Engineering Commons^™

Asm And A Culture Of Sharing, Caring, And Fun In Education, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

One doesn't always equate a professional scientific society with sharing, caring, and fun, but in this age of public distrust, public engagement with science and active student learning are ways to regain trust. ASM holds a leadership position in promoting and recognizing the value of education in the future of our profession and is there to support your educational journey. From K12 outreach and public engagement, to professional development, to presenting and publishing scholarship of teaching and learning, ASM has been at the forefront of biology education. Under the leadership of visionary directors such as Amy Chang and now Irene …

Thermal Conversion Of Cotton Gin Byproducts Into Liquid Fuels And High-Value Chemicals, Emmanuel Asare

Mechanical Engineering Theses

In this study, we performed fast pyrolysis, catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP), and catalytic hydropyrolysis (CHP) of cotton gin byproducts (CGB) to investigate their conversion into hydrocarbon-rich liquid fuels and high-value aromatic chemicals. Five CGB fractions (CC1, CC2, SM, TM, and FCGB) were collected from different stages of cotton ginning operation and characterized by proximate, ultimate, and higher heating value (HHV) analysis. The feedstocks contained 41.5 44.8 wt.% carbon, 54.2–58.5 wt.% volatile matter, 6.0–15 wt.% ash, and higher heating values of 15.2–16.8 MJ kg⁻¹. All pyrolysis experiments were performed using a Pyroprobe 5200 coupled with GC-MS/FID, while catalyst loading, hydrogen pressure, …

Cadmium Biosorption By Fusarium Venenatum And Its Application In Functional Permeable Materials For Metal Removal, Bradley Lawson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Heavy metals are pollutants of increasing concern as continued industrialization and urbanization have escalated the discharge of these toxins into aquatic environments. Cadmium (Cd) is a metal of particular concern due to its acute toxicity and high mobility in aquatic ecosystems. Given these characteristics Cd poses significant health risks to both humans and aquatic ecosystems. The continued development of sustainable, low-cost remediation technology is imperative to manage metal pollution.

This research explores the use of fungal-based remediation systems to remove Cd from contaminated water. Living biomass of the filamentous fungus Fusarium venenatum was evaluated as a biosorbent material for Cd …

Experimental Thermal-Hydraulic Performance Enhancement Of A Parabolic-Trough Solar Collector Using 3d-Printed Propeller-Shaped Turbulators, Shayan Pourhemmati, Barun Kumar Das, Majid Tolouei-Rad, Abdellah Shafieian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This experimental study investigates the thermal-hydraulic performance of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) equipped with propeller-shaped turbulators, which were 3D printed and installed along the absorber tube to enhance convective heat-transfer by increasing flow mixing. Nine turbulator configurations were tested by varying the blade angle (β = 22.5° and 45°, and β = 67.5°) and the number of turbulators (Nt = 6, 12, and Nt = 18) over a Reynolds number range of 1000 to 6000. To ensure a rigorous and unbiased comparison, all experiments were conducted under identical operating conditions, including a constant inlet temperature and a constant Reynolds …

Machine Learning For Predictive Energy And Emissions Modeling Of Vehicles And Power Grids In The United States, S M Tanvir Faysal Alam Chowdhoury

Dissertations

The environmental benefits of electric vehicle (EV) adoption depend on more than replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric powertrains. EV adoption reshapes electricity demand, interacts with regional generation mixes, and influences travel behavior and congestion, creating a coupled transportation-energy system in which vehicle and power-plant emissions must be evaluated together. This dissertation develops machine-learning frameworks for predicting energy consumption and emissions from vehicles and power grids under rising EV adoption. The first component forecasts grid emissions from EV charging. Using simulation data from NREL's Cambium database, a Prophet-based time-series framework predicts carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emission rates …

Enhanced Transdermal Immunization Via Solid-In-Oil Nanodispersions Incorporating Dendritic Cell-Targeting Peptide, Md Samiul Islam, Md. Shahin Ekka Sarker, Yoshirou Kawaguchi, Rie Wakabayashi, Noriho Kamiya, Muhammad Moniruzzaman, Masahiro Goto

