Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Mxene Based Composite Phase Change Materials For Thermal Energy Storage Applications: Featuring Bio-Mimic Approaches, Md Shahriar Mohtasim, Barun K. Das

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems, but their underlying drawbacks, such as poor heat conductivity and phase transition leakage, make them unsuitable for widespread use. MXenes have received a lot of curiosity due to having extraordinary mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity, and unique layered structure. Owing to the exquisite arrangements, numerous unique biomimetic morphologies have drawn attention. Numerous investigations regarding bio-mimic MXene/PCM composites (BMX-CPCMs) have found improvements in latent heat up to 106.50 % on average, along with excellent thermal stability with no matrix leakage in 500 cycles and an upsurge in thermal conductivity …

Photo-Thermal Conversion Properties Of Hybrid Nh2-Mil-125/Tin/Eg Nanofluids For Solar Energy Harvesting, Seyedeh Zahra Haeri, Mehdi Khiadani, Bahram Ramezanzadeh, Hamed Kariman, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Nanofluids, engineered by dispersing nanoparticles into base fluids, have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing the performance of solar collectors. Their superior thermal conductivity and improved heat transfer properties lead to more efficient energy absorption and utilization in solar thermal systems. This study comprehensively investigated and compared the performance of ethylene glycol (EG)-based NH2-MIL-125/TiN (MIL/TiN) composite nanofluids, fabricated by a two-step method, with single-component nanofluids in photothermal utilization. The results illustrated that incorporating NH2-MIL-125 (MIL) nanoparticles enhances the stability of TiN nanofluids in EG. Additionally, the thermal conductivity and optical absorption properties of the hybrid nanofluids exhibited a positive correlation with …

Sub-Bituminous Coal As A Peculiar Adsorbent For Dye Removal From Wastewater, Z. H. Rada, H. R. Abid, M. B. Ahmed, M. Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coal, an abundant and cost-effective adsorbent, is explored for its potential in environmentally friendly greenhouse gas storage. Herein, the adsorption of anionic (methyl orange) and cationic (methylene blue) dyes on sub-bituminous coal was intensively studied. This study is the first application of sub-bituminous coal to examine the removal of different concentrations of dyes from water. The properties of the coal were studied using advanced analytical techniques. The initial dye concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent-adsorbate contact time were investigated for their influence on the adsorption efficiency of the dyes. Adsorption kinetics were then studied by applying common kinetic models and the …

A Critical Review On Parameters Affecting The Feasibility Of Underground Hydrogen Storage, Chiradip Bagchi, Samarth D. Patwardhan, Stefan Iglauer, Hisham Ben Mahmud, Muhammad Fazil Jaffar Ali

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The need and demand for energy are ever increasing with the rapid urbanization of the global population. Near-future economic development and consequent expected industrialization are the strongest indicators of the rising energy requirement. Though fossil fuel and coal are catering toward a major chunk of energy demand, their negative or adverse impact in terms of emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is causing global warming and imbalance in environmental conditions, leading to a search for commercially viable alternate energy types. As renewable energies like solar and wind are weather-dependent, the search for an alternate energy supply needs …

Fatigue Properties Of 3d-Printed Polymeric Metamaterials: A Review, Ani Daniel, Hamed Bakhtiari, Alireza Nouri, Barun K. Das, Muhammad Aamir, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The present article provides an in-depth review of the fatigue properties of polymeric metamaterials, with particular emphasis on those manufactured using 3D printing techniques. Despite the significant potential of 3D-printed metamaterial polymers in the biomedical field, there has been limited studies dedicated to their fatigue behaviour. The article highlights the significance of fatigue behaviour in determining the reliability and longevity of polymeric materials under cyclic loading, which is crucial for biomedical applications. The effects of different 3D printing parameters, metamaterial designs, and polymer properties on fatigue life are explored. The fatigue response of metamaterials depends on material properties, geometric factors, …

From Fabrication To Function: Mechanical Insights Into Gelma Microneedle Arrays, Moloud Amini Baghbadorani, Masoumeh Zargar, Asghar Eskandarinia, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has emerged as a highly suitable material for microneedle (MN) fabrication, offering exceptional biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. Despite significant advances introduced by GelMA hydrogels, research on GelMA MNs dates back to 2019, yet no review has specifically focused on the manufacturing techniques and mechanical properties of GelMA MNs. For the first time, this review aims to examine the manufacturing methods and mechanical characteristics of GelMA microneedles across various medical applications. Additionally, it discusses different approaches to mechanical characterization and identifies gaps in current manufacturing technologies. The review also explores the potential implications of GelMA MNs in drug delivery …

