Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Adsorption Of Pfas On Bridged Functionalized Organosilica Materials, Elisha Lawerh Kabutey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PFAS are hazardous contaminants that have a devastating impact on human health and the environment. Their hazardous nature has led to the development of various adsorption methods for removing these contaminants from water sources. In this study, functionalized organosilica materials were synthesized from bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] amine using the sol-gel method. The surface amino groups of the organosilica were converted into amine hydrochloride groups. Their adsorption properties were evaluated using salts of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid. Results showed excellent adsorption capacity of the materials. Adsorption of PFAS leads to particle agglomeration and flotation of the spent material. A column …

Boron Nitride Nanotubes Assist The Self-Assembly Of Spherical Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Shells Of Cellulose Nanocrystals In Water, Tanner L. Larson, Brandon J. Heppe, Benjamin S. Flavel, Ralph Krupke, Geyou Ao

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Spherical confinement of cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) droplets is emerging as an intriguing approach for achieving complex ordered structures for photonic applications and beyond. Previously, this has been achieved primarily through microfluidic assembly utilizing immiscible solvents or immiscible mesogen-solvent systems, such as oil-water or thermotropic liquid crystal-water systems, respectively. Here, we show the spontaneous assembly of spherical ChLC droplets with isotropic cores from lyotropic liquid crystals of mixed nanorods containing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in all-aqueous environments. We show that the mixing of as low as 0.094 vol % of pectin-coated BNNTs with isotropic dispersions of …

Polymer Charge Effects On Scaling In Membrane Distillation, Lucia Milans Del Bosch

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research evaluates the effectiveness of polymeric inhibitors at suppressing scaling during direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Anionic polyacrylic acid (PAA), neutral polyethylene glycol (PEG), and cationic polyethyleneimine (PEI), were investigated. Experiments were conducted using both hypersaline single-salt and multi-component mixed-salt feeds to determine how the presence of different ions influences performance. Results from single-salt experiments showed that PAA and PEG effectively maintained permeate flux through chelation and steric hindrance, respectively, while PEI caused rapid membrane failure due to interfacial aggregation and pore wetting. In complex mixed-salt solutions, PEG was the additive, maintaining a steady flux with only a 7.33% …

Transformation Efficiency And Gfp Expression In E. Coli, Jessica H. Hobbs

Honors Theses

Genetic transformation of bacteria is a foundational technique in molecular biology and biotechnology, enabling the introduction and expression of foreign genes for research, industrial, and educational applications. This thesis investigates the transformation efficiency and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in Escherichia coli using the pGLO plasmid system, with the primary objective of supporting the development of a graduate-level laboratory course focused on bioprocess engineering and molecular biotechnology. The pGLO plasmid contains a GFP reporter gene regulated by an arabinose-inducible promoter and an ampicillin resistance gene that allows for selective growth of transformed cells. Competent E. coli HB101 K-12 cells were …

Salt-Dependent Purification Of Green Fluorescent Protein Via Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, Katie L. Collins

Honors Theses

Green fluorescent protein, GFP, is a widely used fluorescent reporter, and its purification provides a clear model for studying downstream bioprocessing. This thesis investigates how binding-buffer salt strength affects GFP retention and elution during hydrophobic interaction chromatography, HIC, by comparing three conditions (1.0×, 0.8×, and 0.6×). GFP-expressing E. coli were lysed and clarified, and the lysate was purified on HIC columns; collected fractions were evaluated qualitatively under UV illumination to track fluorescence distribution. Results showed a salt-dependent trend in which higher salt improved retention and shifted fluorescence toward later elution fractions, while reduced salt weakened hydrophobic interactions and increased earlier …

Predicting Personalized Myocardial Fibrosis Response Patterns Using A Mechanistic Signaling Network Model, Jared Noel

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Myocardial fibrosis is a key driver of heart failure progression and exhibits substantial patient-to-patient variability, complicating the development of effective personalized therapies. In this study, we present an integrated computational framework that combines a mechanistic signaling network model with patient-specific proteomic data to predict individualized fibrotic responses and therapeutic strategies. Using proteomic measurements from the Framingham Heart Study, we generated personalized baseline states and performed systematic in silico perturbation screens to evaluate candidate drug targets across 132 signaling nodes. Results reveal that while global network response structure is conserved, therapeutic efficacy varies widely between patients in both magnitude and breadth, …

