Digital Commons Network^™

Methods For Rotating Electrodes In High-Temperature Molten Salts, Ranon Fuller, Eloise Cluff, Edward Mercado, Carlos Mejia, Devin Rappleye

Faculty Publications

In this paper, we describe and validate a custom apparatus for performing high-speed (250-3,500 rpm) rotating electrode and dilatometer density experiments in molten salts. The reported details can aid in decreasing the difficulty and increasing the quality of such experiments. We discuss the design challenges and the solutions identified. We investigate methods for accurately measuring the solution resistance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), calculating the working electrode area using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and measuring the mass transfer-limited current of rotating electrodes using a series of chronoamperometry (CA) pulses. We further demonstrate the efficacy of our methods in producing accurate results.

Effect Of Precursors On Trimetallic Ruthenium-Based Catalysts Supported On Γ‑Al2O3 Pellets For Low-Temperature Ammonia Decomposition, Christopher J. Koch, Jennifer Naglic, Logan Kearney, Daniel Clairmonte, Binod Rai, Jochen A. Lauterbach, Lucas M. Angelette, Tyler Guin

Faculty Publications

Ammonia is a promising candidate as a liquid hydrogen energy storage medium, but it requires catalytic decomposition (ammonia cracking) to regenerate hydrogen. Recently developed trimetallic ruthenium−potassium-promoter (RuKM) ammonia decomposition catalysts have exceptionally low ammonia decomposition temperatures, able to perform the decomposition as low as 250 °C, which is significantly lower than other known catalysts that require temperatures above 500 °C. However, the effects of the RuKM precursor on the catalytic activity have not been investigated. We report the observed differences of 3% ruthenium/12% potassium/1% yttrium (RuKY) catalysts on γ-alumina synthesized from chloride-, nitrate-, and acetate-based precursors. Catalysts synthesized from chloride-based …

Selective Lithium Extraction Using Ion-Sieves From Geothermal Brine, Agyare Asante, Abigail Berardi, Jayla Standin, Elliott Walker, Ujjwal Pokharel, Sandeep Kumar

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

Lithium (Li) is a critical component in modern green energy technologies, serving as the cornerstone for advanced batteries used in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics. To address the increasing global demand for lithium, this study explores the synthesis and performance of ion-sieve novel adsorbents derived from the spinel-type precursor Li₄Mn_4.5Zr_0.5O₁₂ (LMZO). The precursor was produced using an economical solid-phase reaction that involved lithium, manganese, magnesium, and zirconium salts. This was followed by a two-stage calcination process involving 200 K for 2 hours and 450 K for 24 hours. Acid activation …

Evaluating The Potential For Reusing Process Waste Fiber, Elisha Ewing

Honors Theses

This study was born out of curiosity around the potential use of reject materials from the papermaking screening system for molded fiber product development. The team sought to explore the technical feasibility of this concept and develop a proposed design for mill implementation. The project supports the common papermaking objective of reducing fiber loss from the stock preparation process.

The project assessed first the technical feasibility through laboratory testing and trials. The team dedicated time to characterizing screen reject samples from local mills and running trials using the good fibers extracted from the samples. Molded fiber products were successfully created …

Modular Molecular Design Of Polymerized Pro-Estrogen Materials Enables Controlled Astrocyte Response, Devan L. Puhl, Alexis Ziemba, Samuel A.T. Ellman, Alex Hsu, Jayant Saksena, Penelope Phillips Falcone, Bailey Balouch, Deniz Rende, Tanner Fink, R. Helen Zha, Ryan J. Gilbert, Edmund F. Palermo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The hormone 17β-estradiol (estrogen or "E2") has demonstrated robust neuroprotective properties in countering oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity, as well as strong neurotrophic properties to promote axonal growth, following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). However, oral or injected E2 is a suboptimal drug, as systemic administration fails to achieve a therapeutic dose at the injury site, in addition to being contraindicated in most male patients. Polymerized pro-drug biomaterials can mitigate these issues by locally releasing small quantities of drug over vastly extended timescales. We sought to study the effect of the biomaterial properties of poly(pro-E2) on astrocyte-surface interactions because astrocytes …

Nanostructured Transition Metal Oxides For Electrochemical Co2 And Methane Conversion, Olumide O. Oladoyin

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Rising atmospheric CO₂ and CH₄ drive climate change, prompting research into their electrochemical conversion to valuable products. This study investigates electrodeposited nanostructured transition metal oxides (TMOs), unary (CuO, Co₃O₄) and dual (Cu-Co oxide) as catalysts for CO₂ reduction and CH₄ oxidation under ambient conditions. Fabricated on various substrates (Cu foil, SS316, carbon paper) and characterized by SEM, their electrochemical performance was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry.