Publications and Research

Transdermal immunization represents a promising needle-free alternative to conventional vaccination. However, efficient antigen delivery and robust immune activation remain major challenges. In this study, a solid-in-oil (S/O) nanodispersion system comprising a dendritic cell-targeting peptide (HR8), ovalbumin (OVA), and an adjuvant was developed for transdermal immunization. The HR8 peptide along with OVA was successfully incorporated into an S/O nanodispersion with an optimal hydrodynamic diameter of particles (< 200 nm) and exhibited stable physical properties for up to 90 days. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated enhanced antigen delivery with insignificant skin irritation in C57BL/6N mice. Moreover, in vivo transdermal immunization studies demonstrated that the addition of the HR8 peptide enhanced OVA-specific IgG responses (~1.5-fold). Notably, the HR8 peptide also promoted an approximately 2.5-fold increase in IgG2c levels, suggesting a shift toward a more T helper type 1-biased immune response, as reflected by an increased IgG2c/IgG1 ratio. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the incorporation of HR8 peptide into an S/O nanodispersion enables efficient transdermal antigen delivery and improved immunogenicity, highlighting its potential as a simple, non-invasive, and patient-friendly immunization strategy.

Dynamic Reconstruction Engineering Of Anti-Corrosion Ni-Based Anodes For Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis, Yi-Gang Zhang, Wen-Wen Xu, Tian-Yu Zhang, Zhi-Yi Lu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Green hydrogen production via alkaline seawater electrolysis offers an environmentally sustainable and potentially cost-effective route to address both energy and climate challenges. Achieving long-term anode stability under complex ionic environments and industrial current densities remains a central bottleneck. Specifically, Ni-based anodes exhibit intense surface reconstruction during the oxygen evolution reaction, necessitating dynamic anti-corrosion strategies. This mini review systematically summarizes reconstruction engineering approaches to develop anti-corrosion Ni-based anodes of alkaline seawater electrolysis across increasingly complex ionic environments from simulated seawater to real seawater: (i) Cl^– dominated; (ii) Cl^– with co-existing oxyanions, and (iii) Cl^–  with co-existing Br^{– …}

Preparation And Performance Study Of In-Situ Self-Assembled Biphasic Smmn2O5-Nimn2O4 Composite Cathode, Neng-Chu Xia, Yu Zhou, Qin Wang, Jia-You Zhang, Chun Yu, Yang Zhang, Wan-Bing Guan, Jian-Xin Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Mullite-structured oxides exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity, possess a low thermal expansion coefficient due to their unique crystal structure, and can eliminate the need for a barrier layer and simplify the preparation process as they contain no alkaline earth elements. Thus, they hold great promise as novel cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells. In this work, a mullite-spinel-structured SmMn₂O₅-NiMn₂O₄ (SMO-NMO) composite cathode was one-step synthesized via a solid-liquid composite route, and its in-situ self-assembly enabled good compatibility with the electrolyte without any barrier layer. Characterization results showed that the SMO:NMO = …

In-Situ Stm Visualization Of Molecular Structural Evolution During Electrochemical Oxidation Coupling Of Para-Aminothiophenol On Au(111), Zi-Wei Ma, Tai-Rui Wu, An-Ni Zheng, Lai-Ke Chen, Yuan-Hui Xiao, Zhao-Bin Chen, Qing-Na Zheng, Jian-Zhang Zhou, Jia-Wei Yan, De-Yin Wu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Para-aminothiophenol (PATP) is not only a widely-used probe molecule in the field of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), but also an important model molecule for interfacial reactions, exhibiting distinct photo- and electro-oxidation pathways, so that PATP is selectively activated under different external fields. The evolution of products and intermediates during electrochemical oxidative coupling remains unknown. In this study, we have investigated the dynamic electrochemical oxidation process of PATP on the Au(111) surface using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical (EC)-SERS, and in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM). The results showed that PATP forms an unsaturated adsorption coverage on Au(111) in an acidic solution. …

