Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Characterization Of Heterogeneous Reaction Systems By Thermal Analysis And Mathematical Modeling, Shreya Adhikari, Chuck Tillie

Undergraduate Research Posters 2012

It is anticipated that this research will lead to scale-up parameters that can be used to model a laboratory-scale deposition furnace, and guide further experimentation to advance technologies for protective and conversion coatings.

The Study Of Bone Diffusion In Canine Tibia, Mariela Gonzalez-Nieves

Undergraduate Research Posters 2012

The provision of nutrients is imperative in order to maintain healthy bone structure. Bones are composed of dense connective tissues that are consistently reforming making it difficult for simple diffusion of large signaling molecules to occur. Fully understanding the rate at which nutrients, minerals, and waste travel throughout bone could lead to solutions to problems such as bone illnesses, breaks, and integration of prosthetics in the human body. Enhanced targeted medication delivery can be established as well.

Energy Analysis Of Bio-Ethanol Dehydration Using Pervaporative Processes, Michel Elia Kahwaji Janho

Undergraduate Research Posters 2012

Environmental effects and health hazards posed by fossil-fuel based technologies complemented by changes in the global economy have increased the demand for “cleaner” and more efficient technologies. Developments in technologies that rely on renewable or synthetic resources have therefore become more relevant in today’s economy and current industrial outlook. This study focuses on a critical assessment of pervaporation as a dehydration technique in the production of ethanol from sugar-cane. Energy demands of various separation schemes using this technique are evaluated.

Defining The Role Of Ultrasound In Drug Delivery, William G. Pitt

Faculty Publications

Ultrasound is a very effective modality for drug delivery because energy that is noninvasively transmitted through the skin can be focused on a specific location and employed to release drug at that site. Most of the drug delivery techniques employ one or both of the results of ultrasonic insonation – the generation of thermal energy, called hyperthermia, or the oscillation of gas bubbles, called acoustic cavitation. Cavitation perturbs cell membrane structures via several modes and increases the permeability to drugs or other solutes. Microconvection, caused by stable cavitation, shears cell membranes. The shock waves and fluid jets of inertial cavitation …

Effects Of Thiophene Units On Substituted Benzothiadiazole And Benzodithiophene Copolymers For Photovoltaic Applications, Ping Ding, Yingping Zou, Cheng-Che Chu, Dequan Xiao, Chain-Shu Hsu

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Two conjugated copolymers, P1 and P2, comprising of benzodithiophene and 5, 6-dioctyloxy-benzothiadiazole (DOBT) derivatives with/without thiophene unit, were synthesized via Stille cross-coupling polymerization reaction. These copolymers are promising for the applications in BHJ solar cells due to their good solubilities， proper thermal stability and moderate hole mobility as well as low bandgap. The photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were investigated based on the blend of the different polymer/PC71BM weight ratio under AM1.5G illumination, 100 mW/cm2. The device with ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P2: PC71BM (1:2, w/w)/Ca/Al gave relatively better photovoltaic performance, with a power conversion efficiency of 1.55%.

Phase Transitions Of Nanoemulsions Using Ultrasound: Experimental Observations, Ram Singh, Ghaleb A. Husseini, William G. Pitt

Faculty Publications

The ultrasound-induced transformation of perfluorocarbon liquids to gases is of interest in the area of drug and gene delivery. In this study, three independent parameters (temperature, size, and perfluorocarbon species) were selected to investigate the effects of 476-kHz and 20-kHz ultrasound on nanoemulsion phase transition. Two levels of each factor (low and high) were considered at each frequency. The acoustic intensities at gas bubble formation and at the onset of inertial cavitation were recorded and subsequently correlated with the acoustic parameters. Experimental data showed that low frequencies are more effective in forming and collapsing a bubble. Additionally, as the size …

Developing Novel Prognostic Biomarkers For Multivariate Fracture Risk Prediction Algorithms, Ernest K. Poku, Mark R. Towler, Niamh M. Cummins, Jeff D. Newman

