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Articles 1501 - 1530 of 14251

Full-Text Articles in Chemical Engineering

A Comprehensive Review Of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Processes To Produce Sustainable Diesel And Aviation Fuel, Joseph C. Steinagel May 2024

A Comprehensive Review Of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Processes To Produce Sustainable Diesel And Aviation Fuel, Joseph C. Steinagel

Honors College Theses

The greatest threat known to humankind today is global warming. It affects every nation on the planet and the natural order of all living things. Consequently, this ongoing crisis necessitates action to scientifically revolutionize important areas of society, including researching modern adaptations of the transportation industry. In that regard, it has been determined that an effective short-term answer to eliminating carbon emissions is to produce sustainable fuels that run cooperatively with the well-established machines of today. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one such topic of interest, and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process is an effective way of producing SAF. To that …


Liquid-Phase Adsorption Of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate On Poly(Ether Imide) And Its Metal Hydroxide-Integrated Composites, Sukanta K. Mondal, Peter O. Aina, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei May 2024

Liquid-Phase Adsorption Of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate On Poly(Ether Imide) And Its Metal Hydroxide-Integrated Composites, Sukanta K. Mondal, Peter O. Aina, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the Adsorption Behavior of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP), a Key Simulant for Some Nerve Agents, is Crucial for Developing Effective Protective Measures and Ensuring Environmental Safety Against Harmful Chemical Warfare Agents. This Study Systematically Explores the Liquid-Phase Adsorption of DMMP over Branched Poly (Ether Imide) (Ultem) and its Ce (OH)4/Zr (OH)4 Metal Hydroxide Composites. Utilizing UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, the Adsorption Process Was Monitored over Time to Analyze the Interplay between Various Ultem-Based Composites and DMMP Molecules. Nonreactive Ultem Materials Were Experimentally Identified as Suitable Adsorbents for Liquid-Phase DMMP Capture, Providing a Novel Avenue for Protective Filtration Technologies. It Was Found …


Ionic Conductivity, Li+ Transference Number, And Diffusion Coefficient Of A Solid-State Electrolyte Composite, Lizbeth Zurita May 2024

Ionic Conductivity, Li+ Transference Number, And Diffusion Coefficient Of A Solid-State Electrolyte Composite, Lizbeth Zurita

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The design of solid-state electrolyte (SSE) composites involves the fundamental study of transport properties, such as ionic conductivity. This transport property is influenced by the transport mechanisms of the charge species inside the composite, such as diffusion and migration. In this work, we perform the measurement of these three parameters through defined techniques. The resulting parameters were: ionic conductivity, the diffusion coefficient, and the Li+ transference number.


Model To Demonstrate Effects Of Mass Transfer And Applied Current In An Electrolytic Cell, George Ankrah May 2024

Model To Demonstrate Effects Of Mass Transfer And Applied Current In An Electrolytic Cell, George Ankrah

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This study investigates the relationship between applied current and resulting cell potential in an electrolytic system, considering the transport of electroactive species. By applying Michael Faraday's laws of electrolysis and the Nernst-Planck equation, the behavior of electroactive species in diffusion-controlled systems with and without stirring is modeled. The plots demonstrate how stirring enhances ion transport and establishes a stable Nernst diffusion layer, affecting the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing electrolysis processes.


Review Of Cyclic Voltammetry Measurements For Uranium In Flinak Molten Salt, Jackson Ivory May 2024

Review Of Cyclic Voltammetry Measurements For Uranium In Flinak Molten Salt, Jackson Ivory

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The electrochemical behavior of uranium FLiNaK molten salts is explored, focusing on cyclic voltammetry (CV) as a powerful tool for redox characterization and diffusion studies. Through a comprehensive review of recent research, the study highlights the significance of CV in understanding electrode kinetics, material compatibility, and process optimization in molten salt environments. The findings underscore the potential of FLiNaK molten salt reactors in advancing nuclear energy technologies, fuel processing, and waste management strategies. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts are emphasized to address challenges and accelerate innovation in electrochemical methods for nuclear applications.


