Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Sulfurized Serpentine And Perovskite Assisted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites For Photocatalytic Green Hydrogen Production, Yahia Alanizan

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Green hydrogen production has received great attention in recent years as a solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions resulted by burning fossil fuels. This thesis focuses on development of photocatalytic water splitting green hydrogen production under visible light irradiation of g-C3N4 based sulfurized naturally occurring serpentine rock and oxysulfide perovskite nanocomposites. This work reveals the effect of partial sulfurization of co-catalysts to boost charge generation, charge transfer, and light absorption. The presented work determined the potential of sulfurizing naturally occurring rocks and minerals acting as support and enhanced co-catalysts that exhibit narrower band gaps, with sulfur rich sites for visible …

Fluorosilane-Induced Softening And Collapse Of Micropillar Arrays, Gabriela Moreira Lana, Maja Fehlberg, Petra Herbeck-Engel, Gisela Heppe, Raimund Schlüßler, Torsten Jähnke, Eduard Arzt, Roland Bennewitz

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Replica molding is a widely used technique for the fabrication of polymer microstructures. As structural dimensions decrease, anti-stick surface treatment of the mold becomes increasingly critical to ensure clean demolding and preserve structural integrity. We fabricated arrays of micropillars with 20 µm diameter and 60 µm height using medical-grade polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), MDX4-4210, and observed a high fraction of collapsed pillars for the first molding after fluorosilanization of the mold to reduce sticking. To address this issue, we systematically investigated the surface treatment protocol for the molds, made from the PDMS Sylgard 184. We provide results from complementary measurement methods, to …

Development Of A Digestion Procedure Using Fe2+ Ions For Electrochemical Detection Of Mno2 Particles In Drinking Water, Kayla Elliott, Sarah Jane Payne, Zhe She

Journal of Electrochemistry

Developing methods for detection contaminants in drinking water is essential to ensuring that safe and acceptable quality drinking water is delivered to consumers. While manganese (Mn) was previously known only as a mere aesthetic issue, recent epidemiological data has shown to have negative neurological effects on humans, especially on children, prompting new health-based guidelines by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. In drinking water, Mn exists predominantly as Mn(II) and Mn(IV), and is regulated based on total Mn levels. Interestingly, measurement of Mn particulate using electroanalytical methods has not yet been reported in the literature. Herein, a digestion procedure …

Biocompatible And Antibacterial Pcl-Tio2@Ag/Γ-Cd Mof Nanocomposite Coating For Corrosion Resistance Of Magnesium Alloy In Simulated Body Fluid, Sara Dehghan-Chenar, Hamid R. Zare, Zahra Mohammadpour, Maryam Sadat Mirbagheri-Firoozabad

Journal of Electrochemistry

Magnesium alloys are promising candidates for bio-implant applications due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, their rapid corrosion remains a critical limitation. This study presents the development of a multifunctional nanocomposite coating designed to enhance the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloy implants. The coating comprised γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD MOFs) decorated with TiO₂@Ag core-shell nanoparticles, embedded in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. Immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed an initially higher corrosion rate for the PCL-TiO₂@Ag/γ-CD MOF coating compared to the coating without TiO₂@Ag nanoparticles; however, it demonstrated significant …

Thermo-Chemical Recycling Of Waste Plastics Containing Halogenated Polymers (Br−, Cl−, F−) Using Potential Additives, Mohamed Shafi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Plastic waste handling is a daunting task due to the presence of halogenated polymers, specifically those cluttered with bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl), and fluorine (F). Halogenated plastics can be mixed with other polymers in the general plastic waste, particularly in the recycling stream. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are mainly present in e-waste and from the use of flame retardants in household items, textiles, and furniture. Plastics from discarded electronics often contain significant levels of bromine and chlorine, predominantly from flame retardants and plasticizers. Being the most deployed thermoplastic worldwide, waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) generation is expected to increase by about …

Predicting Simulation Times For Multiphase Thermal-Hydraulic Models, Andrew Yule, Andrew Taylor