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multivariate prediction algorithms such as FRAX® and QFracture Scores provide an opportunity for new prognostic biomarkers to be developed and incorporated, potentially leading to better fracture prediction. As more research is conducted into these novel biomarkers, a number of factors need to be considered for their successful development for inclusion in these algorithms. In this review, we describe two well-known multivariate prediction algorithms for osteoporosis fracture risk applicable to the UK population, FRAX and QFracture Scores, and comment on the current prognostic tools available for fracture risk; dual X-ray assessment, quantitative ultrasonography, and genomic/biochemical markers. We also highlight the factors …

Stochastic Simulation Of Entangled Polymeric Liquids In Fast Flows: Microstructure Modification, Joontaek Park, David W. Mead, Morton M. Denn

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We have modified the full-chain stochastic tube (XDS) model developed by Xu et al. [J. Rheol. 50, 477-494 (2006)] to simulate the rheology of entangled melts and solutions of linear monodisperse polymers. The XDS model, which has a single adjustable parameter that is equivalent to the Rouse time, successfully describes steady and transient shear and normal stress data at low to moderate rates, but the results deviate systematically from experimental data at high rates. The algorithm for re-entanglement was revised, and a configuration- dependent friction coefficient (CDFC), as originally proposed by Giesekus, was incorporated to account for microstructural change of …

Design And Characterization Of Asymmetric Cross-Linked Polymer Membranes By Molecular Dynamics Modeling And Simulations, Jee-Ching Wang, Athanasios I. Liapis

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Methods Of Cellular Integration And Techniques For Improving Encapsulated Cell Viability For The Purpose Of Developing Living Materials And Cell Based Bio-Sensing Materials, Travis J. Savage

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Living materials offer the potential for detection-reporter systems based on living cells that are genetically tailored to sense target analytes with high levels of specificity and accuracy. A biotic or living material would allow the development of simple, hand held devices that could be utilized for many applications including industrial process monitoring, environmental remediation, military and defense applications and drug delivery. Many living materials have been developed and characterized but they still lack heightened and prolonged encapsulated cell viability necessary to make the material a candidate for widespread use. One particular material offers several advantages to increase yeast cell viability …

Synthesis And Electrochemical Characterization Of Li3V2(Po4)3/C Cathode Material By Ball-Milling Assisted Microwave Method, Zhi-Yuan Tang, Wen-Feng Mao, Ji Yan, Wei Yuan, Xin-He Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The cathode materials of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C were successfully synthesized by ball-milling assisted microwave method and the microwave irradiation time was also optimized. It is found that the Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C material obtained at a microwave power of 640 W for 18 min showed the best electrochemical performance with the initial reversible capacity of 101.3 mAh·g^-1 and the remained 100.8 mAh·g^-1 at 5C rate after 300 cycles. This excellent electrochemical capability may be resulted from good crystallinity, smaller and uniform particle size of the material, showing …

Synthesis And Electrochemical Properties Of High-Capacity Cathode Material 0.08lico0.75Al0.25O2-0.92linio2, Ru-Ying Wang, Tian Qiu, Chong Mao, Wen-Sheng Yang

Journal of Electrochemistry

CoAl-LDH or Co(OH)₂ coated spherical Ni(OH)₂ precursors were obtained via a co-precipitation method at a constant pH. The mixtures of the precursors and LiOH·H₂O were annealed at high temperature in O₂ atmosphere, and then the cathode materials of 0.08LiCo_0.75Al_0.25O₂-0.92LiNiO₂, 0.08LiCoO₂-0.92LiNiO₂ and LiNiO₂ were synthesized. Effects of the coating layer were also studied. The results showed that the 0.08LiCo_0.75Al_0.25O₂-0.92LiNiO₂ material possessed the best rate and cycle life performance. The discharging capacities at 0.1C, 0.5C and 3C were …