Sensitivity Analysis Of Reservoir Characteristics And Flue Gas Composition For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Heterogeneous Reservoir, Mehdi Nassabeh, Zhenjiang You, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The success of enhanced oil recovery depends on optimizing various reservoir factors. While CO2 and flue gas injections are common methods, they encounter challenges that require a deep understanding of reservoir characteristics and thorough analysis of pertinent parameters for effective mitigation. This study aimed to explore the synergistic relationship between flue gas compositions, reservoir characteristics, and injection rates for optimal oil recovery. Unlike prior studies that primarily examined the isolated effects of CO2 or flue gas, this research uniquely investigates the combined impact of real-world flue gas compositions from industrial sources under heterogeneous reservoir conditions. Through extensive sensitivity analysis and …

Recent Progress In Underground Hydrogen Storage, Muhammad Ali, Abubakar Isah, Nurudeen Yekeen, Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband, Mohammad Sarmadivaleh, Esuru Rita Okoroafor, Mohammed Al Kobaisi, Mohamed Mahmoud, Volker Vahrenkamp, Hussein Hoteit

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With the global population anticipated to reach 9.9 billion by 2050 and rapid industrialization and economic growth, global energy demand is projected to increase by nearly 50%. Fossil fuels meet 80% of this demand, resulting in considerable greenhouse gas emissions and environmental challenges. Hydrogen (H2) offers a promising alternative due to its potential for clean combustion and integration into renewable energy systems. Underground H2 storage (UHS) enables long-term, large-scale storage to achieve equilibrium between seasonal supply and demand. This review synthesizes recent advancements in UHS, highlighting progress and persistent challenges. The review explores the complex mechanisms of H2 trapping and …

Enhancing Energy Efficiency In Solar Thermal Systems: The Role Of Hybrid Nanofluids In Sustainable Energy Harvesting And Storage, Seyedehzahra Haeri

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Global energy demand continues to grow, making the reliance on fossil fuels increasingly unsustainable due to dwindling reserves and environmental impacts. Among these, solar thermal systems have emerged as a practical and environmentally friendly solution, with applications ranging from industrial heating and solar water heating to concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and solar desalination units. Solar-based thermal systems offer a promising alternative, with nanofluids (NFs) emerging as a transformative solution. Engineered by dispersing nanoparticles into base fluids, NFs enhance thermal conductivity, heat absorption, and efficiency. Notably, nanoparticles such as titanium nitride also act as nano-catalysts, improving chemical reactions and reducing …

Methylene Blue Adsorption On Y-Zeolite As A Nano-Porous Adsorbent: Equilibrium And Kinetic Studies, Mehdi Narimani, Maryam Gonbadi, Mohammad Mahdi Zerafat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The elimination of dye pollutants from industrial wastewaters, notably from sectors such as textiles and dyeing, remains a pivotal aspect of pollution mitigation endeavours. This research introduces an innovative strategy employing Y zeolite as a nano-porous adsorbent for eliminating methylene blue (MB), a prevalent cationic dye. Y zeolite was synthesised via hydrothermal technique. Through methodical experimentation, the impact of temperature, contact time, concentration, pH and adsorbent quantity on removal efficiency were examined with optimal conditions achieving 93.83% MB removal. The synthesised Y zeolite underwent characterisation utilising diverse techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR, which elucidated the structural and …

Extraction And Separation Of Metal Cations From Synthetic Acidic Solutions Using Emulsion Liquid Membrane, Nouhaila Filali

Masters Theses

The work is organized into two main papers supported by experimental and comparative studies using Emulsion Liquid Membrane (ELM) systems. The first paper explores the individual extraction of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Ni) from synthetic phosphoric acid using Alamine 336 and D2EHPA as carriers. Alamine 336 achieved the highest extraction efficiency (>90%) and stability, offering a promising route to reduce toxic impurities in fertilizer-grade acid. The second paper examines the selective separation of Ni2+ and Co2+ from various acidic solutions using the ELM configuration. Systematic variation of carriers, stripping agent and feed acidity, clarified transport mechanisms and stability, …

Ultrathin Film Coating And Element Doping For Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes, Xinhua Liang, Yan Gao

Patents

The present invention relates to various lithium ion battery cathodes as well as lithium ion batteries incorporating one or more of these cathodes. The present invention further relates to processes of preparing the lithium ion battery cathode.