SMU Data Science Review

Addressing the challenge of computationally intensive OLGA

simulations in the oil and gas industry, a machine learning framework is

developed for accurate runtime prediction. A specialized feature extraction

pipeline identifies key parameters—such as simulation time, time step,

number of branches, and section count—from OLGA input files that serve as

high-impact predictors. Multiple predictive models, including regression,

tree-based ensembles, and neural networks, are implemented to validate

accuracy and robustness. Results reveal that prioritizing simulations based on

predicted runtimes optimizes licensing resources and reduces operational

costs, making real-time scheduling more efficient. This research demonstrates

the effectiveness of data-driven runtime prediction in enhancing …

Development Of Composite Membranes And Nanofluid Absorbents Incorporating Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles For Enhanced Co₂ Absorption In Gas–Liquid Membrane Contactors, Riya Ahammed Labeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Natural gas sweetening demands the efficient removal of CO₂ to enhance heating value and prevent equipment corrosion. Gas–liquid membrane contactors (GLMCs) have garnered attention as promising solutions to traditional separation methods due to their modularity, high interfacial area, and energy efficiency. Nonetheless, they suffer from some serious challenges such as membrane wetting, while absorbents either exhibit low absorption capacity or high energy demands and corrosion. This work addresses these limitations through two complementary strategies. In the first, ZnO nanoparticles were hydrophobically functionalised and incorporated into polymer matrices to fabricate composite membranes with superior hydrophobicity and reduced pore wetting. In the …

A Novel Drug-Loaded Injectable Hydrogel System Using Oxidized Inulin And Pluronic F-127 With Β-Cyclodextrin Nanocrystals For Ocular Defect Treatment, Salama Al Dhaheri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The human eyes have the most complex and advanced defence mechanisms. Due to this barrier, efficient treatment of ocular disorders is always a crucial issue, especially while treating the posterior segment of the eyes. Most of the diseases occurring in the posterior segment of the eyes include age-related macular degeneration, retinitis, diabetic retinopathy and uveitis. Topical and systemic administration of drugs, intravitreal injection, and insertion of non-biodegradable implants are several different approaches employed to treat ocular diseases. These methods have shown promising results in treating age-related macular degeneration but require higher dosage and multiple administration of the drug to the …

Bioactive Membrane System For Efficient Emerging Pollutants Treatment, Ayat El Telib El Tayeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Emerging pollutants (EPs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are increasingly detected in municipal wastewater due to household discharge and improper industrial disposal. Their persistence and ecological risks pose major challenges to conventional treatment technologies. Among advanced options, membrane filtration, particularly microfiltration and ultrafiltration, has gained prominence for its efficiency and scalability. However, membrane fouling, especially biological and chemical fouling, remains a critical barrier, accounting for nearly half of total energy consumption and requiring frequent use of harsh chemical cleaning agents that further burden the environment.

This PhD research addresses these challenges by developing and evaluating hybrid bioactive enzyme-active …

Synergistic Doping And Coating Strategy For Boosting Na0.7mno2 Cathode Performance In Sodium-Ion Batteries, Ahmad Helaley, Han Yu, Manashi Nath, Xinhua Liang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advancing sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology requires novel approaches to optimize cathode materials for improved electrochemical performance. In this study, we employ atomic layer deposition (ALD) to precisely modify the surface of P2-type Na_0.7MnO₂ cathodes with different coating materials including ZnO, NiO, and Al₂O₃, followed by post-annealing at 750°C for 10 hours. The strategic combination of ALD and thermal treatment can achieve thin film coating on particle surface and promote element doping into the near-surface lattice, as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis. The incorporation of Zn, Al, and Ni results in …

Optimization Of Bioethanol From Plantain Peel Using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Akinjide A. Akinola, Olawole O. Olanipekun, Paul A. David

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This research aimed to evaluate the potential of using plantain peels as a raw material for producing bioethanol with the help of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The study utilized a four-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the fermentation conditions. The factors considered for optimization were substrate concentration (1-4 g), pH (5-7), temperature (30-45°C), and fermentation time (24-96 hours). Through this optimization process, the study found that the optimal conditions for bioethanol production were 4 g substrate concentration, pH 6, 45°C temperature, and 60 hours of fermentation time. Utilizing these optimal conditions resulted in a bioethanol yield of …