Model Of The Effect Of Voltage On Contact Angle In An Electrolytic Cell Reaction, Aaron Essilfie May 2024

Model Of The Effect Of Voltage On Contact Angle In An Electrolytic Cell Reaction, Aaron Essilfie

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This paper investigates the hypothesis that the contact angle at the meniscus of an electrode-electrolyte can be altered during a redox reaction through the coupled understanding of electrowetting and capillarity rise. Recent studies in electrowetting have focused on dielectric surfaces but research on contact angle at the electrode-electrolyte surface is lacking. The study employs a basic electrolytic cell. By applying principles of electrowetting and capillary rise the research aims to understand the relationship between applied voltage and contact angle, to advancements in electrochemistry and microfluidics.


An Overview Of How To Measure The Kinetic Properties Of An Anode Material For The Chlorine Evolution Reaction, Cameron Vann May 2024

An Overview Of How To Measure The Kinetic Properties Of An Anode Material For The Chlorine Evolution Reaction, Cameron Vann

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The process of generating chlorine gas using electrolysis in aqueous systems is well established. However, a new process requires chlorine to be generated at high temperatures using molten salt. This harsh environment requires a new study of anode materials for the chlorine evolution reaction. Anode materials can be compared by their kinetic parameters, the transfer coefficient α and the exchange current i0. The basic theory of these properties as they relate to the chlorine evolution reaction has been detailed and an analysis method for finding these effective parameters has been shown and demonstrated.


Optimization Of Ethylbenzene Production Facility, Chance Ferrell May 2024

Optimization Of Ethylbenzene Production Facility, Chance Ferrell

Honors Theses

Ethylbenzene is a foundational organic compound used as a reactant in styrene production. The objective of this thesis is to present the optimization of the in-house production process of ethylbenzene, aiming to avoid external procurement for the downstream styrene manufacturing facility. The process underlines a strategic approach to enhance the yield and cost efficiency of the production of ethylbenzene. An economic analysis revealed a promising net present value of approximately $57.6 million. This thesis not only proposes a viable route for internal ethylbenzene generation but also discusses optimizing the chemical production processes for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.


A Computational Investigation Into Thermo-Kinetic Parameters Governing The Decomposition Of Bio-Oil Model Compounds, Ali Huseein Aljefri May 2024

A Computational Investigation Into Thermo-Kinetic Parameters Governing The Decomposition Of Bio-Oil Model Compounds, Ali Huseein Aljefri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Among notable products from thermal degradation of biomass are simple oxygen-containing aromatics. These compounds typically appear in high loads in collected bio-oil derived from biomass. As such, it is important to comprehend the decomposition chemistry of this category of compounds. This thesis takes on board a general approach to report thermo-kinetic parameters that govern decomposition of a selected set of bio-oil model compounds in two distinct systems: firstly radical-derived pathways in the gas phase and secondly thermal degradation in their condensed media. The first is attained through accurate density functional calculations while the second is accomplished through the use of …


Enhancing Curcumin’S Therapeutic Potential In Cancer Treatment Through Ultrasound Mediated Liposomal Delivery, Remya Radha, Vinod Paul, Shabana Anjum, Ayache Bouakaz, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini May 2024

Enhancing Curcumin’S Therapeutic Potential In Cancer Treatment Through Ultrasound Mediated Liposomal Delivery, Remya Radha, Vinod Paul, Shabana Anjum, Ayache Bouakaz, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini

Faculty Publications

Improving the efficacy of chemotherapy remains a key challenge in cancer treatment, considering the low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and undesirable side effects of some clinical drugs. Targeted delivery and sustained release of therapeutic drugs to cancer cells can reduce the whole-body cytotoxicity of the agent and deliver a safe localized treatment to the patient. There is growing interest in herbal drugs, such as curcumin, which is highly noted as a promising anti-tumor drug, considering its wide range of bioactivities and therapeutic properties against various tumors. Conversely, the clinical efficacy of curcumin is limited because of poor oral bioavailability, low water …


