Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Ambient Co2 Capture And Valorization Enabled By Tandem Electrolysis Using Solid-State Electrolyte Reactor, Yan-Bo Hua, Bao-Xin Ni, Kun Jiang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is a promising technology for addressing global energy and environmental crises. However, its practical application faces two critical challenges: the complex and energy-intensive process of separating mixed reduction products and the economic viability of the carbon sources (reactants) used. To tackle these challenges simultaneously, solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors are emerging as a promising solution. In this review, we focus on the feasibility of applying SSE for tandem electrochemical CO₂ capture and conversion. The configurations and fundamental principles of SSE reactors are first discussed, followed by an introduction to its applications in these two specific areas, …

Cyclic Combustion Pressure Dynamics Of A Diesel Engine Operating On Waste Frying Oil Biodiesel Blends Using Wavelets, Shady Elmozy, Ahmed Khaira Dr., Elshenawy Elshenawy Prof. Dr., Ali Mohamed Dr., Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr,

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper investigates the cyclic combustion pressure dynamics of a single-cylinder diesel engine burning waste frying oil biodiesel blends, employing statistical analysis and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to evaluate combustion stability. Experiments were conducted at a constant engine load (90%) and speed (1500 rpm), with in-cylinder pressure data collected over 400 consecutive cycles for conventional diesel (RD) and biodiesel blends (UB10, UB30, UB50). Results demonstrate that biodiesel blends marginally reduce average peak cylinder pressure (PP) by 0.3–3.8% while lowering PP variability, evidenced by declining coefficients of variation (COV-PP: 1.27–1.48%), attributed to biodiesel’s elevated viscosity promoting consistent fuel-air mixing. Conversely, mean …

Combustion Characteristics And Cycle-To-Cycle Variations In A Diesel Generator Fueled With Used Frying Oil Biodiesel Blends, Shady Elmozy, Ahmad Khira Dr., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper investigates the combustion characteristics and cycle-to-cycle variations in a stationary direct-injection diesel generator fueled with biodiesel derived from used frying oil (UFO) blended with conventional diesel. Used frying oil methyl ester (UFOME), referred to as UB100, was produced through a single-step alkali transesterification process and blended with diesel fuel in varying proportions (UB10, UB20, UB30, UB40, and UB50). Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel engine operating at a constant speed of 1500 rpm under five different load conditions: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%. In-cylinder pressure data from 400 consecutive cycles were analyzed to determine …

A Comprehensive Review Of Natural Gas-Diesel Dual-Fuel Engines: Efficiency, Emissions, And Engine Performance, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi Prof. Dr. Eng., Mohamed Mostafa Shafey Eng

Journal of Engineering Research

Natural gas (NG) diesel dual-fuel systems have emerged as a promising advancement in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, offering significant potential for reducing emissions, while maintaining high fuel efficiency and performance standards. This review critically examines the combustion characteristics, operational performance, emissions mitigation potential, and the engineering challenges associated with engine modifications and fuel system compatibility. Furthermore, the role of dual-fuel technology within broader global climate change mitigation strategies is explored. Extensive evidence from the literature confirms that NG-diesel dual-fuel engines can achieve substantial reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions up to 53% particulate matter (PM) by over 60%, and …

Experimental Investigation On The Effect Of Using Gasoline With Commercial Additives On Spark Ignition Engines Performance And Emissions Characteristic, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Emad Mostafa Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

Gasoline is the primary source of energy in combustion engines, despite some drawbacks, such as knocking inside the engine, incomplete combustion, and the production of high emissions. The main trend has been toward the use of chemical additives as improvers, including oxidizing additives and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Both additives have an effect on the combustion process. Oxidizing additives improve the combustion process inside the chamber by adding additional oxygen to the fuel, which helps accelerate flame propagation, such as ethanol and oleo-octane plus. On the other hand, aromatic additives are used to increase the octane number, which in turn enhances …

Investigation Of Activated Carbon From Rice Waste Using Superheated Steam, Wael Abdelmoez, Jehan Tolba, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Sherif Ahmed Kamal

Journal of Engineering Research

Activated carbon is essential in many industries and applications, especially in removing odor and color in sewage treatment plants. The most common activated carbon used is generated from coconut shells, which are difficult to obtain in many countries, especially in the Middle East, as coconut trees do not grow in the environment there; therefore, it was essential to find local alternatives from the national agricultural waste. This study presents the investigation of activated carbon from rice husks using superheated steam in a rotary kiln. The effect of thermal activation on the porosity of the activated rice husks at different temperatures …

Reduction Of Volatile Acidity Of Grape Wines By Immobilized Lipase, Azamhon Kh. Khasanov, Barno A. Abdullaeva, Xasan T. Khasanov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this work is to study the enzymatic transformation of acetic acid into ethyl acetate by immobilized lipases of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus UzLT-1 obtained on the basis of silica gel and phosphatidylethanolamine to reduce the content of volatile acids in grape wines. In the work, a preparation of lipase from the fungus Rhizopus microspores was used. Lipolytic activity was measured by photocolorimetric method using rhodamine 6G as a chromophore agent. The catalytic property of lipolytic enzymes from the fungus Rh.microsporus immobilized on the surface of silica gel coated with polyamides and modified cephalin in aqueous-alcoholic media was …