Core-Scale Study Of Miscible Co2 Foam–Oil Interactions, Kuvonchbek Abdirakhmonov

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Foam is currently the most effective means for gas mobility control in a variety of geo-energy applications (Rossen et al., 2020), including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and aquifer/soil remediation. This study investigates the mobility control of miscible CO2 foam in the presence of oil for CCUS. The primary objective is to quantify the impact of oil on CO2 foam behavior under miscible conditions, specifically examining foam stability, strength, and flow regimes as influenced by oil composition and reservoir permeability. While most oils destabilize foam, few studies explore the coarsening mechanisms of CO2 foam in …

Investigation Of Electrochemical Corrosion Fatigue Mitigation Strategies For Mild Carbon Steel, Joel Andrew Hudson

Doctoral Dissertations

Corrosion fatigue remains a critical durability challenge for steels used in boiler tubes and other safety-critical components, where the interaction of cyclic stresses and corrosive environments accelerates material degradation. This dissertation comprises three experimental studies aimed at advancing mitigation strategies and test methodologies: (1) enhancing corrosion resistance through electrodeposited Fe-Ni anodic coatings, (2) inducing synthetic crack closure to suppress fatigue crack growth, and (3) developing an accessible, low-cost, automated testing system to investigate environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) under controlled laboratory conditions. The first study examined the corrosion behavior of Fe and Fe-Ni electrodeposits synthesized from sulfate-based baths and applied to …

Njit Stem For Success Report, Riya R. Kapadia

STEM Month

Airborne viruses are the leading causes of disease and even death in public settings. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 768 million cases. Air filters improve air quality and remove airborne pathogens that detrimentally affect health. However, current antiviral air filters such as HEPA filters and face masks are impractical for hospital and public settings. Electrically conductive air filters are favorable for antiviral air purification, as they are inexpensive and energy-efficient. Among electrically conductive air filters, laser-induced graphene-based electrified air filters are a promising technology, but they require a voltage greater than 20 V to inactivate the virus. …

Enhancing The Energy Efficiency Of Co2-Rich Amine Solution Regeneration Through Innovative Catalyst And Advanced Membrane Module System, Muhammad Waseem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Global warming, which is mostly caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is rapidly becoming a serious issue. Prospective technology for capturing CO2 from point source pollution has recently received a lot of interest. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), particularly through amine-based absorption methods, is one of the most developed industrial processes for capturing anthropogenic and natural CO2. Although amine-based absorption remains the most mature technology for industrial CO2 capture, yet its largescale deployment is hindered by the high energy requirement of solvent regeneration. To address this challenge, we explored both catalytic and membrane-assisted approaches to improve the efficiency of CO2 desorption …

Novel Electroactive Polymer Actuators Using All-Polyelectrolyte Poly(Ionic Liquid) Ionogels, Kayla Foley, Iwei Chu, Keisha B. Walters

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Poly(ionic liquid)-based ionogels are excellent all-poly(electrolyte) candidates for electroactive actuation applications, but investigation of their actuation behavior and ionogel properties has largely been limited to styrenic block copolymers. In this work, ionogels were prepared from a novel poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) block copolymer, poly[(2-dimethyl amino) ethyl methacrylate)]-block-poly[4-vinylbenzyl-3-butyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide] (PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf(2)N) combined with an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C(4)C(1)ImBF(4)), at weight percentages between 0 to 40 wt%. Under a low applied voltage (4 V DC) microscale actuation was achieved for films prepared from the neat PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf(2)N block copolymer, as well as its corresponding 10 wt% ionogel; this result critically expands the …

