life. These issues are further intensified in emerging systems employing sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and siliconbased anodes. Fluorinated electrolytes have emerged as a promising approach to address these limitations. Fluorination enhances oxidative stability, suppresses polysulfide dissolution, promotes stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and …

Novel Biomolecule-Infused Gelatin Injectable For Treatment Of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury, Ananya Tadikonda, Sunjay Anekal, Lena W. Chen, Gabriel Sobczak, Troy Wesson, Carmilya Jackson, Marisa A. Egan, Julie C. Liu, Patrick R. Finnegan, Stacey Halum

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Objective

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLN) is a major cause of voice disorders. We have recently identified three biomolecules (agrin, acetylcholine, and neuregulin) with the potential to promote reinnervation after RLN injury. This study aimed to determine if a gelatin injectable with the reinnervating biomolecules will induce site-specific amplification of neurotrophic factor release and reinnervation after RLN injury in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent RLN transection with the following treatment allocations: saline control (N = 16), biomolecule cocktail only (N = 16), and biomolecule-infused gelatin (N = …

Coumarin/Nitrogen-Bearing Heterocyclic Hybridloaded Electrospun Pmma/Pvp Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerating Topical Wound Healing Rates: Synthesis And In Vitro Bio-Evaluation, Samar A. Salim, Mohamed Ali, Tasneem Abed, El Badawy Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Coumarin-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (e.g. quinoline, acridine, and phthalazine) were synthesized by facile reactions and elucidated by FTIR, 1H, and 13C-NMR analyses, which showed consistency with the expected structures. Coumarin-quinoline (drug A)- and coumarin-acridine (drug B)-loaded electrospun PMMA/PVP nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Results showed a successful PMMA/PVP blend, which formed the matrix that was used as the main scaffold for drug loading/release. The drugs (A and B) were encapsulated within the matrix as verified by IR and SEM results. Bio-evaluation through cytotoxicity and anticancer screening was conducted using the MTT assay against lung fibroblast (Wi-38), colon carcinoma (Caco-2), …

Superhydrophobic Cerium-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks/Polymer Nanofibers For Water Treatment, Samar A. Salim, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid,

Nanotechnology Research Centre

No abstract provided.