High-Frequency Impedance Spectroscopy: Measurement Reproducibility, Electromagnetic, And Ionic Effects In Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Cells, Matthew R. King, Paul T. Coman, Rafid Mollah, Md Rayhan Khan, Saranraj Karuppuswami, Taylor R. Garrick, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

Accurate high-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (HF EIS) is critical for understanding lithium-ion battery (LIB) behavior under AC perturbations, relevant to electric vehicle systems and charging infrastructure. However, measurements at high frequencies are often distorted by external electromagnetic interference, poor contact quality, and wiring artifacts. This study investigates four experimental testbench configurations for HF EIS of cylindrical LIBs, highlighting the impact of contact resistance, Faraday shielding, wire twisting, and calibration. A coupled electrochemical-electromagnetic model is developed to isolate and analyze the skin effect and frequency-dependent electrolyte conductivity. Results show that spot-welded connections, twisted and shielded wiring, and calibration within a Faraday …

3d Nano-Architected Polymer Shell Enables Reconfigurable Stabilized Blue Phase Soft Crystals, Sephideh Norouzi, Yazael R. Morales-Flores, Tadej Emersic, Jeremy Money, Otillo E. Rodriguez-Lopez, Andrew Casale, Juan J. De Pablo, Jose A. Martinez-Gonzalez, Monirosadat Sadati

Faculty Publications

Blue phases (BPs), formed through the self-assembly of chiral liquid crystal molecules into 3D nanolattices with cubic symmetries, exhibit dynamic photonic bandgaps in the visible spectrum, offering transformative opportunities for advanced optical circuits, sensing and communication technologies. However, their thermal stability is restricted to a narrow temperature range (0.5–1.0 K), limiting practical applications. Polymer stabilization of bulk BPs has extended thermal stability but often compromises the dynamic behavior essential for fast-response functionalities. Here, experimental and computational approaches are integrated to investigate the effect of curvature and interfacial interactions on BP polymer stabilization. It is demonstrated that photo-polymerization of reactive monomers …

Work In Progress: Exploring The Impact Of International Experiences On The Development Of Students’ Entrepreneurial Mindset, Olgha Bassam Qaqish, Marcia Pool, William H. Pennock, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Fahmidah Ummul Ashraf

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

International experiences, including collaborative online international learning (COIL) experiences that naturally increase accessibility, are of interest to many undergraduate students. These experiences provide educators a unique opportunity to develop a student's entrepreneurial mindset (EM). Additionally, hands-on experiences aligned with the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) grand challenge themes (Sustainability, Security, Health, and Joy of Living) support connections between the experience, disciplinary knowledge, multicultural awareness, and EM. Through this Work-in-Progress (WiP) study, we seek to answer: 1) How do international experiences influence undergraduate science and engineering students’ EM, and 2) How does the international experience modality (i.e., study abroad or COIL) …

Understanding The Effects Of Binder Dissolution Dynamics On The Chemistry And Performance Of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, Saheed A. Lateef, John Chmiola, Fabio Albano, William E. Mustain, Golareh Jalilvand

Faculty Publications

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next-generation energy storage devices due to their higher theoretical specific energy and lower cost compared to conventional Lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical implementation has been hindered by severe performance degradation during extended cycling, primarily driven by shuttling of soluble sulfur discharge products (polysulfides) between the cathode and anode leading to capacity loss. In this work, we investigate the impact of selected binders and solvents, highlighting the effect of the dissolution process of the binder in solvent, on the structural properties and electrochemical performance of sulfur cathode. It is demonstrated for a variety of binders that …

Modeling And Estimation Of Co2 Capture By Porous Liquids Through Machine Learning, Farid Amirkhani, Amir Dashti, Hossein Abedsoltan, Amir H. Mohammadi, John L. Zhou, Ali Altaee

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Porous liquids (PLs) are newly developed porous materials that combine unique fluidity with permanent porosity, which exhibit promising functionalities. They have shown ability to efficiently absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂). Experimental measurement is one approach to determining the solubility of various greenhouse gases in PLs, which has drawbacks such as being expensive and time-consuming. Hence, simulation models are valuable to predict the solubility of CO₂ in various PLs. This work aims to develop machine learning (ML) modeling methods for accurately estimating CO₂ solubility under varying conditions (e.g. PLs, temperature, pressure). Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference …

Camino—Career Advancement, Mentorship, Inspiration, And Opportunities: A Stem K-12 Outreach Initiative, Hector A. Pulgar, Francisco Zelaya-Arrazabal, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Sebastian N. Martinez Lizana