Elucidating The Effects Of Water Activity On The Hydration Kinetics And Thermodynamics Of Ye’Elimite–Calcium Sulfate Hydrate Systems, Godwin I. Ogbuehi, Rupack R. Halder, Aditya Kumar, Gaurav Sant, Monday U. Okoronkwo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Relative humidity and water activity (aH) reductions have been known to suppress the hydration of anhydrous cement clinker phases. However, the relationship between ye'elimite (C4A3$) hydration kinetics and water activity remain unclear. This study employs experimental and thermodynamic modeling approaches to investigate the influence of water activity on ye'elimite hydration in the "C4A3$ + water", and "C4A3$ + gypsum + water" systems. Experimental findings indicate that as water activity decreases, C4A3$ hydration diminishes until the reaction is brought to a halt at a threshold aH. The critical aHand corresponding solubility constant of C4A3$ (KC4A3S¯) estimated from thermodynamic analysis are 0.46 …

The Science And Economics Of 3d-Printed Filament Recycling, Michael Domingo, Dane Freund, John Mcswiggin, Adam Meadows

Sustainability Conference

In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill …

Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study, M. E. Belgacem, N. Rabahi-Touloum, R. Neves, Y. Ouldkhaoua

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on …

A Comprehensive Overview Of Chronic Wound Infections And Current Treatment Methods, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chronic wound infections pose significant healthcare challenges due to persistent biofilms, antibiotic resistance, and impaired healing pathways. These wounds are characterized by prolonged inflammation, microbial colonization, and disrupted tissue regeneration, leading to substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. This article reviews current knowledge on chronic wound types, their pathophysiology, and the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation to examine the latest advancements in antimicrobial-based strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. It highlights how diverse materials and technologies have been engineered to improve infection management, enhance tissue regeneration, and overcome the limitations of traditional treatments as well as advances that leverage innovations such as …

Analysis Of Modern Research In The Field Of Automation And Digitalization Of The Dairy Industry, N.A Kabulov, U.K. Sabirov, A.K. Oqilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article presents a systematic analysis of modern research aimed at the advancement of automation and digitalization technologies in the dairy industry, with particular emphasis on the processes of product sorting and quality control. The main directions of digital solution implementation are examined, including the use of robotic sorting lines, computer vision systems, spectral analysis sensors, and artificial intelligence tools for the automatic verification of product compliance with established standards. A comparative analysis of existing approaches to the implementation of intelligent control systems within the technological cycle — from raw material intake to packaging and finished product logistics — is …

Physicochemical Analysis Of Carbon-Containing Materials Obtained From Vulcanized Rubber Waste And Their Application As Filler Pigments, N.S. Baxranova, Sh.T. Jurayev, D.R. Muminova, Jurayev Shohruh Tulqinovich

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article presents the results of chemical and scanning electron microscopic analyses of the solid fraction of carbon-containing materials obtained through thermo-oxidative pyrolysis of vulcanized rubber waste. Elemental analysis of the solid product formed during high-temperature pyrolysis of rubber-technical products at 650–700 °C is provided. In addition, the potential use of the carbonaceous material as a pigment is examined. Raman spectroscopic analysis of worn automobile tires showed that their composition consists of approximately 80 wt.% C, 7 wt.% H, 0.4 wt.% N, 1.5 wt.% S, 3 wt.% O, and 8 wt.% inorganic substances.

Analysis Of A Cloud-Based Robot Motion Planning System, Yusif Mardanzade, Latafat Abbas Gardashova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

As a result of the integration of cloud computing technologies into the field of robotics, the concept of "cloud robotics" has emerged. Unlike traditional robots, cloud-based robot systems remove computation, memory, and even some software from the local device and rely on remote resources obtained over the network. This approach ensures that robots are not limited only by their internal computing capabilities and allows them to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by the cloud infrastructure. As a result, robots have access to large databases, highly parallel computing, and collective learning capabilities anytime and anywhere. In addition, …

Intelligent Decision-Making Systems In Smart Greenhouses, Muso Berdiyor Ugli Allanov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Smart greenhouses offer a solution to sustainable food production under climate uncertainty, yet their management often depends on fixed rules or human intuition. This study proposes an intelligent decision-making framework that integrates optimization, simulation, and a neural set into a self-learning system. By generating “conditionally real data” through simulation and evolutionary algorithms, the system can predict microclimatic changes and optimize control of water, energy, and nutrients. Continuous digital feedback enables adaptive, data-efficient operation even with limited real data. Experimental results demonstrate reduced resource use and improved yield stability, advancing the development of autonomous and resilient greenhouse ecosystems.