Investigating Nanoparticle Capture By Condensed Phase Coacervates And Their Mixtures, Sanjna A. Bhakta

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

The thermoresponsive polymers elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) have served as a programmable bioseparation tool for applications in nanoparticle capture due to biocompatibility and tunable properties. This work investigates how the polymer composition of ELP and PNIPAM coacervates influences their phase behavior, structural morphology, and nanoparticle recruitment. In addition, the influence of interfacial interactions in nanoparticle recruitment using Tween 80 as a mechanistic probe was also investigated. Different mixtures of ELPs E1.40, E1.80, and E3 with PNIPAM14 and PNIPAM20 were used to characterize their phase behavior and analyze structural morphology using turbidity measurements and microscopy, respectively. Nanobead recruitment using …

Multiscale Network Modeling Of Native And Modified Photosynthetic Light-Harvesting Complexes, Zane E. Armijo

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes harvest solar energy and direct electronic excitations toward reaction centers with exceptional efficiency. This dissertation models the Fenna--Matthews--Olson complex of green sulfur bacteria, coupled to the PscA1 reaction center, as a chromophoric network. Forster resonance energy transfer theory, validated against numerically exact hierarchical equations of motion, was implemented in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to resolve fine-grained excitation-transport pathways. The predicted charge-transfer efficiency of 77\% agrees with experiment, with the FMO2 monomer and its gateway pigment governing interfacial transfer. Systematic single, multi, and symmetry-preserving site removals, interpreted through Mobius inversion, identify critical pigments and show that cooperative effects …

Impact Of Gas Interactions With Nano Porous Geological Material In The Presence Of Water Vapor, Matthew D. Powell

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Predicting gas transport in nanoporous geological material requires understanding competitive adsorption and transport under humid conditions. However, most adsorption studies rely on single-component equilibrium measurements that do not capture these effects. This dissertation develops an experimental methodology to directly quantify multicomponent gas adsorption and breakthrough behavior under controlled relative humidity. The method was first applied to the Kr/Xe–N2–H2O system, where it resolved competitive adsorption behavior in humid porous media and produced a bivariate model relating noble gas adsorption to noble gas partial pressure and water saturation. The methodology was then extended to the CO2–N2 H2O system. Results showed that water …

Prepration And Characterization Of Alginate Biocomposite Films From Natural Seaweed Containing Glycerol And Silica, Bahareh Ebrahimi Mojaveri

Master's Theses

This study focuses on the development of sodium alginate, a seaweed-derived biopolymer, as a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging films. The alginate is extracted from natural brown seaweed with a yield of 31% and is formed into alginate films by the solution casting method. This study discusses the alginate extraction and film formation techniques as well as the conditions that affect film properties. Additionally, it explores using composite formulations to enhance alginate properties through additives such as glycerol and silica. Glycerol, tested at different concentrations (15, 25, and 50 wt.%), works as a plasticizer to enhance the flexibility of …

Effect Of Concentration And Temperature Of Tio2-Al2o3 Hybrid Nanofluid On The Corrosion Rate Of Aluminum Radiator, Ratna Monasari, Rizky Maulana Ramadhan, Nike Nur Farida, Ahmad Hanif Firdaus, Supa Kusuma Aji, Yuniarto Agus Winoko, Rizkyansyah Alif Hidayatullah

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Corrosion of aluminum radiators can reduce cooling system reliability and shorten service life in automotive applications. This study examines the effect of TiO₂-Al₂O₃ hybrid nanofluid concentration and temperature on the corrosion rate of commercially available aluminum radiator material. Hybrid nanoparticles with a TiO₂-Al₂O₃ mass ratio of 50:50 were dispersed in distilled water at concentrations of 0.6 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%, and 1.0 wt.%. Corrosion behavior was evaluated using a 14-day accelerated immersion test at 60°C and 80°C, and the corrosion rate was determined using the gravimetric mass loss method. The results …

Experimental Evaluation Of Membranes In The Recovery Of Hydrogen From Serpentinization, Rafael Dos Santos

LSU Master's Theses

Natural hydrogen generated through serpentinization reactions has emerged as a promising low-carbon energy resource. However, serpentinization-derived gas streams commonly contain methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), requiring purification before hydrogen can be utilized in industrial applications. Membrane-based gas separation technologies offer a potentially cost-effective solution for hydrogen recovery; however, to the best of the author's knowledge, no previous studies have specifically investigated their application to serpentinization-derived gas streams.