Additively-Manufactured Structure For Reactionary Processes, Fateme Rezaei, Ali Rownaghi, Shane Lawson

Patents

A method of additively manufacturing a structure for use in a reactionary process includes forming a material from metal or metal oxide particles, a dispersion solvent, and a binder. The method also includes depositing the material onto a build platform and curing the material to form a structure for use in a reactionary process. The structure includes the metal or metal oxide particles and is configured to provide a reaction when exposed to a reactant.

Nontoxic High Temperature Resistant Hydrogels, Thomas P. Schuman, Baujun Bai, Buddhabhushan Pundlik Salunkhe

Patents

Compositions of swellable non-toxic hydro gels and their use in conformance control are described herein. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to the hydro gels compositions that can be used to treat the oil reservoirs having high temperature and high salinity conditions. The compositions generally comprise a plurality of swellable particles having one or more crosslinkers interspersed within a polymer matrix. The compositions can also be used in biomedical, agricultural, fracking and similar applications wherein thermally-stable, nontoxic hydrogels are required.

Ground Testing Of A Magnetic-Electrostatic Separation System For Lunar Regolith Beneficiation, Peter Bachle, Charles Wood, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The separation of lunar regolith by mineral composition and size category is useful forin-situ resource utilization (ISRU). The research presented herein discusses the designing and development of equipment that has the potential to separate lunar regolith into aluminum, iron-titanium, and magnesium-iron ores. Along with the metal ore separation, this equipment shows the potential to separate regolith by size categories. The combined effect of these separation methods generates output that is valuable to subsequent use in metal and oxygen extraction, additive manufacturing, and regolith sintering processes. The designed equipment uses a dual-strength magnet system with N42 and N52 neodymium magnets for …

Hybrid Rans-Les Analysis Of Turbulent Flame Under Near Blow-Off Condition In A Multi-Stage Swirl Combustor, Brandon O'Brien

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Advances in computational resources are making computational fluid dynamics (CFD) increasingly accessible for a variety of engineering applications. However, certain complex problems, such as simulating detailed flame kinetics, remain computationally prohibitive for many users. Developing cost-effective methods to simulate these challenges would greatly benefit applications involving flame dynamics, such as turbine engines or industrial burners. This study investigates the effect of main stage swirler intensity on near lean blow-off characteristics in a multi-staged swirl combustor using Ansys Fluent. The hybrid RANS-LES turbulence model, Stress Blended Eddy Simulation (SBES) coupled with Flamelet Generated Manifold (FGM) combustion model was selected to model …

Modeling And Simulation Of Carbon-Neutral Strategies For Methanol Production, Omar Almaraz Barrios

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Methanol is a versatile chemical that can be used as a fuel, a solvent, a feedstock for other chemicals, and a hydrogen carrier. Methanol production from natural gas, which is mainly composed of methane, is a well-established process that involves steam reforming, methanol synthesis, and methanol purification. However, this process is energy-intensive and emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming and climate change. Therefore, there is a need for alternative methods of methanol production that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. The overall objective of this research is to develop simulation models of two novel methanol …

Modeling And Simulation Of A Process For Upcycling Of Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste To Ethylene, Xiaoyan Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ethylene is one of the most widely produced petrochemicals, with an estimated global output of 180 million metric tons in 2022. Approximately 82 million metric tons of ethylene are used annually for plastic production, primarily for polyethylene (PE), as well as polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The CO₂ emissions associated with PE production were approximately 14 million metric tons in 2022. Globally, an estimated 70 million metric tons of PE are produced and consumed each year, with the majority (~79%) ending up in landfills or the environment.

