Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Development Of Ultra-Low Loading Of Compressive Pt Lattice Cathode Catalyst On Highly Stable Support For Pemfc Automotive Applications, Tianyuan Xie

Theses and Dissertations

The major barriers in the commercialization of the fuel cell technology for automotive applications are the cost and durability of the Pt catalyst and the support stability at high potentials. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) targets direct hydrogen fuel cell systems for transportation to meet 65% peak-efficiency, 5,000 hour durability with a mass production cost of $40/kW by 2020. Currently in 2015, the system can be operated at peak energy efficiency of 60% for 3,900 hours with cost of $55/kW. To meet these targets, precious metal loadings must be greatly reduced without altering the catalyst stability. The primary objective …

Supported Group Ib-Pd Bimetallic Catalysts Prepared By Electroless Deposition And Galvanic Displacement For Selective Hydrogenation Of Acetylene, Yunya Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Ethylene is the building block for many chemical intermediates in the petrochemical industry. The current worldwide ethylene production is over 150 million tons per year and demand increases by 3-5% annually. However, ethylene produced from steam cracking of light naptha contains up to 2% acetylene which acts as a poison for the downstream ethylene polymerization catalysts. Selective hydrogenation of acetylene in the ethylene stream using supported Pd catalysts is the industrially preferred method of lowering acetylene to acceptable ppm levels (< 5 ppm). Due to inferior selectivity at high acetylene conversion and the formation of “green oil”, or ethylene/acetylene oligomers, during reaction, small amounts of Group IB metals have been added to improve the performance of current generation catalysts. However, the bimetallic effects of the above additives have not been experimentally confirmed, possibly because the conventional methods of catalyst preparation result in both monometallic and bimetallic particles with varying compositions. This in turn makes it difficult to determine the position of the two metallic components, and bimetallic interactions typically occur only when the two metals form proximal contact instead of separate particles. In this study, a series of Ag- and Au-Pd/SiO2 bimetallic catalysts were prepared by electroless deposition (ED) with incremental and controlled coverages of Ag and Au on Pd. The selectivity of acetylene to ethylene and turnover frequencies of acetylene conversion were enhanced at high coverages of Ag and Au on Pd surfaces due to the transition of acetylene adsorption modes, which was further confirmed by the kinetics of acetylene hydrogenation. The similar performance trends for Ag- and Au-Pd/SiO2 suggest that the bimetallic effect for these catalysts was likely geometric and not electronic in nature. For comparison, a series of reverse Pd-Ag/SiO2 bimetallic catalysts where variable coverages of Pd were deposited onto Ag surfaces was prepared using galvanic displacement (GD) of Ago by Pd2+ to further explore the nature of bimetallic effects for selective acetylene hydrogenation. Unlike for the earlier case for Ag on Pd surfaces using ED, for samples prepared by GD there was considerably diffusion of Pd into the Ag lattice to give greater electronic interactions between these two metals, which limited selectivity of acetylene hydrogenation to form ethylene.

Preparation And Characterization Of Pt-Ru Bimetallic Catalysts Using Electroless Deposition Methods And Mechanistic Study Of Re And Cs Promoters For Ag-Based, High Selectivity Ethylene Oxide Catalysts, Weijian Diao

Theses and Dissertations

Pt-Ru bimetallic catalysts are widely used for direct methanol fuel cells, biomass upgrading and hydrocarbon refining and offer unique properties compared to Pt or Ru monometallic catalysts due to ensemble effects, electronic effects, and/or bifunctional effects. To achieve better performance, strong metal-metal interactions and true bimetallic surface are needed. Electroless deposition (ED) methods are used in our laboratory to synthesize such bimetallic catalysts. In this study, two series of Ru@Pt/C (Pt deposited on Ru surfaces) and Pt@Ru/C (Ru deposited on Pt surfaces) catalysts have been synthesized. Characterization data from temperature programmed reduction (TPR), selective chemisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and …

Impact Of Formulation And Processing Parameters On Mechanical Properties Of Magadiite/Elastomer Composites, Yating Mao