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

CAMINO is a STEM program designed to promote career advancement, provide mentorship, give inspiration, and offer opportunities for K-12 Hispanic students located in East Tennessee. As part of the educational component of an NSF CAREER grant, the program launched in 2021 and is a collaboration between a research group from the University of Tennessee and one of the high schools with the largest Hispanic populations in the Knoxville Metropolitan area. These students from minority backgrounds may limit their aspirations and may not pursue higher education and/or professional development for numerous reasons, such as limited motivation, insufficient exposure to higher education, …

Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (Eml) Micromoment Activities Generated Using Students' Experiences In A Fluid Flow And Heat Transfer Course, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Megan Morin

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (EML) Framework involves the 3 C's: curiosity, connections, and creating value. Several design courses, open-ended assignments, and laboratory experiences can successfully lead to EML implementations. However, these implementations require extensive class time and instructor feedback, limiting their use in core engineering courses. Developing EML activities that are active, engaging, and rapid to deploy in a classroom setting can promote the sustained growth of an entrepreneurial mindset (EM). EML micromoment activities are emerging as a practical tool to facilitate the incorporation of the 3 Cs through rapid activity implementations that only last 2 – 30 minutes. These …

Data-Driven Machine Learning Applications For Predictive Modeling Of Petrochemical And Ecofrendly Systems, Noora Al Mansoori

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Traditional experimental approaches in industrial processes, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and well-drilling operations, are often constrained by time, cost, and operational limitations. This research explores the application of data-driven Machine Learning (ML)-based predictive modeling to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on resource-intensive experimentation. The study develops ML models for three distinct processes: FTIR intensity prediction of bitumen thermal cracking products, thermal degradation of Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) using TGA data, and Rate of Penetration (ROP) prediction in petrochemical industry. Six algorithms: Linear Regression (LinReg), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient …

Engineering Bio-Based Poly (Ethylene Furanoate) Blends And Nanocomposites, Safa Fadl Eldin Mohamed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The growing demand for sustainable materials has directed attention toward bio-based polymers such as poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), a 100% bio-derived alternative to PET. While PEF offers excellent gas barrier and thermal properties, its limited mechanical strength restricts its use. This study explores polymer blending and nanocomposite strategies to enhance PEF’s mechanical and electrical performance.
Blending PEF with linear low-density polyethylene (PE) using reactive compatibilizers (SEBS-g-MA, PE-g-MA) significantly improved ductility and tensile toughness. Interfacial reactions between PEF and compatibilizers transformed the blend morphology, resulting in improved flexibility suitable for packaging applications.
Electrically conductive composites were developed by localizing graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) …

Quantifying Wellbore Effects During Co2 Sequestration In A Saline Aquifer, Uzoma Johnpaul Ajugwe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources like fossil-fuel-fired power stations. One method of CCS involves carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in deep saline aquifers, where supercritical CO2 is injected into an aquifer. The success of such projects depends on accurate predictions of CO2 behavior within the subsurface, which are obtained through numerical simulations.

TOUGHREACT, a renowned simulation tool, models subsurface fluid flow, geochemical interactions, and solute transport, providing insights into the feasibility of CO2 sequestration projects. A critical aspect of these simulations is the apportioning of …

Surface Acoustic Wave Energy Driven Degradation Of Aqueous-Based Methylene Blue, Xieqi Gu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the degradation behavior of methylene blue (MB) under surface acoustic wave (SAW) excitation, focusing on the effects of power, frequency, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and the use of perovskite oxide catalysts (LFO and LSF). Initial experiments showed that MB concentrations remained stable under SAW at ~10 MHz and ~30 MHz with power levels of 1–3 W in the absence of H2O2, though solution temperatures increased. Upon introducing 1 M H2O2, MB degradation followed a second-order rate constant, with degradation rates increasing with power and significantly higher at ~30 MHz, suggesting that both frequency and power enhance free …

Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation Of Biomass Model Compounds Using Ni, Co And Fe Over Hzsm-5, Dana Mohammad Salaas

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

With the exponential increase in the human population and energy demand coupled with the alarming levels of worldwide CO2 emissions and the global warming crisis, there is a shift of focus towards developing and deploying clean and renewable energy sources. Biomass is a widely available renewable energy source that offers a promising sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, especially in the case of liquid biofuels production. However, unlike fossil fuels, biomass inherently contains high oxygen content which must be reduced in the biomass-to-biofuel upgrading process in order for the biofuel to provide comparable amounts of energy per unit volume to traditional …

Removal Of Fluoroquinolones From Water Systems Employing Rice Husk Composited Sponges Via Nanoadsorption, Dalia Kanaa

Theses and Dissertations

A novel nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde (PVF) sponge loaded with green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) and referred to as (NP-PVF) was fabricated as a potential adsorbent of ciprofloxacin from water. A simple mechanical foaming process was used to synthesize the adsorbent. Rice husk extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) for its phytochemicals as reducing agents. A facile and low-energy-dependent extraction method was used that did not require the use of high-temperature annealing. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a maximum UV absorption at 347 nm, which corresponds to a 3.58 eV band gap energy. FTIR confirmed the successful …