Cu-Co oxide showed superior CO₂ reduction, leveraging the strengths of individual oxides. Co₃O₄ exhibited higher current densities for CH₄ oxidation, with SS316 proving the best substrate. Catalyst composition, morphology, and substrate significantly influenced efficiency. While …

Biowaste Valorization: Integrating Circular Economy Principles With Artificial Intelligence-Driven Optimization For Sustainable Energy Solutions, Dina Aboelela Dr.

Biochemical Engineering

Biowaste, encompassing food waste and agricultural residues, poses significant environmental challenges while offering transformative opportunities. Traditionally relegated to landfills or incineration, biowaste is increasingly recognized as a renewable resource for producing biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials, and animal feed. This review offers a systems-level analysis of biowaste characteristics, conversion processes, and derived bioenergy products such as biofuels, biogas, biodiesel, biohydrogen, bioelectricity, and other valuable chemicals. Diverse conversion methods are explored, including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, microbial fuel cells, pyrolysis, and gasification, alongside conventional practices like landfilling and incineration. Emerging analytical advancements are revolutionizing biowaste valorization. Artificial intelligence (AI) …

Analysis Of Pistachio Shell-Derived Activated Porous Carbon Materials For Hydrogen Adsorption, Setareh Elyasi, Nishar Hameed, Peter J. Mahon, Saulius Juodkazis, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer, Tawanda Matamba, J. Vongsvivut, Nisa V. Salim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Developing efficient storage materials is critical for advancing the hydrogen economy. In this study, we aim to utilize plant-based biomass as a sustainable source for fabricating porous carbon (PC) and subsequently employing it for hydrogen adsorption. For the first time, we synthesize highly porous carbon materials from pistachio shells as precursor materials for efficient hydrogen storage. Experiments were conducted to chemically activate pistachio shells using two different agents, sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl), at varying ratios. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these chemical activation agents in enhancing the surface area of PC and, consequently, its hydrogen adsorption …

Continuous Purification Of A Parvovirus Using Two Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction Steps, Natalie Nold, Sheridan Waldack, Grace James, Trisha Colling, Lynn M. Manchester, Taravat Sarvari, Amanda P. Bekkala, Seth Kriz, Madison Baldwin, Emily Agustin-Mazariegos, Michael J. Betenbaugh, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are a liquid–liquid extraction method that offers low-cost, continuous-adaptable virus purification. A two-step ATPS using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium citrate that recovered 66% of infectious porcine parvovirus with 2.0 logs of protein removal and 1.0 logs of DNA removal in batch has now been run continuously. The continuous system output of < 10 ng/mL DNA regardless of starting DNA titer agreed with batch studies. However, the continuous system had a five-fold higher contaminating protein titer than batch studies, likely because of incomplete mixing or settling. Turbidity was tested as a measure of mixing and settling efficiency. Monitoring in-line absorbance at 880 nm directly after mixing and before collection in the settling reservoir could track both mixing and settling during operation. Settling time was reduced by changing the settling line material from PVC to PTFE, which is more hydrophobic. A flow-through AEX filter tested to make impurity removal more robust recovered 90% of PPV and removed an additional 87% of host cell DNA. The filter did not add any additional protein removal. In the future, in-line absorbance sensors could be implemented along with conductivity sensors to measure salt concentration, refractive index sensors to track the PEG-citrate interface, and scales to track mixer and reservoir volumes to enable automated, continuous ATPS. Our vision is to integrate continuous ATPS into a fully continuous end-to-end production for viral vectors.