Theses and Dissertations

This work seeks a better understanding of mechanical reinforcement and energy dissipation in elastomer composites containing the layered silicate magadiite (MGD, Na2Si14O29·nH2O). We characterized the elastomer’s accessibility into MGD interlayer spaces and studied the factors that influence the composite mechanical properties. We also compare the mechanical reinforcement of MGD with montmorillonite (MMT, a layered aluminosilicate clay mineral), which is widely used as filler in other kinds of nanocomposites. The study explores the grafting chemistry, vulcanization, and reinforcement mechanism in MGD/elastomer composites, which may help us to formulate the platelet/elastomer composites with superior mechanical properties and performance in the future. We …

Surface Modification Of Nanodiamond And Its Incorporation In Nanodiamond/Peek Nanocomposites, Zahidul Wahab

Theses and Dissertations

The continued miniaturization of electronic device components requires new lightweight polymers with high thermal stability, high thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity, and low dielectric constant. Composites of nanodiamond (ND) and poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) are candidates for these applications due their unique combination of properties. The objectives of this research are to explore new routes for surface functionalization of nanodiamond (ND), develop methods for maximizing dispersion of ND as a nano-scale filler in PEEK, and characterize the effect of dispersed ND on the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of ND/PEEK composites. Initial attempts to disperse different kinds of commercially available, …

High Capacity Silicon Electrodes With Nafion As Binders For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Jiagang Xu, Qinglin Zhang, Yang-Tse Cheng

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Silicon is capable of delivering a high theoretical specific capacity of 3579 mAh g⁻¹ which is about 10 times higher than that of the state-of-the-art graphite based negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. However, the poor cycle life of silicon electrodes, caused by the large volumetric strain during cycling, limits the commercialization of silicon electrodes. As one of the essential components, the polymeric binder is critical to the performance and durability of lithium-ion batteries as it keeps the integrity of electrodes, maintains conductive path and must be stable in the electrolyte. In this work, we demonstrate that electrodes consisting of …

Calibration Of Numerical Model For Shoreline Change Prediction Using Satellite Imagery Data, Sigit Sutikno, Keisuke Murakami, Dwi Puspo Handoyo, Manyuk Fauzi

Makara Journal of Technology

This paper presents a method for calibration of numerical model for shoreline change prediction using satellite imagery data in muddy beach. Tanjung Motong beach, a muddy beach that is suffered high abrasion in Rangsang Island, Riau province, Indonesia was picked as study area. The primary numerical modeling tool used in this research was GENESIS (GENEralized Model for Simulating Shoreline change), which has been successfully applied in many case studies of shoreline change phenomena on a sandy beach.The model was calibrated using two extracted coastlines satellite imagery data, such as Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS. The extracted coastline data were analyzed …

Independency Of Elasticity On Residual Stress Of Room Temperature Rolled Stainless Steel 304 Plates For Structure Materials, Parikin Parikin, David Allen

Makara Journal of Technology

Mechanical strengths of materials are widely expected in general constructions of any building. These properties depend on its formation (cold/hot forming) during fabrication. This research was carried out on cold-rolled stainless steel (SS) 304 plates, which were deformed to 0, 34, 84, and 152% reduction in thickness. The tests were conducted using Vickers method. Ultra micro indentation system (UMIS) 2000 was used to determine the mechanical properties of the material, i.e.: hardness, modulus elasticity, and residual stresses. The microstructures showed lengthening outcropping due to stress corrosion cracking for all specimens. It was found that the tensile residual stress in a …

Effect Of Fly Ash Fortification In The Manufacture Process Of Making Concrete Towards Characteristics Of Concrete In Sulfuric Acid Solution, Asep Handaya Saputra, Muhammad Shohibi, Masatoshi Kubouchi

Makara Journal of Technology

Fly ash is a silica or alumino silica material that can be used as a constituent of cement in the concrete manufacturing process. Utilization of fly ash aims to improve durability and minimize the reduction of concrete’s compressive strength exposed to an acidic environment, which can be achieved through the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash with Ca(OH)2 within concrete. The reduced content of Ca(OH)2 through pozzolanic reaction will minimize the tendency of ettringite formation (compounds that cause deterioration and decrease the compressive strength of concrete). In order to determine the relation between fly ash replenishment into concrete with concrete’s characteristics …