Investigating The Impact Of Secondary Activation Time On The Adsorption Properties Of Activated Biochar For Arsenic Removal From Wastewater, Achyuth Bharadwaj Rayarao May 2024

Investigating The Impact Of Secondary Activation Time On The Adsorption Properties Of Activated Biochar For Arsenic Removal From Wastewater, Achyuth Bharadwaj Rayarao

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Biochar, a naturally occurring and renewable carbon material, becomes porous through activation. Activated biochar is an ideal candidate for use as an adsorbent. The objective of this study is to investigate whether activated biochar derived from Colorado soft pine serves as a better adsorbent and demonstrates enhanced adsorption capabilities after undergoing secondary physical activation at various activation times. The effect of secondary action time on physical adsorption properties drawn from the analysis of isotherm plots, surface areas and pore size patterns were examined by using a physisorption analyzer. Chemical structures were identified using both ultimate and proximate analyses, while porosity …


Synthesis Of Acetylene Diols With The Participation Of The Bu4noh/Dmso/H2o Catalytic Systems, Muyassar K. Salieva, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Rifkat F. Talipov, Lochin K. Ablakulov May 2024

Synthesis Of Acetylene Diols With The Participation Of The Bu4noh/Dmso/H2o Catalytic Systems, Muyassar K. Salieva, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Rifkat F. Talipov, Lochin K. Ablakulov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work in this study, acetylene alcohols containing heteroatomic substituents in their molecular composition- 2-(-thiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(3-methylthiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(furan-2-yl)but-3yn-2-ol, 2-(pyridin-4-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2yl)but-3-yn-2-ol acetylene diols were synthesized based on the reaction with acetone in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent in the presence of the Bu4NOH/DMSO/H2O catalytic system. The influence of the molar ratio of starting materials, reaction duration, temperature, nature of the catalyst and solvents on the product yield was systematically studied. The composition, purity and structure of the new generation of synthesized acetylenediols have been confirmed by modern physicochemical methods. The mechanism of the reaction process …


Synthesis Of High Molecular Mass Resins Based On Furfuryl Alcohol, Boysayid U. Sayidov, Latif E. Jumanov, Muzaffar G. Alimukhamedov, Sherali A. Umarov, Farhod A. Magrupov May 2024

Synthesis Of High Molecular Mass Resins Based On Furfuryl Alcohol, Boysayid U. Sayidov, Latif E. Jumanov, Muzaffar G. Alimukhamedov, Sherali A. Umarov, Farhod A. Magrupov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the work is to study the process of synthesis of furfuryl oligomers with high molecular weight at various ratios of furfuryl alcohol and hydroxyl-containing polyether polyol. The influence of the process method on the yield of high-molecular furfuryl oligomer is shown - with a one-step synthesis method with an increase in the amount of furfuryl alcohol from 20 to 50 moles per 1 mole of polyether polyol, the yield of the final product decreases from 75% to 56%, apparently due to high exothermic effects, causing gelation systems. In contrast to the one-time introduction of the catalyst, its …


Synthesis And Technology Of Vinyl Esters Of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids Based On Vinyl Acetate, Askar B. Parmanov, Suvonkul E. Nurmanov, Saida S. Abdurakhmanova, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva, Begzod F. Adashev May 2024

Synthesis And Technology Of Vinyl Esters Of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids Based On Vinyl Acetate, Askar B. Parmanov, Suvonkul E. Nurmanov, Saida S. Abdurakhmanova, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva, Begzod F. Adashev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