Electrochemical Performances Of Layered Polypyrrole/Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites As Supercapacitor Electrodes, Si-Zhe Xu, Xue-Jiao Zhou, Kun Wu, Yong-Qiang Yang, Hai-Xia Wu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Nanocomposites of polypyrrole (Ppy) and chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO), Ppy/CRGO, have been fabricated through in-situ polymerization of pyrrole on graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The as-synthesized Ppy/CRGO composites were characterized complementarily using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). By controlling the initial ratio of the GO to pyrrole, the layered composites could be obtained and their thickness could be tuned properly. The Ppy/CRGO electrodes were prepared using a mechanical compressing technique and their electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties were characterized systematically. We demonstrated that as electrodes for supercapacitor, the Ppy/CRGO composites with Ppy …

Electrocatalytic Activities Of Mb/Aunps/Mwnts/Gc Electrode For Hydrogen Peroxide Reduction, Zheng-Juan Huang, Hua-Ping Peng, Dai-Jun Cha, Ai-Lin Liu, Wei Chen, Xin-Hua Lin, Yong-Ji You

Journal of Electrochemistry

A novel matrix, multiwalled carbon nanotubes supported Au nanoparticles composite nanomaterial (AuNPs/MWNTs), for immobilization of protein and biosensing was designed using a simple and effective one-step in situ synthesis route. Using myoglobin (Mb) as a model, the direct electrochemistry of the immobilized proteins on the AuNPs/MWNTs composite was studied. The results showed that the AuNPs/MWNTs composite can maintain the bioactivity and facilitate the direct electrochemistry of Mb in the Mb/AuNPs/MWNTs/GC electrode. Based on the direct electron transfer of the immobilized Mb, the protein electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of H₂O₂ with a linear range …

The Role Of Transport Phenomena In The Direct Oxidation Of Solid Fuels, Charles J. Banas

Master's Theses

Direct carbon fuel cells have shown promise for stationary power generation by utilizing the direct oxidation of a solid carbon fuel source at the anode. In laboratory settings, researchers have reported up to 300mA/cm2 of current density from these cells types which suffer from mass transport losses. This paper studies the surface properties of the solid fuel source, and describes the process of CO2 evolution through an analogy to pool boiling. In nucleate boiling (a subset of pool boiling) vapor bubbles grow from nucleation sites where gas are trapped in micro-cavities on the surface. Carbon surfaces possess these same features, …

Mineralization Potential Of Electrospun Pdo-Hydroxyapatite-Fibrinogen Blended Scaffolds, Isaac A. Rodriguez, Parthasarathy A. Madurantakam, Jennifer M. Mccool, Scott A. Sell, Hu Yang, Peter C. Moon, Gary L. Bowlin

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The current bone autograft procedure for cleft palate repair presents several disadvantages such as limited availability, additional invasive surgery, and donor site morbidity. The present preliminary study evaluates the mineralization potential of electrospun polydioxanone:nano-hydroxyapatite: fibrinogen (PDO: nHA: Fg) blended scaffolds in different simulated body fluids (SBF). Scaffolds were fabricated by blending PDO: nHA: Fg in the following percent by weight ratios: 100: 0: 0, 50: 25: 25, 50: 50: 0, 50: 0: 50, 0: 0: 100, and 0: 50: 50. Samples were immersed in (conventional (c), revised (r), ionic (i), and modified (m)) SBF for 5 and 14 days to …

Development Of A Method To Study Thromboembolism By Direct Observation In Blood-Contacting Microsystems Using High-Definition Video Microscopy, Yong Min Kim

Theses and Dissertations

A unique and novel method to study thromboembolism by direct observation was developed. High-definition videos of thrombus formation and embolization were successfully obtained in miniature flow cells using in-vitro, non-invasive, real-time techniques. Critical parameters of thromboembolism such as thrombus growth rate, thrombus growth direction, shear force on the thrombus at embolization, and adhesion strength of the thrombus to the foreign surface were determined. Thrombus growth was found predominantly in two locations: 1) in the flow recirculation zone just after the trailing edge of the small tubes (53%) and 2) at the leading edge of the small tubes (47%). In the …