Improving Renewable Energy Transition Acceptance: A Simulation Gaming Approach On A Multi Actor Setting In The Netherlands, Aziiz Sutrisno, Jac A. M. Vennix, Noor Syaifudin

Makara Journal of Technology

The Netherlands have tried very hard to increase their renewable energy sources (RES) shares to fulfill the European Union target in 2050. However, RES performance did not show the expected result as the performance declined in 2009 producing even wider gap compare to the target. The Dutch government’s tried to incorporate all interested stakeholders by forming the Dutch energy transition task force. Nevertheless, the task force’s result is also not showing a desirable trend. Key reasons behind the Dutch low RES performance are the lack of shared understanding and positive attitude toward RES development among interested actors. This research uses …

Oxidation Process Of H 2 O /Uv For Cod Reduction Of Wastewater From Soybean Tofu Production, Komala Pontas, Abrar Muslim

Makara Journal of Technology

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction of wastewater from soybean tofu production was studied by conducting advanced oxidation process (AOP) using hydrogen peroxide with UV radiation catalysts in a closed cylindrical glass reactor. The hydroxyl radical (*OH) concentration from H2O2 decomposition was modeled, and exponential trends were found for the *OH concentration over radiation time and operation temperature. As a result, it was found that the maximal *OH concentration was 0.209 mol L-1 at 240 minutes and 50 °C. The *OH concentration exponentially increased following rise in operation temperature. The H2O2/UV AOP application reduced COD concentration to approximately 42.41% from 10,545 …

Uplift Of Shoreline Regions On Pagai Island Due To The September 12, 2007 Mw 8.4 Earthquake Captured By Sar Image, Ashar Muda Lubis

Makara Journal of Technology

At least 25 people were killed by the September 12, 2007 Mw 8.4 Bengkulu earthquake, and many buildings were destroyed in Bengkulu and West Sumatra provinces. It is very important to estimate the earth surface deformation due to the earthquake to understand the rupture size and its process. The aim of this research is to estimate the shoreline change and vertical displacement on Pagai Island associated with the September 12, 2007 Mw 8.4 Bengkulu earthquake. The intensity of ALOS-PALSAR satellite images is used to access the pattern of displacement. The result shows that Pagai Island demonstrated huge uplift due to …

Dual-Band Singly-Fed Proximity-Coupled Tip-Truncated Triangular Patch Array For Land Vehicle Mobile System, Basari Basari, Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo

Makara Journal of Technology

This paper proposes a dual-band left-handed circularly polarized triangular-patch array that is developed for land vehicle mobile system aimed at mobile satellite communications. The array consists of six tip-truncated triangular patches, which the first three patches are used for reception and the second three patches are used for transmission purpose. Each of three-patches has a beam pattern that can be switched in three different 120°-coverage beam in azimuth-cut plane at a minimum targeted gain at a desired elevation angle. The targeted minimum gain of the array is 5 dBic, in order for data communications with a large geostationary satellite can …

Improvement Of Quality Of Carica Papaya L. With Clove Oil As Preservative In Edible Coating Technology, Eny Kusrini, Anwar Usman, Chrispine Deksita Wisakanti, Rita Arbianti, Dedy Alharis Nasution

Makara Journal of Technology

We have studied utilization of essential clove oil, extracted from clove buds by hydrodistillation, as preservative in edible packaging technology. Preservative of essential clove oil was applied on chopped papaya fruits by using two methods, namely spray and brush. The effects of concentration of clove oil from 0.05 to 0.20% on the preservation of papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.) at room temperature (25 °C) were also evaluated. Physicochemical and in vitro microbiological activities on the papaya fruits that were stored at 25 oC and 85-90% relative humidity were investigated in details. The results indicate that the clove oil at concentration …