Aerosol Technology For Carbon Capture And Utilization, Onochie Chinedum Okonkwo

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has continued to increase over the past century and now poses an increasing potentially catastrophic effect to human life and the environment via global warming and the concomitant effect of climate change. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions due to fossil fuel combustion for increasing energy demand is the main driver for the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A multifaceted approach including carbon dioxide capture and utilization is required to mitigate anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Aerosol science and technology, an enabler for clean combustion technologies and nanomaterial synthesis, can contribute significantly to the advancement of …

Enhancing Oil Recovery With Novel Nano-Particle-Infused Surfactant Biopolymer Composite: A Comprehensive Investigation, Attia Attia, Amira Shafaay Dr., Michael Sami Alfonse Eng., George Azmi Eng., Rania Ramadan

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

The oil industry worldwide is searching for a new way to increase oil recovery. Chemical flooding has been used worldwide to improve oil recovery. In this research, the study of Enhanced Oil Recovery was carried out by using an Egyptian oil of API 42◦; the experiments were done by using Xanthan biopolymer (XG) gum with sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as a composite for the EOR process and studying the impact of different composite concentrations on oil recovery. Design Expert software was used to determine the optimum concentrations of the composite. 500 ppm concentration of graphene cobalt samarium ferrite nanoparticles (NP) …

Metabolite Analysis To Understand Factors Limiting Microbial Fermentation At High Substrate Concentrations, Bishal D. Sharma

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Clostridium thermocellum, a thermophilic anaerobic bacterium, holds promise as a biocatalyst for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels. This microbe has been subjected to various metabolic engineering strategies, including the deletion of genes encoding secondary fermentation products such as H₂, formate, acetate, and lactate, as well as the expression of heterologous genes to redirect carbon flux toward ethanol production. Despite these efforts, achieving economically viable ethanol titers remains a challenge. We hypothesized that studying how intracellular metabolite concentrations change as fermentation stops could reveal metabolic bottlenecks or regulatory mechanisms limiting ethanol production at high titers. However, metabolomics studies at …

Enhancing Co₂ Sweep And Storage Efficiency: Development And Evaluation Of A Hydrogel For Co₂ Storage And Enhanced Oil Recovery, Maryaam Sharifi Paroushi, Baojun Bai

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Assessment Of Non-Volatile Particulate Matter And Gaseous Emissions From A Premixed Pre-Vaporized Combustor Designed For Civil Supersonic Transport, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Godwin Ifeanyi Ogbuehi, Steven Achterberg, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Philip D. Whitefield

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Carrier Analysis Of Alc Lipid Nanoparticles With Lung Cancer Drug, Noah Sparks, Lei Xu, Hu Yang

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Microplastics-Resistant Fo Membranes: Zwitterionic Mof Nanoparticles For Superior Fouling Control, Mitra Golgoli, Mohadeseh Najafi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mehdi Khiadani, Michael L. Johns, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The increasing contamination of water by microplastics (MPs) underscores the need for efficient tertiary treatments such as forward osmosis (FO). Developing advanced, low-fouling membranes is essential for enhancing FO system effectiveness. This work studies an innovative modification of FO membranes by the incorporation of a synthesized hybrid nanoparticle comprising metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and sulfobetaine zwitterions into the thin layer of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes. The ZW/MOF (UiO-66-NH2), nanoparticles were synthesized using a post-synthetic free-radical copolymerization method, resulting in a uniform polymer shell around the MOF nanoparticles. The incorporation of ZW/MOF nanoparticles into the membranes enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membranes …

A High-Temperature Lithium-Aluminum Alloy/Oxygen Or Air Fuel Cell, Sarwan S. Sandhu

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper is in support of our current effort in the development of an experimental hybrid (lithium- aluminum alloy/electrolyte/oxygen or air) fuel cell for the acquisition of the experimental data required to characterize its performance behavior. The literature-based assembled formulation provided in this paper can be used to predict the cell open-circuit electric potential, lithium amount in the cell anode alloy, and g-atom ratio of lithium to aluminum in the cell anode as a function of time at any cell discharge current level. The ohmic voltage losses can also be computed in the cell cathode, anode, and two electrolytes at …

Sorption-Based Lithium Extraction From Diverse Brines Using Aluminium-Based Adsorbent, Mohsen Farrokhrouz, Mahdi Madelatparvar, Yasaman Boroumand, Amin Sarmadi, Mehdi Khiadani, Amir Razmjou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As demand and pressures to produce more lithium increases in the world in a more cost effective and environmentally sustainable, the existing proven methods such as aluminate-based adsorption should be adapted and combined with naturally heated brines to reduce cost, complexity and carbon footprint of production. In this study, an improved type of aluminate-based adsorbent was utilized to adsorb Li content of different brine sources, to show the relationship between the performance of the adsorbent and other factors in the brine. Different brine samples were synthesised from various geographical locations around the world to check the adsorption capacity of the …