This work evaluates the performance of two commercial polymeric membrane modules (Evonik and Generon) and one palladium-copper (Pd-Cu) membrane module (Okaya) for hydrogen recovery from gas compositions representative of serpentinization environments. An …

Straw As A Potential Vegetable Fibre Insulative Infill In Framed Constructions - Material Testing\Tnotereftnote1, Patrick Daly

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The construction sector faces increasing pressure to reduce embodied carbon and adopt circular material strategies, with bio-based materials offering a promising pathway. Straw-based insulation, particularly in loose-fill form, has gained traction in Europe, where several products have achieved certification under EAD 040138-01-1201. This study investigates the potential of Irish-processed straw chip as a bio-based insulative infill for framed construction by evaluating its material properties and thermal conductivity–density performance relative to European ETA-certified reference products. A programme of laboratory testing was undertaken on commercially available Irish straw samples, including material characterisation (moisture content, particle morphology, and dust content) and thermal conductivity …

Development And Characterization Of Mycelium-Based Biocomposites From Ganoderma Lucidum Using Spent Yerba Mate And Residual Sunflower Oil For Sustainable Insulation In Construction, Paula V. Alfieri, Guadalupe Canosa

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The construction industry urgently requires sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and mineral wool. Mycelium-based biocomposites offer a promising solution by valorizing agricultural waste while delivering competitive thermal and acoustic performance. In this study, developed and characterized biocomposites using Ganoderma lucidum mycelium combined with spent yerba mate and residual sunflower oil (70 g/30 mL), both commonly generated as waste in Argentine institutions. Two formulations were evaluated: high density (HD: 280 ± 5 kg/m³) and low density (LD: 185 ± 5 kg/m³). Samples were cultivated for 90 days at 28 °C and 65% relative humidity and …

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of Hemp Walls In Residential Construction In Morocco, Hicham Kaddouri, Rachida Elbarghmi, Firyal Latrache, Marwane Hammouti, Abderrahim Abidouche, Ismael Driouch

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study analyzes the energy and environmental performance of hemp-based wall solutions applied to Moroccan residential buildings by combining dynamic thermal simulation and life cycle assessment (LCA). A reference building is assessed under four representative Moroccan climates (Al Hoceima, Oujda, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate), comparing a conventional wall retrofitted with hemp plaster and a wall incorporating hemp concrete. The results show that hemp concrete significantly reduces annual heating and cooling energy demands by 20–24% depending on the climate, with heating needs decreasing by up to 40% and cooling needs by approximately 15%, particularly in hot and arid regions. The LCA reveals …

Dual-Waste Integration For Geotechnical Improvement: Silica Fume And Eggshell Ash In Kaolin Soil Stabilization, Ng Jun Shen, Muzamir Hasan, Siti Sarah Eliyun, Md. Ikramul Hoque, Mohamad Afiq Jazrin Mohamad Sidek

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study reveals the potential substitution of silica fume and eggshell ash in the technique of soil stabilization, varying across distinct proportions in the modification of geotechnical parameters. The untreated kaolinitic soil which has low soil bearing capacity in nature is frequently reflected in its mechanical instability, for instance, soil settlement and extreme compressibility. By associating the industrial and agricultural material, it is potentially to resolve the above-mentioned issues with explicit designs. A number of laboratory approaches have been implemented in the assessment of basic geotechnical properties, including grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, proctor properties, and shear strength …

Instructional Slides From Molten Salt Electrochemistry Symposium (Moses) 2026, Devin Rappleye, Carlos Mejia, Alex Peroff

Faculty Publications

This instructional slide set was developed for the 2026 Molten Salt Electrochemistry Symposium (MoSES) as an introduction and review of fundamental electrochemical concepts and methods used in molten salt systems. The material is intended for students, researchers, and practitioners seeking to better understand and interpret electrochemical measurements in high-temperature molten salts.