This project proposes a novel process in which waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) …

Reuse Of Calcium Carbonate (Caco3) Recovered From Discarded Carpets As Filler In Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Frp) Composites, Roshan Devkota

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Over four billion pounds of carpet are discarded annually in the United States, making carpet waste a significant environmental concern. Calcium carbonate (CaCo₃) constitutes up to 45% of the mass of most synthetic carpets. Reusing this CaCo₃ as a filler in the rapidly growing fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) industry, which is projected to reach USD 10.38 billion, presents a low-cost, practical approach to developing a market-based solution to post-consumer carpet waste.

This study investigates the reuse of CaCo₃ recovered from discarded carpet backing as a filler in FRP composites, focusing on its mechanical viability in comparison to virgin CaCo₃. The methodology …

Triboelectrostatic Separation Of Lunar Regolith, Hannah Peterson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Lunar regolith as a source of raw materials for a long-term human presence on the moon would need to be separated into single mineral fractions. To do this, triboelectric properties can be utilized to separate minerals without needing to add a working fluid, such as air and water, or expensive, consumable chemicals. A lightweight machine can be created to do this, one that also requires minimal electricity. A series of three prototypes for this machine were created and tested to determine if this concept would work, and what properties the machine would need. A mixture of magnetite and silica were …

Scalable Fabrication Of High-Payload Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles For Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy, Huari Kou, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Jiandong Wu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but challenges such as low drug-loading capacity and a lack of scalable, controllable production hinder their clinical translation. Flash nanoprecipitation, a continuous synthesis method, offers a potential solution for scalable and reproducible nanoparticle production. In this study, we employed a custom-designed multi-inlet vortex mixer to perform cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation, facilitating controlled and scalable synthesis of cross-linked Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles. Notably, this approach allows simultaneous nanoparticle cross-linking and drug loading in a single step. The mannose moiety enabled specific targeting of macrophages via mannose receptors, enhancing the localization of …

Characterizing Heat Transfer Performance In A Slurry Bubble Column Reactor Equipped With A Real Heat Exchanger, Dalia S. Makki, Hasan Sh Majdi, Amer A. Abdulrahman, Abbas J. Sultan, Bashar J. Kadhim, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Abstract: This study examines the impact of equipping a real heat exchanger in a slurry bubble column SBC on instantaneous and local heat transfer coefficients IHTC and LHTC, as well as the overall heat transfer coefficient U, employing advanced heat transfer techniques. The experiments were conducted in a 0.15 m inner diameter Plexiglas SBC with varying gas flowrates Ug (0.14–0.35) m/s at several radial sites along the column's diameter (±0.18, ±0.46, and ± 0.74) and three axial locations (H/D = 2, 3 and 4). To simulate the industrial Fischer–Tropsch bubble column reactor FT-BCR, a real heat exchanger consisting of 18 …

Machine Learning Modeling For Hydrolysis Recycling Of Pet Waste, Jie Li, Lanjia Pan, Hossein Abedsoltan, Hailong Wang, Taiyang Liu, Xiangzhou Yuan, Yong Sik Ok, Yin Wang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into terephthalic acid (TPA) can efficiently recycle waste PET, but achieving high conversion efficiency through smart reaction design remains challenging. To develop a robust and accurate machine learning (ML) model for the in-depth understanding and intelligent design of PET hydrolysis, we compiled a new dataset comprising 942 data points and comprehensive information of 44 variables involved in heating type, acid/base catalyst (ABC), organic solvent (OS), co-solvent (CS), phase transfer catalyst (PTC), and operational conditions. The developed Neural Network model demonstrated the best performance in predicting PET conversion, with a testing determination coefficient (R^{2 …}

Novel Nano-Formulations Based On Flash Nanoprecipitation For Ocular Drug Delivery, Lin Qi

Doctoral Dissertations

Effective ocular drug delivery has always been a challenge for clinical and research. Although many nanotechnology-based formulations have been developed and showed great potential in ocular drug delivery, this is far from enough to meet clinical requirements. These studies aimed at the design and synthesis of novel nanoparticles using multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM) to improve ocular drug delivery efficiency. The first project involves packaging two different anti-glaucoma drugs, brimonidine (BM) and betaxolol (BX), into solid drug nanoparticles (SDNs) by MIVM, which can achieve both functions, reducing aqueous humor production and promoting aqueous humor efflux. The studies demonstrate that the SDNs …

Investigation Of The Transport And Plugging Behavior Of Preformed Particle Gels (Ppgs) In Fractures For Conformance Control In Carbonate Reservoirs, Abdulaziz A. Almakimi

