Modeling The Influence Of Silicon Content On Electrochemical Performance Of Silicon-Graphite Blended Electrodes Considering Voltage Hysteresis,
2025
University of South Carolina
Modeling The Influence Of Silicon Content On Electrochemical Performance Of Silicon-Graphite Blended Electrodes Considering Voltage Hysteresis, Mohamed Atwair, Paul T. Coman, Ralph E. White
Faculty Publications
Silicon, with its high specific capacity, is a highly promising material for lithium-ion battery anodes. To enhance durability, it is commonly combined with graphite in composite anodes. Despite this, the electrochemical dynamics between silicon and graphite are not yet fully understood. Modeling serves as an important tool for analyzing and improving batteries, but current models lack comprehensive representation of the coupled electrochemical and structural behavior of silicon-graphite blended electrodes. Herein, we present a comprehensive model for blended Si/Gr electrodes that incorporates the distinct properties and kinetics of each material. Our approach accounts for the dependence of electrode thickness and solid …
Influence Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles On The Efficiency Of Oxytetracycline Removal From Wastewater Using Continuous Catalytic Ozonation,
2025
Edith Cowan University
Influence Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles On The Efficiency Of Oxytetracycline Removal From Wastewater Using Continuous Catalytic Ozonation, Sarmad Al-Anssari, Hassanain A. Hassan, Maha K. Mohsin, Ahmed A. Mohammed
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Antibiotics must be fully eliminated before they are released into the environment. In most cases, conventional wastewater treatment systems are not built to handle polar microcontaminants such as antibiotics. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of these antibiotics, an environmental hazard contaminant in aqueous solutions. Therefore, an advanced treatment method is needed for wastewater contaminated with antibiotics. In this study, we employed zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO), and the catalytic ozonation procedure was employed to increase the ozonation efficiency. A continuous experiment was carried out to compare the effectiveness of catalytic and single ozonation in degrading OTC in a continuous reactor. The flow …
Modeling Self-Discharge In Li/S Batteries Through Electrochemical Anode Reactions: A Theoretical Perspective,
2025
University of South Carolina
Modeling Self-Discharge In Li/S Batteries Through Electrochemical Anode Reactions: A Theoretical Perspective, Ralph E. White, Paul T. Coman
Faculty Publications
The growing demand for high-energy-density batteries has renewed interest in lithium–sulfur (Li/S) systems, which offer significant advantages but suffer from severe self-discharge during rest. While prior studies attribute this degradation to chemical parasitic reactions or polysulfide shuttling, they overlook the inherently electrochemical nature of anode-side processes. In this work, a 1D physics-based model of a Li/S battery was developed to explicitly incorporate lithium-metal oxidation and the stepwise electrochemical reduction of polysulfides at the anode. Using COMSOL Multiphysics, galvanostatic discharge followed by open-circuit rest under two conditions was analyzed - with and without parasitic anode reactions. The results show that when …
An Acoustofluidic Device For Sample Preparation And Detection Of Small Extracellular Vesicles,
2025
Duke University
An Acoustofluidic Device For Sample Preparation And Detection Of Small Extracellular Vesicles, Jessica F. Liu, Jianping Xia, Joseph Rich, Shuaiguo Zhao, Kaichun Yang, Brandon Lu, Ying Chen, Tiffany Wen Ye, Tony Jun Huang
Faculty Publications
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as powerful vectors for liquid biopsy, offering a noninvasive window into the dynamic physiological and pathological states of the body. However, to fully leverage the clinical potential of sEV biomarkers, it is imperative to develop robust and efficient technologies for their isolation and analysis. In this study, we introduce a novel sharp-edge acoustofluidic platform designed for rapid and effective sample preparation, coupled with sensitive detection of specific sEV populations based on their surface markers. Our approach utilizes acoustically activated sharp-edge microstructures to concentrate bead-bound sEVs within the microfluidic device, facilitating immediate visualization by fluorescence …
Anion Exchange Membrane Transport And Accelerated Testing Methods For Co2 Electrolyzers With Cu-Based Electrocatalyst,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Anion Exchange Membrane Transport And Accelerated Testing Methods For Co2 Electrolyzers With Cu-Based Electrocatalyst, John C. Hendershot
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to C2+ products holds promise for low carbon intensity fuels, chemicals, and food; however, durability challenges, particularly bicarbonate (HCO3-)and carbonate (CO32-) salt precipitation, hinder their commercialization. This report considers water (H2O) and ion transport properties of conventional anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in zero-gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) configurations using Cu electrocatalysts. Transport characterization includes H2O diffusion, permeability, potassium (K+) diffusion, and transference numbers using three commercial AEMs, including piperidinium-based (Versogen), quaternary ammonium-based (Fumasep), and imidazolium-based (Dioxide Materials) membranes. Accelerated lifetime …