Novel Iron Catalyst And Fixed-Bed Reactor Model For The Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Kyle Martin Brunner

Theses and Dissertations

This work investigates a novel iron Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst preparation and describes the development of a trickle fixed-bed recycle reactor model (TFBRRM) for the FT synthesis applicable to both iron and cobalt catalysts. The iron catalyst preparation was developed using a novel solvent deficient precipitation reaction. Fifteen Fe/Cu/K/SiO2 catalysts were prepared to investigate key preparation variables including timing of promoter addition, washing or not washing after precipitation, and drying temperature. Adding promoters to starting materials before precipitation (1S) gives more uniform promoter distributions which gives higher water-gas shift activity and lower methane selectivity. Unwashed catalysts have smaller average pore and …

Schmidtea Mediterranea Planaris As A Novel Animal Model For Investigating The Dynamics Of Nervous System Development In Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Jesse Lowe

Theses and Dissertations

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a prevalent developmental disease that is caused by excess in utero exposure to ethanol. The importance of timing and dosage of ethanol has been elucidated by previous investigations conducted with humans, rodents, and other model organisms, but challenges associated with determining functional deficiencies have necessitated the introduction of a novel animal model for investigating the dynamics of FASD. In this thesis, we propose that the freshwater flatworm planarian species, Schmidtea mediterranea, has the capability to fulfill this need. Planaria have the ability to completely regenerate fragments into intact, functional animals, and in these studies, …

Understanding Noble Metal Addition In Cobalt Fischer Tropsch Catalysts, Kari Marie Cook

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of noble metal (NM) promotion and deposition order (co-deposition of NM with the final Co deposition [co-dep] or sequential deposition of NM after Co deposition [seq-dep]) on surface area, pore size, metal retention, crystallite size, noble metal distribution and bonding in Co Fischer Tropsch (FT) catalysts were studied as were the resulting Co reducibility and Fischer Tropsch activity/selectivity properties. Catalysts containing nominally 25wt% Co with either 0.3 wt% Ru, 0.58 wt% Pt, 0.55wt% Re, or no NM on a La-stabilized-Al2O3 support were prepared by wet deposition. The Co, Pt, and Re were uniformly dispersed, but Ru distribution and …

Polymers For Delivering A Substance Into A Cell, Kaushal Rege, Ravindra S. Kane, Steven M. Cramer, Sutapa Barua

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Disclosed herein are polymers that can be made cationic and used to deliver a substance into a cell. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polymers and methods of using the polymers.

Functionalization Of Gold Nanoparticles (Gnpss) Using The Isolate, Functionalize, And Release (Isofure) Methodology, David Spencer, Hariharasudhan D. Chirra, J. Zach Hilt

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Biocomaptibility Analysis And Cancer Therapy Applications Of Core-Shell Composite Magnetic Nanoparticles, Anastasia Kruse, Robert J. Wydra, J. Zach Hilt, Kimberly W. Anderson

Kaleidoscope

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Spillover Effect To Enhance Hydrogen Storage, Sarah C. Corrigan, Lin Simpson, Thomas Gennett

STAR Program Research Presentations

Hydrogen is an attractive energy option because of its low
environmental impact, but a critical problem is its low energy
density, which makes it difficult to store. For example, the US
Department of Energy (DOE) hydrogen plan for fuel cell powered
vehicles requires a gravimetric density of 6.5 wt%. There are several
existing hydrogen storage methods, including compressed gas,
liquefaction, metal hydrides, and physisorption, but at present, none
of these technologies comes close to achieving the targets set by the
DOE. Although chemical storage methods have been claimed to be the
most promising hydrogen storage technology, and activated carbons the …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Thermomechanically Processed Sulfur And Boron Doped Amorphous Carbon Films, Lonnie Carlson

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

Small scale, high power density, reliable, and long-life power supplies would be useful or even critical for space missions or the growing number of microdetectors, microsensors, and miniature vehicles. Alpha or beta particle voltaic devices could satisfy these requirements but have been shown to degrade quickly due to radiation damage. Amorphous carbon (a-C) PN junctions or PIN devices could provide radiation hardness and sufficiently high efficiency. As the range of alpha and beta particles in a-C is ~20-120μm, much thicker films than are typical are needed to maximize collection of the particle energy.