Doctoral Dissertations

This study aims to systematically evaluate the performance of preformed particle gels (PPGs) in fractured carbonates mainly through a series of core flooding experiments. Carbonate reservoirs exhibit unique features of heterogeneity and pore geometry, while (PPGs) are known for their plugging efficiency, deformability, and dehydratable nature. The main goal of gel injection in fractured reservoirs is to place a gel pack appropriately into the fracture, diverting injected fluid to the oil-bearing matrix and reducing excessive water production. However, considerable dehydration of (PPGs) is possible at the adjacent matrix and within the fracture, which could lead to a filter-cake formation and/or …

Microbial Inactivation And Spray Drying For The Recovery Of Single-Cell Protein From Chemically Deconstructed Polyethylene Terephthalate, Reeba Elizabeth Reji

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used polymers in plastics packaging. However, the increasing demand for PET has created challenges in waste disposal. Previous research has shown that PET can be deconstructed using ammonium hydroxide (CDPET). Microorganisms capable of utilizing the product as a sole carbon source can be converted to single-cell protein (SCP). A custom microbial inactivation unit was developed to ensure the safety and stability of generated SCP. Our study evaluated the effect of exposure time (45–60 minutes) at 140 °C with the goal of maximizing microbial inactivation. Our findings suggest that microbial inactivation can …

Community Diversity And Makeup Affect The Capacity For Bioconversion Of Chemically Deconstructed Pet Plastic Waste Into Biomass, Hunter Stoddard

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Plastic waste management is an issue worldwide, particularly for locations with challenging logistics, such as remote locations, those impacted by natural disasters, and regions with armed conflict. These locations also struggle with food logistics and malnutrition. It is possible to tackle both issues by combining chemical deconstruction to depolymerize plastic waste with microbial conversion of the liquid product into biomass that can be used as an edible protein powder. The focus of this work is on the bioconversion of products from the chemical deconstruction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using ammonium hydroxide. Microbial communities have previously been shown to utilize the …

Iron Ore Tailings Reprocessing By Electrostatic Separation Plus Two Stages Froth Flotation, Vincent Bailey Arohunmolase

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The reprocessing of tailings is crucial for recovering valuable iron and reducing the environmental impact associated with tailings disposal. This study investigates the practicality of reprocessing tailings to enhance iron oxide content, combining electrostatic separation with a two-stage froth flotation process using oleic acid (direct flotation) and amine (reverse flotation). The primary goal is to efficiently recover valuable iron from tailings, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource utilization. The process aims to upgrade the iron oxide content to around 93-99% Fe₂O₃, making the recovered material suitable for the production of direct-reduced iron.

Electrostatic separation was …

Life Cycle Assessment And Techno-Economic Analysis Of Mine Tailings As A Sustainable Raw Material For Mineral Carbonation And Recovery Of Critical Minerals, Vida Amankwaa

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This study assesses the feasibility of using mine tailings for mineral carbonation and nickel recovery through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA). The LCA quantifies greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and resource consumption, while the TEA evaluates capital investment, operational costs, and process efficiency. The conventional beneficiation process at Eagle Mine serves as a baseline, highlighting its environmental footprint and operational costs. Results indicate that tailings reprocessing incurs higher costs ($34.76 per tonne of tailings processed) compared to conventional ore processing ($25.90 per tonne) due to increased energy consumption and material handling requirements. Additionally, several mineral …

Thermal Hydraulics Investigation Of A Horizontal Dual Channel Setup Representing Micro Nuclear Reactors Using Integrated Advanced Measurement Techniques, Zeyad Zeitoun

Doctoral Dissertations

The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has spotlighted nuclear energy as a carbon-free solution. Despite its promise, nuclear safety concerns, highlighted by the 2011 Fukushima disaster, necessitate advancements in reactor technology. The United States has prioritized the development of safer, prismatic micronuclear reactors for the coming decade, focusing on the safe operation of these facilities. These reactors' design addresses potential hazards, particularly in loss of flow accident scenarios, making the understanding of natural circulation gas flow dynamics critical. Experiments on a horizontal dual-channel plenum-to-plenum facility (P2PF) were conducted to closely mimic the conditions within prismatic micronuclear reactors. This study …