Photo-Thermal Conversion Properties Of Mxene/Metal-Organic-Frameworks-Based Nanofluids For Solar Energy Harvesting, Seyedeh Zahra Haeri, Ali Dashan, Samira Sadeghi, Mitral Golgoli, Mehdi Khiadani, Bahram Ramezanzadeh, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study focuses on enhancing solar energy capture efficiency by introducing innovative hybrid nanofluids for use in solar thermal collectors, whose performance largely depends on the absorption properties of the working fluid. The newly developed hybrid nanofluids, MXene/NH2-UiO66 (Zr) (noted as MX/UO66) and MXene/MIL-88B (Fe) (noted as MX/ML88), were synthesized using an in-situ solvothermal method, combining annealed Ti3C2Tx MXenes with water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These nanofluids achieved high efficiency at low concentrations, providing both economic and performance benefits. Comprehensive testing compared the photothermal properties of these hybrids with single-component UO66 and ML88 nanofluids. The MX structures significantly expanded the absorption …

The Interplay Between Endothelial Glycocalyx Maturity And Both The Toxicity And Intracellular Uptake Of Charged Nanoparticles, Claire A. Bridges, Lu Fu, Jonathan Yeow, Xiaojing Huang, Miriam Jackson, Rhiannon P. Kuchel, James D. Sterling, Shenda M. Baker, Megan S. Lord

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticles are widely studied for delivering treatments to target tissues, but few have reached clinical use. Most nanoparticles encounter blood vessels on their way to target tissues. The inner surface of these vessels is lined with endothelial cells covered by a glycocalyx, an extracellular matrix rich in anionic glycans. The role of the glycocalyx in nanoparticle interactions is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that endothelial cells need extended culture times to synthesize a mature glycocalyx. Our research shows that branched polyethyleneimine functionalized gold nanoparticles bind to endothelial cells expressing either a developing or mature glycocalyx, with the interaction involving …

The Effects Of Snow Cover On The Dynamic Pressure Of Nuclear Detonation Blast Waves, Adam Card, Andrew W. Decker

Faculty Publications

Blast pressure is the primary military targeting metric for nuclear weapons. Any local conditions that affect blast pressure have the potential for altering nuclear plans, both from defensive and offensive standpoints. Understanding the impact of snow to the blast wave, therefore, provides a benefit both to military planners and to warfighters on the ground, for any operation occurring in arctic environments. No existing data provides a quantitative description of how snow on the ground affects a nuclear detonation blast wave passing over it. Similar blast waves passing over dust have experimentally proven to enhance blast pressure in a localized region.1 …

Ultrasonic Spray Coating Of Carbon Fibers For Composite Cathodes In Structural Batteries, Thomas Burns, Liliana Delatte, Gabriela Roman-Martinez, Kyra Glassey, Paul Ziehl, Monirosadat Sadati, Ralph E. White, Paul T. Coman

Faculty Publications

Structural batteries, also known as “massless batteries”, integrate energy storage directly into load-bearing materials, offering a transformative alternative to traditional Li-ion batteries. Unlike conventional systems that serve only as energy storage devices, structural batteries replace passive structural components, reducing overall weight while providing mechanical reinforcement. However, achieving uniform and efficient coatings of active materials on carbon fibers remains a major challenge, limiting their scalability and electrochemical performance. This study investigates ultrasonic spray coating as a precise and scalable technique for fabricating composite cathodes in structural batteries. Using a computer-controlled ultrasonic nozzle, this method ensures uniform deposition with minimal material waste …

Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of Fluidization Of Pelletized Activated Carbon Columns: Effects Of Glass Bead Retention Layer, Amin Nemati Tamar

Theses and Dissertations

In pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes there is always a desire to process as much gas as possible in the smallest beds possible. This necessarily leads to velocities that, especially during pressure-changing steps, may exceed the adsorbent particle fluidization velocity within the bed. To prevent the possibility of bed expansion and fluidization bed retention systems are usually employed at the top of the bed in the form of dense beads, bags of the same or springs, otherwise the mechanical integrity of the adsorbent might become compromised. PSA process simulation, based on Archimedes’ force balance involving weight, buoyancy and the drag …

Multiscale Modeling Techniques For Electrodynamic Systems, Hunter Teel

Theses and Dissertations

In order to rapidly develop better electromagnetic and electrochemical systems, approaching these complicated topics from multiple perspectives is necessary. The use of mathematical models and numerical simulation offers the ability to evaluate and predict the performance of these systems based off the principles of electrodynamics in an ideal setting. Through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), representative geometries of scales can be created and evaluated to provide insight into the behavior of these systems. Simulation offers a modifiable environment that can approach the relevant physics from both the microscale and macroscale. Conclusions, results, boundary conditions, or other information from …