H2-Rich Biogas Production From Fixed Bed Wheat Straw Pyrolysis And The Potential Of Produced Biochar As H2 Storage Material,
2025
Edith Cowan University
H2-Rich Biogas Production From Fixed Bed Wheat Straw Pyrolysis And The Potential Of Produced Biochar As H2 Storage Material, Tawanda Matamba, Hussein Rasool Abid, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
H2 is a clean energy source, and is targeted as one of the ways to transition from fossil fuels. However, there are drawbacks in production and storage of hydrogen. To cover the supply, we need H2 from many resources and because of its low density we need materials that can store bulky quantities of H2. Here we investigated the potential of a renewable source (waste wheat straw) to produce and store H2 through pyrolysis and adsorption. The impact of pressure and temperature (500–900 °C, and 1.01–30 bar range) on the selectivity of H2 rich gas production was systematically investigated; and …
Wind Tunnel Model Of The Jack Rabbit Ii Field Experiments In The Mock Urban Array: Part 2. Approach Wind Conditions And Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements Of Simulated Chlorine Releases,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Wind Tunnel Model Of The Jack Rabbit Ii Field Experiments In The Mock Urban Array: Part 2. Approach Wind Conditions And Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements Of Simulated Chlorine Releases, Paulo V. Lopez, Thomas O. Spicer, Chad T. Smith
Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
The Jack Rabbit II (JR-II) Mock Urban Environment field test was reproduced in a 1:50 scale physical model in the wind tunnel at the Chemical Hazards Research Center of the University of Arkansas. The agreement of the approaching wind characteristics between field test and model was verified using 3D Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) tests were conducted in the model to obtain velocity measurements in the MUE. Velocity measurements taken before and during a simulated chlorine release were compared. PIV results show the general flow complexity in the last rows of the MUE and the impact …
Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Characterizing Elastin-Like-Polypeptides,
2025
University of New Mexico
Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Characterizing Elastin-Like-Polypeptides, Adam D. Quintana
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
This dissertation develops and validates a semi-empirical Flory–Huggins-based interaction model, combined with Cahn–Hilliard simulations, for predicting multi-component liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) systems. Equilibrium droplet compositions, measured using a PDMS-based microfluidic device, enabled direct parameterization of interaction coefficients. The model was applied to generate phase diagrams and assess composition dependence in ternary mixtures. Cahn–Hilliard simulations were conducted to explore potential phase morphologies under different interfacial conditions. Multi-component Lattice Boltzmann simulations were implemented to model droplet morphology evolution under varying interfacial and diffusive parameters, reproducing experimentally relevant morphologies. A three-phase wetting study revealed conditions for selective wetting and …
Low Temperature Methane Coupling With Co And Co2,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Low Temperature Methane Coupling With Co And Co2, A K M Kazi F.M. Aurnob
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Methane is the smallest hydrocarbon and the most abundant component in natural gas. Despite its availability, its chemical utilization has remained limited due to the challenges associated with direct methane activation and conversion. Most of the methane oxidation and oxidative carbonylation reactions in literature have been carried out at high-pressure using batch reactors or at ambient pressure using flow reactors. While batch reactors have been shown to have higher product yields, they are limited in their capability to provide real-time kinetic insights and comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the reactions involved due to the long residence time. This limits rationalization of …
Pd-Based Hydrogen Separation Membranes Synthesized Via A Liquid-Phase Route,
2025
University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Pd-Based Hydrogen Separation Membranes Synthesized Via A Liquid-Phase Route, Chase W. Thompson
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
Palladium (Pd) membranes have gained significant attention for their ability to selectively separate hydrogen, a critical process for clean energy applications such as fuel cells and hydrogen storage. However, challenges such as grain growth, sintering, hydrogen embrittlement, and film uniformity limit their scalability and long-term stability. This thesis focuses on the controlled synthesis, deposition, and stability of Pd nanoparticles to optimize membrane performance for hydrogen separation. This work investigates solution-phase synthesis of Pd nanoparticles, focusing on temperature, precursor concentration, and solvent composition as key variables influencing particle growth and dispersion. Pd membranes were fabricated using nanoparticle deposition onto porous supports, …
Magnetic Field Enabled Assembly And Propulsion Of Colloidal Particles In A Magnetic Medium,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Magnetic Field Enabled Assembly And Propulsion Of Colloidal Particles In A Magnetic Medium, Hashir M. Gauri