In this work the vinylation reactions of aromatic carboxylic acids with vinyl acetate, which contain various substituents, in the presence of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine were studied for the first time. The influence of the nature of the starting materials, temperature, reaction duration, solvent and reagents - zinc triflate (Zn(OTf)2, 3,3-diphenylbinaphthol (3,3'-Ph2BINOL-2Li), tertiary potassium butylate (KOtrBu), butyllithium (BuLi) for the synthesis of vinyl esters. The synthesis of vinyl esters of aromatic carboxylic acids was carried out: benzoiс, 2-phenylacetic, 4-methylbenzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic, 2-brombenzoic, 4-brombenzoic, 4-fluorobenzoic, 3-nitrobenzoic, 4-nitrobenzoic, 4-tertiary butylbenzoic, 2-chlorobenzoic, 4-chlorobenzoic, 3-hydroxybenzoic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids has been studied. …


Synthesis Of Internal Acetylene Alcohols Based On The Sonogashira Reaction Of Terminal Acetylene Alcohols And Benzolchloride, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Abduvahob Ikramov, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva May 2024

Synthesis Of Internal Acetylene Alcohols Based On The Sonogashira Reaction Of Terminal Acetylene Alcohols And Benzolchloride, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Abduvahob Ikramov, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the study is to develop a new catalytic system for the synthesis of internal acetylene alcohols from the Sonogastric coupling reaction of terminal acetylene alcohols and benzolchloride. For the first time in this work, internal acetylene alcohols have been synthesized based on reactions of some terminal acetylene alcohols – 3,4-dimethylpentin-1-ol-3, 3,4,4-trimethylpentin-1-ol-3, 1-ethynylcyclohexanol-1, 2-ethynyladamantanol-2, 2-phenylbutin-3-ol-2, 2-(naphthyl-2)butyn-3-ol-2, 2-(furanyl-2)butyn-3-ol-2 and 2-(pyridinyl-4)butyn-3-ol-2 with chloridebenzene. In order to achieve high product productivity in the Sonogashira reaction, alternative conditions have been identified by studying the molar ratios, spatial structure, induction effects of substituents, solvent and catalyst nature, as well as temperature, reaction duration …


Techno-Economic Optimization Of A Hybrid Energy System With Limited Grid Connection In Pursuit Of Net Zero Carbon Emissions For New Zealand, Daniel Hill, Shafiqur Rahman Tito, Michael Walmsley, John Hedengren May 2024

Techno-Economic Optimization Of A Hybrid Energy System With Limited Grid Connection In Pursuit Of Net Zero Carbon Emissions For New Zealand, Daniel Hill, Shafiqur Rahman Tito, Michael Walmsley, John Hedengren

Faculty Publications

As New Zealand moves towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, multiple factors must be considered including increased electrical load due to electrification, variability of renewable energy generators, required storage capacity, system economics and limitations on grid transmission capacity. Complex and region-specific interactions between the various design choices involved are likely to require an understanding of a range of optimal and near-optimal designs for proposed micro-grid systems as opposed to a single optimal point. This work develops a novel multiscale optimization algorithm for optimization from a univariate capacity optimization approach to a multivariate one. This enhanced algorithm is applied to …


Multiscale Modeling Of Oxygen Evolution Through Generated Bilayer Porous Transport Layers For Pemwe Performance Improvement, M. Sepe, G.-H. Jung, G.S- Doo, C.-S. Lee, H.-S. Cho, N. Tippayawong, Sirivatch Shimpalee May 2024

Multiscale Modeling Of Oxygen Evolution Through Generated Bilayer Porous Transport Layers For Pemwe Performance Improvement, M. Sepe, G.-H. Jung, G.S- Doo, C.-S. Lee, H.-S. Cho, N. Tippayawong, Sirivatch Shimpalee