Josephson Junctions: Fabrication And Applications For The Axion Dark Matter Experiment, Jonah M. Sachs

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

The observation of axions could revolutionize the world of physics. Through microwave frequency cavity readout of the photons associated with these axions, the ADMX project at WashU utilizes multiple different forms of the Josephson junction (JJ), a superconductive circuit element. The physics behind the JJ are essential to understanding its operation for resonant cavity readout in addition to parametric amplification. Parametric amplifiers produced using JJs can approach the signal-to-noise ratio set by quantum mechanics, and prove essential for the amplification chain used by the ADMX experiment for axionic detection. The limits of these amplifiers are set by the noise tuning …

Hybrid Renewable Multi-Generation System Optimization: Attaining Sustainable Development Goals, Md Shahriar Mohtasim, Barun K. Das, Utpol K. Paul, Md Golam Kibria, Md Sanowar Hossain

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The optimization of hybrid renewable multi-generation systems is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring sustainable power generation. These factors can be significantly affected by system designs, optimization methods, climate changes, and varying energy demands. The optimization of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that integrates various combinations of electricity, heating, cooling, hydrogen, and freshwater needs has not been reported in a single comprehensive study. Additionally, there has been insufficient attention given to the impact of temporal resolution, the recovery of excess energy usage, and aligning these efforts with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study reviews …

Performance Comparison Of Flat Sheet And Hollow Fibre Air Gap Membrane Distillation: A Mathematical And Simulation Modelling Approach, Hamed Kariman, Hussein A. Mohammed, Masoumeh Zargar, Mehdi Khiadani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Membrane Distillation (MD) systems could address current challenges related to global water demand. Among MD systems, Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) systems play crucial roles in addressing this challenge. AGMD systems can be categorized into two main structural groups: flat sheet and hollow fibre forms. It is important to study, analyse, model and compare these two systems under the same operational conditions. In this study, a detailed mathematical model of flat sheet and hollow fibre AGMD modules under the same conditions (i.e., membrane type, membrane area, porosity, and pore radius of membrane) has been introduced. The simulation of system performance …

Justification Of Permissible Discharges Of Water Users Into Water Bodies, Mariia S. Stroganova, Ivan V. Antonov, Andrey V. Epifanov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work is developing an algorithm for ecological and technological rationing of the permissible load on water bodies using geoinformation systems. The algorithm takes into account the self-purification of aquatic ecosystems using a three-component model. Initially, the article provides an overview of methods for determining the permissible discharge masses of pollutants for developing new approaches to rationing. The algorithm of ecological and technological rationing of the load on water bodies and geoinformation systems for its implementation is proposed. The main models used to assess the ecological state of an aquatic ecosystem are considered. A three-component model of …

Separation Of Fatty Acids From Horse Fat And Their Analysis, Sherzod Y. Rakhmanov, Madina O. Khamidovа, Dilshod P. Rakhimov, Rashidah Sokur, Nuriddin T. Kenjaev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A distinctive feature of horse fat from other animal fats is the presence of amino acids and keratin in its composition, which are not found in other oils, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, microelements, vitamins A, E, PP, B. The aim of this work is to separate fatty acids from horse fat and analyze them. The process of separating fatty acids included the stages of saponification with sodium hydroxide, decomposition of the resulting soaps in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. The study of the composition of the separated fatty acids by the chromatograph mass spectrometric method of analysis established …

Synthesis, Crystal Structure And Some Physicochemical Properties Of Cerium Complexes Containing Beta-Diketonate Ligands, Feruza F. Fayzullayeva, Salmon M. Mukhammadiev, Gulbeka Yu. Mamatova, Shahlo Sh. Daminova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The objective of this study is to synthesize and characterize novel Ce(III) coordination compounds utilizing the β-diketonate ligand (1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione). The structures of the resulting complexes were determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). In these complexes, the oxygen atoms of the ligand form bidentate bonds with the metal ion. The geometry surrounding the cerium ion is described as distorted square antiprismatic, influenced by the flexibility and steric hindrance of the dibenzoylmethane (dbm) ligand. Additional characterization of the newly synthesized complex was performed using IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).