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Colloidal particles are nano/micro meter-sized particles dispersed in a fluid medium and serve as diverse building blocks for assembling complex structures. The ease of tunability of the shape, size, and interparticle interactions of colloidal particles facilitates their assembly into rich structures and phases that mirror the assembly process of atomic systems. Often regarded as "big atoms" colloidal particles provide an ideal model system for investigating complex phenomena in condensed matter, such as crystallization and nucleation. While the assembly of colloids under thermodynamic equilibrium has been extensively studied, recent interest has shifted toward exploring colloids in non-equilibrium conditions to create dynamic …
Anion Exchange Membrane Durability For Electrochemical Co2 Reduction In Membrane Electrode Assembly Cells,
2025
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Anion Exchange Membrane Durability For Electrochemical Co2 Reduction In Membrane Electrode Assembly Cells, Soundarzo Tasnim
LSU Master's Theses
The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ using membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cells has emerged as a promising approach for carbon capture and conversion into valuable products. This study investigates the degradation mechanisms of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in CO₂ reduction applications, focusing on Sustainion X37-50, PiperION, and FAA-3-50. The research analyzes the impact of chemical and mechanical degradation on membrane performance, highlighting key stability challenges in long-term operation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to monitor functional group stability and ionic conductivity loss over extended operation. The results indicate that hydroxide-induced degradation leads to nucleophilic …
Synthesis And Characterization Of Temperature- And Ph-Responsive Pia-B-Pnipam@Fe3O4 Nanocomposites,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Synthesis And Characterization Of Temperature- And Ph-Responsive Pia-B-Pnipam@Fe3O4 Nanocomposites, Swati Kumari, Cayla Cook, Fatema Tarannum, Erick Salvador Vasquez-Guardado, Olufemi Ogunjimi, Keisha B. Walters
Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications
Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to their immense potential in biomedical and environmental applications. When these SRPs are grafted onto magnetic nanoparticles, they form multifunctional nanocomposites capable of various complex applications, such as targeted drug delivery, advanced separations, and magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we employed a one-step hydrothermal method using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTES) to synthesize APTES-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (APTES@Fe3O4) featuring reactive terminal amine groups. Subsequently, via two consecutive surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerizations (SI-ATRP), pH- and temperature-responsive polymer blocks were grown from the Fe3O …
Leveraging Oxygen Mobility With Zirconia In Low-Temperature Plasma For Enhanced Methane Reforming To Syngas,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Leveraging Oxygen Mobility With Zirconia In Low-Temperature Plasma For Enhanced Methane Reforming To Syngas, Fnu Gorky, Levy Pile, Grace Jones, Apolo Nambo, Mourad Benamara, Maria L. Carreon
Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
Despite extensive efforts to optimize the single-step production of syngas, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates via plasma catalysis, several challenges remain unresolved. In particular, understanding the various reaction pathways is hindered by the complexity of the reactions and the diverse range of chemical products formed. In this study, our main objective is to evaluate and compare the influence of zirconia on reaction pathways, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conversions (%), and syngas selectivity (%) relative to the plasma-only route. Experiments were conducted at a low radio-frequency plasma power of 50 Watts without external heating. The results demonstrated significantly enhanced conversions of …
Investigating The Thixotropy Of Fresh Struvite Cement-Based Composite: Insights On Mechanisms Of The Pastes’ Thixotropic Behavior,
2025
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Investigating The Thixotropy Of Fresh Struvite Cement-Based Composite: Insights On Mechanisms Of The Pastes’ Thixotropic Behavior, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Abdulkareem O. Yusuf, Damilola Daramola, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Struvite (ST) recovered during wastewater treatment has been sparsely applied in cement-based composites. This study systematically evaluated the thixotropic behavior of cement-struvite (CST) pastes, a mix of 5–20 % ST by mass of cement, and proposed the interaction mechanisms leading to the pastes' thixotropy. The hysteresis loop area was used to establish the pastes' thixotropy and investigate its relationship with increased ST content, temperature, and yield stress. In the thixotropic behavior model used, the equilibrium shear stress was employed to examine the CST pastes' irreversible change; the characteristic time of deflocculation was used to study the flocs destruction process; and …
Gallium-Containing Bioactive Glasses: Their Influence On Ion Release And The Bioactivity Of Resulting Glass Polyalkenoate Cements,
2025
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Gallium-Containing Bioactive Glasses: Their Influence On Ion Release And The Bioactivity Of Resulting Glass Polyalkenoate Cements, Lana Margaret Placek, Danielle Lee Perry, Mark Robert Towler, Anthony William Wren