Faculty Publications

Optimization of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) has become a focus of researchers looking for a reliable way to generate power. A vital component to PEMWE operation is the porous transport layer (PTL) on the anode side, which is where oxygen is produced. The PTL must allow water access to the catalyst layer and remove oxygen simultaneously. In this work, a previously developed imaging technique is used to generate bilayer PTL structures. A multiscale modeling approach was used to study the effect of a bilayer PTL on oxygen evolution and PEMWE performance. First, a micro scale model was used …


Valorization Of Date Palm Waste For The Isolation, Characterization, And Surface Chemistry Modification Of Nanocellulose, Mohsin Raza May 2024

Valorization Of Date Palm Waste For The Isolation, Characterization, And Surface Chemistry Modification Of Nanocellulose, Mohsin Raza

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

There are an estimated 42 million date palms in the United Arab Emirates and thousands of tons of date palm waste are produced annually. Date palm waste is a lignocellulosic material and can be used to extract cellulose, which is the most abundant and renewable biopolymer on earth. This dissertation focused on the thorough characterization and kinetic analysis of various date palm wastes to evaluate the percentage of α−cellulose by weight, lignocellulosic nature, and thermal stability, followed by the extraction and characterization of cellulose and nanocellulose (NC). NC is an emerging candidate to produce biodegradable and low-cost composites, bioplastics, insulation …


Enabling High-Rate Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Through Structure-Processing-Property Relationships Of Polyphenylene Sulfide, Lina Ghanbari May 2024

Enabling High-Rate Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Through Structure-Processing-Property Relationships Of Polyphenylene Sulfide, Lina Ghanbari

Dissertations

In this dissertation, relationships between polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) chain structure and melt processing parameters are linked to thermoplastic composite (TPC) properties and mechanical performance. Deviations from linear PPS structure and the formation of branching/crosslinked moieties upon exposure to TPC manufacturing steps presents an opportunity to systematically uncover the interdependencies of melt-state thermal history on polymer rheology, crystallization, crystal structure, and translate these properties to the continuum level. This work first explores unreinforced PPS and how the formation of non-linear chain architectures yield altered rheological states when held at melt processing temperatures. These hindered chains exhibit unconventional crystallization behavior and non-uniform …


An Assessment Of Methane Cracking Technologies For Hydrogen Production And Reduction Of Greenhouse Gases, Alisa E. Pjetrovic May 2024

An Assessment Of Methane Cracking Technologies For Hydrogen Production And Reduction Of Greenhouse Gases, Alisa E. Pjetrovic

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Methane reformation and methane pyrolysis involve separating, or cracking, the components of methane, leading to the production of hydrogen gas, and in the case of pyrolysis, solid carbon. Because methane is known as a leading cause of climate change, these technologies are gaining attention as the global community moves to address methane as a greenhouse gas. This study aims to assess, through a systematic literature review, the current state-of-the-art methane cracking technologies based on seven technology criteria: hydrogen production capability, environmental impact, value of carbon produced, reaction stability, operating temperature requirements, energy requirements, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This study …


Enhanced Phosphogypsum Thermal Reduction By Carbon In Presence Of Sodium Chloride At High Temperature, Li Chao, An Xuebin, Jing Hu, Yixiao Wang, Shizhao Wang, Yunshan Wang, Gang Yang, Yong Sun May 2024

Enhanced Phosphogypsum Thermal Reduction By Carbon In Presence Of Sodium Chloride At High Temperature, Li Chao, An Xuebin, Jing Hu, Yixiao Wang, Shizhao Wang, Yunshan Wang, Gang Yang, Yong Sun

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper reports an enhanced approach of thermal reduction of phosphogypsum (PG) in the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) in its molten phase. The thermodynamic together with in-situ thermogravimetric-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) result indicates the yield of CaS (solid) at the investigated temperature range (800–850 °C). Addition of NaCl not only appreciably reduces the activation energy of this reaction (800–850 °C) on average from 315 to 175 (kJ·mol−1) materially, but also significantly improve the conversion from CaSO4 to CaS. Additionally, the NaCl based waste salt (NaCl-WS) containing organic compounds (0.21 wt%) was found to produce similar results when compared …