Few-Layered Conductive Graphene Foams For Electrical Transdifferentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Schwann Cell-Like Phenotypes, Ekin G. Simsar, Peifu Cheng, Tugce Dogruel, Maxsam Donta, Juhyung Jung, Naomi A. Asante, Donald S. Sakaguchi, Surya K. Mallapragada, Piran R. Kidambi, Metin Uz

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigates the potential of few-layered conductive graphene foams as 3D platforms for the electrical transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into Schwann cell (SC)-like phenotypes for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) treatment. The 3D graphene foams (3D-GF) are cytocompatible with MSCs and created a favorable microenvironment for the cells to attach, grow, proliferate, and transdifferentiate. We demonstrated that MSCs cultured within 3D-GF can be transdifferentiated into SC-like phenotypes using the synergistic effects of electrical stimulation and 3D porous and conductive structure. Our immunocytochemistry and gene expression analyses showed the expression of Schwann cell markers and enhanced secretion of growth …

The Use Of Diagnostic And Restructuring Methods To Build Reliable Management Systems, Khurshid Salim Ugli Turayev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article is devoted to the applied analysis of diagnostic and restructuring methods aimed at ensuring the reliability of control systems in the event of failures. The paper considers practical implementations of diagnostic and control algorithms using a servo drive setup as an example. The results of experiments are presented, demonstrating the system's behavior under various fault conditions. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the proposed solutions is carried out in terms of stability and operational accuracy. The obtained data confirm the feasibility of using adaptive control structures to increase the fault tolerance of technical systems. The article concludes …

Modern Significance And Development Trends In The Production Of Vegetable Oils, Umidjon Ruziev, F.O. Qosimov, M.K. Shodiev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article provides a comprehensive analytical review of the current state of the global vegetable oil production market. It describes the diversity of raw materials supplied, which includes both traditional and emerging fat sources. The paper also describes the technological stages of production, emphasizing modern innovations that contribute to more efficient, high-quality, and safe production. The article also covers global trends by comparing production dynamics between countries, highlighting regions with the highest rates of production growth and explaining the reasons for their competitive advantages. Particular attention is paid to environmental and socio-economic aspects, including sustainable land use, certification, carbon footprint, …

Investigation Of The Fuel Combustion Process In Gas-Fired Furnaces For Automation Systems, N.R. Yusupbekov, Sh.M. Gulyamov, A.T. Rajabov, U.U. Kholmanov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The regularities of the combustion process of gaseous fuel in chamber furnaces are described. This process represents a homogeneous reaction in which there is no distinct boundary surface between the fuel and the oxidizer. It is shown that the latter either mix and then burn subsequently, or both processes occur simultaneously, corresponding respectively to kinetic and diffusion combustion. The structure of a turbulent-diffusion flame of gaseous fuel combustion is presented.

Development Of Fire Prediction And Prevention Digital System Algorithms, Oybek Zokirovich Koraboshev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This research work is devoted to the development of algorithms for a digital system aimed at early detection, prediction and prevention of fire hazards. In the work, the process of fire hazard assessment is modeled on the basis of modern information technologies and artificial intelligence tools. The main focus is on collecting data in real time, analyzing it and creating algorithms that determine the level of danger. In the process of research, methods of data cleaning, normalization and determination of correlation between variables were used to process multidimensional data streams obtained from various sensors (temperature, smoke, gas concentration and humidity …

Algorithms For The Synthesis Of A Temperature Control System For The Inner Tube Heat Exchanger With A Steam Jacket, H.Z. Igamberdiyev, Jasur Sevinov, U.F. Mamirov, Sh.M. Abdishukurov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The synthesis of a feedback propagation control law for an inner tube heat exchanger with a steam jacket is addressed in this text. A controller has been developed that, based on temperature measurements taken at four points. The maintains the output temperature at a specified level by acting on the steam jacket temperature. To determine the parameters of the plant, a linear quadratic optimal (LQ-optimal) algorithm is employed. In the considered case, the optimal controller includes a proportional–integral (PI) component, as well as an additional term that requires storing the control input over the current interval for its computation. The …