In this work, the fabrication of thermomechanically …

Did Mineral Surface Chemistry And Toxicity Contribute To Evolution Of Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances?, Jie Xu, Jay M. Campbell, Nianli Zhang, William J. Hickey, Nita Sahai

College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

Modern ecological niches are teeming with an astonishing diversity of microbial life in biofilms closely associated with mineral surfaces, which highlights the remarkable success of microorganisms in conquering the challenges and capitalizing on the benefits presented by the mineral-water interface. Biofilm formation capability likely evolved on early Earth because biofilms provide crucial cell survival functions. The potential toxicity of mineral surfaces toward cells and the complexities of the mineral-water-cell interface in determining the toxicity mechanisms, however, have not been fully appreciated. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which form biofilms in shielding cells against …

Fabrication Of Printed Substrate For Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Ali Eshkeiti

Masters Theses

A novel surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate was successfully fabricated on a silicon wafer using inkjet printing and on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using gravure printing. Silver (Ag) nanoparticle (NP) based ink, was used for roughening of the surface of silicon and PET. A thickness of 400 nm was measured for the printed Ag NP printed film on silicon and the thickness of the single and double layered films on PET were measured as 340 nm and 680 nm, respectively by using vertical scanning interferometry. The Ag NP printed SERS substrate was tested for application with heavy metal compounds like …

Characterization And Quantification Of Monomers, Oligomers, And By-Products From Xylan During Biomass Pretreatment, Ching-Shuan Lau

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Biomass pretreatment generates inhibitory products, which reduce the overall yield of xylose for ethanol production. Understanding of hemicellulose depolymerization into xylose is essential to identify the pretreatment conditions that maximize xylose formation, but minimize the generation of these inhibitory products, such as formic acid and furfural. Thus, the goal of this project is to understand how dilute acid pretreatment parameters affect hemicellulose depolymerization, maximize xylose concentrations, and minimize by-products formation.

To progress towards this goal, rates and mechanisms of hemicellulose release must be determined. Birchwood xylan was used as the starting material to produce xylose oligomers. The hydrolyzed birchwood xylan …

An Experimental Study On Thermal Stability Of Biodiesel Fuel, Yiying Zhu

Biomedical and Chemical Engineering – Theses

Biodiesel fuel, as renewable energy, has been used in conventional diesel engines in pure form or as biodiesel/diesel blends for many years. However, thermal stability of biodiesel and biodiesel/diesel blends has been minimally explored. Aimed to shorten this gap, thermal stability of biodiesel is investigated at high temperatures.

In this study, batch thermal stressing experiments of biodiesel fuel were performed in stainless steel coils at specific temperature and residence time range from 250 to 425 °C and 3 to 63 minutes, respectively.

Evidence of different pathways of biodiesel fuel degradation is demonstrated chromatographically. It was found that biodiesel was stable …

En Route Towards Α-Benzotriazoyl Nitroso Derivatives, Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu, Lucas K. Beagle, Judit K. Beagle, Matthias Zeller, Christian V. Stevens, Alan R. Katritzky

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A new class of geminally-substituted nitroso compounds, i.e., α-benzotriazoyl nitroso derivatives, is presented. These compounds display a rather different behavior than other related nitroso compounds bearing a geminal electron-withdrawing group. An unexpected and spontaneous oxidation to the nitro analog is observed in solution.