Coal Cleat Network Stimulation Through A Combination Of Acidizing And Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing, Mohsen Farrokhrouz, Hamed Akhondzadeh, Yongfei Yang, Faisal U. R. Awan, Stefan Iglauer, Maxim Lebedev, Alireza Keshavarz May 2024

Coal Cleat Network Stimulation Through A Combination Of Acidizing And Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing, Mohsen Farrokhrouz, Hamed Akhondzadeh, Yongfei Yang, Faisal U. R. Awan, Stefan Iglauer, Maxim Lebedev, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Gas extraction from Coal Bed Methane has proved challenging mainly due to the low permeability of coals. This study investigated a combination of 2 stimulation techniques, Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) fracturing and acidizing, to increase pore structure and cleat network connectivity in coals. Microcomputed Tomography ( -CT) scanning results suggested that a combination of those 2 applications, in either sequence of implementation, has substantial potential in recovering mineralized fractures and inducing new fractures; thus, leading to wide-open cleat networks. X-ray images show that if LN2 fracturing of coal is preceded by acidizing, the stimulation efficiency increases from more than double the …


Computational Predictions Of Heart Failure Drug Effects On Cardiac Fibrosis, Aaron Gardner May 2024

Computational Predictions Of Heart Failure Drug Effects On Cardiac Fibrosis, Aaron Gardner

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The extracellular matrix is a complex system surrounding cells that is crucial to all of the cardiovascular system’s functions. Fibrosis is an excessive accumulation (scarring) of the extracellular matrix. Fibrosis is typically a negative event, and the scarring must be reduced in the heart in order to maintain its functionality. Due to this, simulations are run using the software “Netflux” in order to determine the effects of different heart failure drugs on cardiac fibrosis. The drugs that were simulated were an ACE Inhibitor, BAR Beta Blocker, ARB Blocker, and Entresto. These drugs were simulated over 50 hours at three different …


Optimization Of Collagen And Cell Concentrations For Engineered Tissues, Avery Fiser May 2024

Optimization Of Collagen And Cell Concentrations For Engineered Tissues, Avery Fiser

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Improvements regarding the drug discovery process are necessary due to less than 1% of drugs making it from the initial discovery phase to patient treatment in clinics. One method of enhancing this process involves improving the relevance and dependability of in vitro testbeds utilized during pre-clinical testing. Improvement along these factors can provide a more relevant view for eventual drug behavior in patients. This additional relevance can allow for a reduced timeline in drug development for improving patient care. A consistent and morphologically sound baseline engineered tissue is vital to the creation of successful experimental models. Parameters such as cell …


Elucidating The Impact Of Casting Solvent On Vanadium Ion Transport In Solution-Cast Ionomer Biocomposites Containing Lignin, Zhongyu Wang May 2024

Elucidating The Impact Of Casting Solvent On Vanadium Ion Transport In Solution-Cast Ionomer Biocomposites Containing Lignin, Zhongyu Wang

All Theses

This paper attempts to investigate the influence of solvent choice to the Nafion-lignin proton exchange membranes that used in the vanadium redox flow batteries. The influence of two different solvents: DMF and DMSO were investigated in this paper. Results show that when using DMSO as solvent, Nafion-lignin membranes' vanadium ion cross over can be greatly reduced in comparing with membranes prepared from DMF. Also, membranes prepared from DMSO also show higher water uptake ability and lower ion exchange capacity than the membranes prepared from DMF. This paper has also investigated the influence of lignin type to the membranes. Results show …


Sulfonated Lignin-Based Ionomer Biocomposite Membranes For Redox Flow Batteries, Aiswarya Mechoor May 2024

Sulfonated Lignin-Based Ionomer Biocomposite Membranes For Redox Flow Batteries, Aiswarya Mechoor