Topics include electrochemical thermodynamics, kinetics, mass transfer, electrode potentials, cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, square-wave voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and common approaches for analyzing electrochemical data. Emphasis is placed on building physical intuition, understanding underlying assumptions, recognizing common experimental artifacts, and connecting electrochemical signals to real chemical and transport …

Direct Measurement Of Stem Position For Gas-Lift Valves While Flowing At High Pressure, Paulo E. Reitz

LSU Master's Theses

The present work challenges the idea of estimating the gas lift valves true dynamic stem position by providing an alternative capable of tracking the real stem position during flow tests. This is of interest for the improvement of performance determination tests and procedures that involve critical safety concerns, complex training and considerable investments, both in time and money. This scenario, together with the strong interest of industry for valve optimization and the scarcity of works available in literature, encouraged this study. An apparatus named Vision System was developed for tracking and measuring the stem position during flow tests. The developed …

Upar-Guided Dendrimer Gel Nanoparticles Reprogram Inflammation To Stabilize Atherosclerotic Plaques, Hsin Yin Chuang, Huari Kou, Yue-Wern Huang, Hu Yang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Atherosclerosis is characterized by lipid deposition, chronic inflammation, and apoptosis within the arterial wall, leading to plaque progression and instability. Current lipid-lowering therapies fail to fully address residual cardiovascular risk driven by local inflammation and cell death. Here, we report the development of uPA-functionalized, rapamycin-encapsulated dendrimer nanoparticles (G5PM-uPA/RA) that preferentially accumulate in urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-enriched atherosclerotic plaque, including macrophage- and apoptosis-rich lesion microenvironments. G5PM-uPA/RA was constructed by cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation in a custom-made multi-inlet vortex mixer, followed by thiol-maleimide conjugation of uPA for uPAR-guided targeting. The nanoparticles demonstrated uniform morphology, favorable stability, and efficient rapamycin loading. In …

Vibro-Seismic Approach For Remediation Of Near-Wellbore Damage, Mounira Ahmed Abdallah

Theses and Dissertations

The research highlights the importance of vibro-seismic technology in the oil and gas industry. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate how the vibro-seismic method enhances formation properties which are porosity, and permeability. Ultimately, this will lead to improved productivity and its application to remove the wellbore damage.

The research discusses whether or not the formation properties will be enhanced by the optimized acoustic vibration formation parameters. The thesis details laboratory experiments on core plugs, and four key findings are presented. The experimental work first showed that the use of the proper and optimum parameters enhanced the porosity …

Purification And Concentration Of Model Viruses Using Single-Pass Tangential Flow Filtration, Luis Alberto Mejía-Manzano, Lynn M. Manchester, Grace Wallis, Kan Wang, Bruce Lee, Michael Betenbaugh, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

The vaccine and viral vector industry is growing at an accelerated rate. To improve harvest and purification processes, the development of continuous membrane-based operations, such as normal flow filtration (NFF) and single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) for concentration were explored. This work was conducted using two model viruses, non-enveloped porcine parvovirus (PPV) and enveloped Suid herpesvirus (SuHV). The viruses are in the same family as the gene therapy vectors adeno associated virus and herpes simplex virus, respectively. SPTFF design started with batch TFF for membrane selection. Hollow fiber membranes with a 100 and 300 kDa molecular weight cut off …

Performance Evaluation And Sustainable Benefits Of Using Metakaolin And Recycled Steel Fibers In Concrete, Lova Raju Surla, Ramprasad Naik Desavathu, Raja Murugadoss Jeyaraju