Strategies For The Production Of Cell Wall-Deconstructing Enzymes In Lignocellulosic Biomass And Their Utilization For Biofuel Production, Sang-Hyuck Park, Rebecca Garlock Ong, Mariam Sticklen

Department of Chemical Engineering Publications

Microbial cell wall-deconstructing enzymes are widely used in the food, wine, pulp and paper, textile, and detergent industries and will be heavily utilized by cellulosic biorefineries in the production of fuels and chemicals. Due to their ability to use freely available solar energy, genetically engineered bioenergy crops provide an attractive alternative to microbial bioreactors for the production of cell wall-deconstructing enzymes. This review article summarizes the efforts made within the last decade on the production of cell wall-deconstructing enzymes in planta for use in the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. A number of strategies have been employed to increase enzyme yields …

Sustainability Assessment For Energy Systems And Chemical Process Industries, Michael J. Matzen

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sustainability has become an important factor in the chemical process and energy industries with a strong drive for process improvements towards more environmentally conscious solutions. However, there are many ways of defining sustainability and even more ways of trying to determine how sustainable a process is. This work looks into applying a conjunction of tools including; process simulation, multi-criteria decision matrices and life-cycle assessment to more quantitatively determine sustainability metrics. We have applied these tools for the production of electricity, methanol and dimethyl ether. A novel method of electricity production, in chemical looping combustion (CLC), was used that inherently involves …

New Visible Light Absorber For Solar Fuels : Ga(Sbx)N1-X Alloys., Swathi Sunkara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Solar energy conversion to fuels via photoelectrochemical water splitting is one of the most important technological directions toward meeting the global energy and environmental challenge. However, till date, there are no suitable semiconductor materials available that can absorb visible light, possess right kind of band edge energetics and are stable in aqueous environments. In this work, a new III-V alloy material Ga(Sbx)N1-x with dilute antimony concentration is proposed and developed for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Experimental studies were conducted first to synthesize the proposed alloy materials to understand structure-property relationships and compare them to those obtained using first principles computations. Finally, …

Simulation Of Lateral Migration And Sedimentation Of A Flexible Fiber In A Vertical Weak Shear Flow, Ali Ibrahim Neamah Neamah

Masters Theses

This research is a thorough numerical investigation and critical analysis of lateral migration of a deformable particle settling in a vertical weak shear flow. Under the vertical weak shear fluid, the deformable particle may move either to the coagulation area, or the dispersion area, depending on Reynolds numbers, shear Reynolds number, fiber flexibility, and aspect ratio. In this study, a lattice Boltzmann equation is used to solve Navier-Stokes equation and a flexible particle method is employed to attack the problem of motion of a flexible fiber. A bounce-back rule is used to deal with moving boundaries interacting with fluids. Several …

Targeted Products From Fast-Hydropyrolysis And Hydrodeoxygenation Of Biomass, Ian Tad Smith

Open Access Theses

Previously, the H2Bioil process was proposed as a possible way to convert sustainably available intact biomass into liquid fuels. The optimization of this process and possible synergies with other biomass conversion processes are presented in this thesis.

The selectivity of the PtMo hydrodeoxygenation catalyst was tuned using two different hydrogen partial pressures: 25 bar, and 2.5 bar. This effect was studied on cellulose and intact biomass samples to determine the effect that hydrogen has upon the retention of aromatic compounds found in intact biomass. These experiments show that it is possible for the hydrogenation activity of the PtMo catalyst to …

Field Amplified Sample Stacking On Amyloid Beta (1-42) Oligomers Using Capillary Electrophoresis, Sadia Ali Paracha

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

According to recent literature, it is believed that the oligomeric form of amyloid beta (Aβ) is the leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease (1; 8; 10; 12-18). Additionally, recent studies have eluded to the impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) both economically and Socially in today’s society where an increase of about 71% of AD related deaths were recorded between 2000 and 2013 (7). Since the oligomeric forms of Aβ vary in size, shape and some believe conformation, it is vital to utilize a separation technique, such as capilllary electrophoresis (CE) to further understand Aβ aggregation. By understanding Aβ aggregation, treatment of …