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
A series of glasses (0.48SiO2 − [0.40-x]ZnO − 0.12CaO-xGa2O3, x = 0, 0.8, 0.16) was developed to formulate a series of Ga-containing glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs). The solubility of GPCs was tested using DI water, and it was found that the sample containing the highest mol% of Ga, LGa-2, had the most Ga ion release. The GPCs were incubated in SBF, and SEM/EDS analysis revealed that the at% of P increased, while the at% of Si decreased, highlighting the CaP precipitation on the GPC surface. The at% of Ga also decreased, reinforcing the Ga release from the GPC. Cellular testing …
Distinctive Transpassivation Behavior And Characteristics Of Passive Films Of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Produced And Annealed Ti–6al–4v In Hank's Solution,
2025
Edith Cowan University
Distinctive Transpassivation Behavior And Characteristics Of Passive Films Of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Produced And Annealed Ti–6al–4v In Hank's Solution, Yi Fan Zhang, Liang Yu Chen, Ze Xin Wang, Hong Yu Yang, Maksym Bobrov, Dobuvyy Oleksandr, Yong Liu, Lai Chang Zhang
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Passivated Ti alloys typically demonstrate enhanced corrosion resistance due to the formation of passive films. Intriguingly, in comparison to the annealed Ti–6Al–4V, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) produced Ti–6Al–4V exhibits significantly attenuated transpassivation behavior in Hank's solution. This work investigated the electrochemical responses of both samples before and after the transpassivation region to illustrate the underlying mechanism for the phenomenon. In the passivation region, both samples displayed analogous passivation behavior, with the annealed and LPBF-produced Ti–6Al–4V having the current densities of 6.64 × 10−6 and 8.14 × 10−6 A cm−2 at 1 V, respectively. Between 1.5 V …
Eco-Friendly Additives For Biodegradable Polyesters: Recent Progress In Performance Optimization And Environmental Impact Reduction,
2025
Edith Cowan University
Eco-Friendly Additives For Biodegradable Polyesters: Recent Progress In Performance Optimization And Environmental Impact Reduction, Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, Nima Hajinajaf, Hamed Bakhtiari, Michael Feuchter, Ilaria Improta, Ehsan Salehi, Sara Kamal Shahsavar, Marketa Julinova, Amirehsan Ghasemi, Bita Ghasemi, Reza Afsharnia, Marek Koutný, Young Cheol Chang
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Biodegradable polymers have emerged as principal alternatives to petroleum-based polymers, which exert a detrimental impact on the environment. Among these, biodegradable polyesters stand out as particularly noteworthy, renowned for their exceptional properties that find application across diverse industries, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and agriculture. This comprehensive analysis delves into the impact of various additives, with a focus on eco-friendly ones, on biodegradable polyesters, as evidenced by recent research endeavors. The additives are systematically categorized to provide a nuanced understanding within distinct industrial contexts. In the exploration of these additives, a meticulous classification is employed, ensuring a focused analysis of …
Experimentally Driven Numerical Model Of Carbon/Polyaniline-Based Glucose Monitoring Sensors: An Evaluation Using A New Figure Of Merit,
2025
University
Experimentally Driven Numerical Model Of Carbon/Polyaniline-Based Glucose Monitoring Sensors: An Evaluation Using A New Figure Of Merit, Ziad Khalifa, Kyrillos Selim, Amira Ali, Sameh Abdellatif
Chemical Engineering
This study presents an experimentally driven numerical model for evaluating carbon/polyaniline (PANI)- based glucose monitoring sensors (GMSs), focusing on innovative configurations using graphene-PANI and carbon nanotube (CNT)-PANI composites. We performed a thorough analysis of the morphological, electrophysical, and electrical properties of these materials, ultimately leading to the extraction of key electrical parameters for integration into a finite element model (FEM). This model simulates the entire sensor, enabling the estimation of critical performance metrics such as sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), linearity, and power consumption. Our findings demonstrate that the CNT-PANI configuration significantly outperforms the laser-induced graphene (LIG)-PANI electrode, achieving a …
Numerical Simulation For The Design Of Induction Heating Based Radio Frequency Reactor For Ethylene Production,
2025
University of South Carolina
Numerical Simulation For The Design Of Induction Heating Based Radio Frequency Reactor For Ethylene Production, Hunter Teel, Matthew Craps, Hector-Colon Mercado, Perter Ciesielski, Sirivatch Shimpalee
Faculty Publications
Ethylene is a vital petrochemical compound produced in vast amounts yearly by manufacturers that have enough scale to overcome the inherent thermodynamic inefficiencies of the process. In order to address the inefficiencies that prevent smaller scale or intermittent production ethylene, investigation of new production methods are required. In this work, we investigate the use of a radio frequency (RF) based reactor system that generates heat internally as opposed to applying heat externally via steam or direct combustion of fossil fuels. In order to guide the design of an electromagnetic based reactor system, we have created a macroscale model capable of …