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The rapid accumulation of waste vehicle tires and the increasing demand for cement pose significant environmental challenges through land pollution and CO2 emissions. The combined use of recycled steel fibers (RSFs) recovered from waste tires and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) offers a sustainable solution to these issues. This study investigates concrete incorporating 20% fly ash (FA), varying metakaolin (MK) contents (4–16%), and RSF dosages of 0.5–1.5%. Mechanical properties (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths) and durability characteristics (sorptivity, water absorption, chloride permeability, and homogeneity) were evaluated at 7, 28, and 90 days. Results showed that the mixture containing 20% FA …

Climate-Responsive Design For Sustainable Construction: Passive Strategies In Domestic Architecture Supporting Sustainability, Nahed Chakouf

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study explores climate-responsive design in domestic architecture, focusing on the application and effectiveness of passive strategies across various climatic regions, including the UK, hot-arid, tropical, and cold climates. A qualitative comparative case study method was used to explore different passive design strategies, integration of sustainability, procurement, the coordination of stakeholders, and compliance with regulations in residential architectural projects under varying climate conditions. Drawing from a combination of historical case studies and original architectural projects, the research evaluates how spatial configuration, material selection, solar orientation, shading, ventilation, and insulation are optimized to achieve thermal comfort and energy efficiency. In temperate …

Dimpled Surfaces For Thermal Performance Enhancement In Solar Collectors, Furqan Jamil, Baig, Amna Adil, Aasia Farrukh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With escalating environmental concerns, solar energy is a feasible approach to support a sustainable environment, considering the pressing need to move away from fossil fuels. Optimizing solar collector’s efficiency improves energy capture and lowers carbon emissions. One innovative technique is to the surface of solar collectors. The heat transfer is greatly increased by adding such tiny indentations, encouraging turbulence in the incoming working fluid. The article reviews the effect of dimples on the efficiency of various collector applications, including flat plate collector, solar water heaters, solar air collectors, parabolic trough solar collectors, photovoltaic thermal systems, desalination, and many others. The …

Impact Of Capillary Imbibition On Development Of Unconventional Oilfields: A Five-Year Review, Yihang Xiao, You, Yongming He, Han Xu, Lei Wang, Yujie Yuan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The imbibition process, which is characterized by the displacement of non-wetting phase by wetting phase in porous media, plays a crucial role in enhancing oil recovery of unconventional reservoirs. However, due to the complex nature of reservoir characteristics and fluid properties, existing research on this phenomenon presents contradictory conclusions and interpretations. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts, primary mechanical factors, and critical influences in oil-water imbibition. Primary mechanisms, including capillary, viscous, gravitational, hydrostatic, inertial, capillary back, dead end, and osmotic forces, are analyzed in terms of their key roles …

Pfas Quantification Using Solid Phase Extraction And Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Spe-Nmr), Nicholas N.A. Ling, Ghasemi, Ella Shilliday, Masoumeh Zargar, Einar Fridjonsson, Michael L. Johns

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are highly resistant to biodegradation. Due to their bioaccumulation, long-term persistence, and adverse human health effects, they have been classified as organic pollutants. The leaching of PFAS into water sources has resulted in their detection in global drinking water supplies. To mitigate adverse health effects and minimise environmental damage, regulations regarding maximum allowable PFAS concentrations in water have been imposed. Traditional PFAS in water quantification methods, such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), have intrinsic limitations that pose challenges in such PFAS analysis. …

Comparative Catalytic Pyrolysis Of Wheat Straw For Enhanced Bio-Oil Production, Nourhan H. Khashaba, Noura F. Abdelsalam, Hany A. Elazab, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Thokozani Majozi, Fatma H. Ashour

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is a promising thermochemical route for producing renewable biofuels and value-added chemicals. Many African countries have abundant underutilized agricultural residues whose reuse can improve waste management while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This study used wheat straw as a representative residue to examine how two catalysts—zinc oxide (ZnO) and cement kiln dust (CKD)—affect bio-oil yield and quality. Bench-scale experiments were performed in a fixed-bed reactor under an inert nitrogen atmosphere at 500–600 °C. Each catalyst was tested separately at loadings from 0 to 7 g per 500 g of biomass to evaluate impacts on …