All Theses

The current benchmark membrane for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), Nafion™, accounts for up to 40% of the cost of the battery and suffers from poor ion selectivity, leading to diminished battery performance. Consequently, alternative ionomer membranes, such as sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), have recently garnered attention due to their lower cost and similar performance properties to Nafion. However, like Nafion, SPEEK also suffers from poor ion selectivity. In this study, we attempt to address the issue of poor ion selectivity by developing SPEEK–lignin composite membranes containing fractionated and functionalized lignin. Specifically, two lignin fractions – a low molecular …


Effects Of Ferrite And Graphite Phases On Scratch Characteristics Of Nodular Cast Iron, Zhitong Xu, Ming Liu, Chenghui Gao, Fuqian Yang May 2024

Effects Of Ferrite And Graphite Phases On Scratch Characteristics Of Nodular Cast Iron, Zhitong Xu, Ming Liu, Chenghui Gao, Fuqian Yang

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

In this work, we conduct micro-scratch tests of nodular cast iron with Vickers indenter under constant normal load and investigate the effects of individual phases (i.e., ferrite and graphite phases) on the scratch charac- teristics of nodular cast iron. Using a bimodal Gaussian model to fit the experimental data of penetration depth, residual depth, elastic recovery rate, and scratch hardness, we calculate the contribution percentages of indi- vidual phases to scratch variables. The scratch variables are independent of the scratch speed used in this work, while the penetration depth increases linearly with increasing the normal load. There exists a large …


A Mechanical Model For Stress Relaxation Of Polylactic Acid/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends, Yi-Sheng Jhao, Hao Ouyang, Chien-Chao Huang, Fuqian Yang, Sanboh Lee May 2024

A Mechanical Model For Stress Relaxation Of Polylactic Acid/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends, Yi-Sheng Jhao, Hao Ouyang, Chien-Chao Huang, Fuqian Yang, Sanboh Lee

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered a promising biodegradable polymer alternative. Due to its high brittleness, composite materials made by melt blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with PLA can enhance the toughness of PLA. To understand the forced aging caused by stress relaxation in polymer materials, this study explains the stress relaxation experiments of PLA/TPU blends with different mass ratios under applied strain through mechanical model simulations. The Kelvin representation of the standard linear solid model (SLSM) is used to analyze the stress relaxation data of TPU/PLA blends, successfully explaining that the Young’s moduli (E1 and E2) of springs decrease with increasing …


Integrating Galectin-3 Into A Computational Model Of Cardiac Fibrosis Progression, Adam Pieratt May 2024

Integrating Galectin-3 Into A Computational Model Of Cardiac Fibrosis Progression, Adam Pieratt

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cardiac fibrosis, a large contributor to heart failure, is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in response to stress or injury. There are no approved treatments for cardiac fibrosis, and targeting specific species involved creates complex problems for drug development, so a computational model of the cardiac fibroblast signaling network can be used to observe the interactions involved in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. In this paper, a new protein called galectin-3 is integrated into this existing model, and connections are established to expand the coverage of the network. The additions are described, simulated using Netflux biological system simulation software, …


Biomass Derived Lignin Polymer Modification For Sustainable Chemical Engineering Applications, Samantha Glidewell, Keisha Walters May 2024

Biomass Derived Lignin Polymer Modification For Sustainable Chemical Engineering Applications, Samantha Glidewell, Keisha Walters

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Lignin is an abundant naturally occurring plant-based polymer that is branched, highly unsaturated, and rich in aliphatic and aromatic hydroxyl groups. Lignin is a significant byproduct of the wood pulp and paper industries; however, it has yet to be widely utilized in commercial applications due to its non-linear structure, broad range of molecular weights, hydrophobicity, high rigidity, and brittleness. Recent investigations into modifying lignin to broaden its potential uses have shown promising results. This thesis explores different modification techniques of the naturally occurring hardwood lignin polymer for specific applications in areas of water treatment and polyurethane (PU) production. The first …