Impact Of Biomass Type On Hydrocarbon Yield And Chain Length Distribution Produced Via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Nicholas R. Hawe

Honors Scholar Theses

This paper investigates the relationship between biomass composition and hydrocarbon yield as well as chain length distribution produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Through an Aspen Plus model, the conversion of three different biomasses – digestate, sawdust, and corn stover – into hydrocarbon fuel was simulated. The model converts biomass into gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons via various unit operations and reactions. Simulation results highlight the product distribution and hydrocarbon output, allowing for an analysis of hydrocarbon yield and comparison of chain length distributions amongst the three biomasses. Overall, the simulation showed biomass composition had no significant impact on hydrocarbon yield or chain …

Electrochemical Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide By In-Situ Generated Hydrogen At Porous Cu-Fe Foam-Like Catalysts: Efficiency Towards Formic Acid Formation, Aya Saada, Attia Attia

Biochemical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Role Of Directional Conditional Filtering On Droplet Velocity And Size Distribution, Farzad Hossain, Matthew J. Cleary, Yasir M. Al-Abdeli, Mehdi Khiadani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigates the role of directional filtering in the analysis of spray behaviour using two full cone nozzles (65° and 75°) emitting aqueous sprays under atmospheric conditions. A hybrid computational–experimental framework was applied, using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with Discrete Phase Model (DPM) and Rosin-Rammler distribution in ANSYS Fluent, validated against Shadowgraph and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The sensitivity of directional filtering to the effects of spray angle and flow rate (1.75 and 3.5 L/min), were also done. Upward-filtered droplets consistently exhibited greater breakup than both raw and downward-filtered data due to gravitational opposition and longer air exposure. …

Dynamic Mechanical Insertion Analysis Of Gelatin Methacryloyl Microneedles Under Realistic Insertion Conditions, Moloud Amini Baghbadorani, Masoumeh Zargar, Abdellah Shafieian, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite the great potential of Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) for minimally invasive drug delivery and interstitial fluid extraction, their performance under realistic insertion conditions and across diverse geometrical and mechanical parameters has remained uncharacterized. In this study, dynamic and static finite-element analyses were conducted for the first time to compare three types of crosslinked GelMA MNs: conical, pyramidal, and tapered-conical with and without base support. Insertion force, von Mises stress, and safety factors were evaluated at insertion velocities of 2-6 m/s under varying crosslinking times and polymer concentrations. The tapered-conical geometry demonstrated the best overall mechanical reliability, combining moderate …

A Baseline Study Of Artificial Intelligence Use Among Chemical Engineering Undergraduates At The University Of Arkansas, Natalie J. Erickson

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from a novel innovation to a tool used in daily life, particularly within higher education. While anecdotal evidence suggests high levels of student engagement with AI, empirical data regarding usage patterns remains limited. This baseline study investigates AI integration among undergraduate chemical engineering students at the University of Arkansas. Through an anonymous survey (N=68; comprising 20 freshmen, 14 sophomores, 16 juniors, and 18 seniors), researchers assessed usage frequency, student comfort levels, and their evolving relationship with AI tools. The findings reveal that 75% of respondents utilize AI for coursework at least once …

From Kernel To Carbon Footprint: Using Life Cycle Analysis To Teach Sustainability In Chemical Engineering, Neal Z. Kinney

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Many chemical engineering departments in the United States are currently lacking developed sustainability coursework, leaving many students without a developed understanding of topics such as life cycle analysis (LCA). [1] Therefore, there is a need for engaging and flexible educational tools that can be easily incorporated into course frameworks. This study develops an interactive learning module, expanding upon the work from Pollution Prevention Through Popcorn, a study developed by Rowan University. [2] The module combines experimental analysis of popcorn popping methods with life cycle assessment using OpenLCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of common types of popcorn packaging. Results of …

Surface-Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles For Enhanced Bioavailability In Ophthalmic Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Applications, Kaylee M. Drake

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study investigates the stimuli-responsive behavior of porcine gastric mucin (PGM) as a model for the conjunctival mucous membrane of the human eye to optimize mucoadhesive ophthalmic drug delivery. As a versatile biopolymer, PGM has a dynamic matrix structure that functions as a selectively permeable barrier, regulating transport across mucosal membranes. To improve drug bioavailability and retention in ocular treatments, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) were modified with varying surface functional groups and incorporated into the mucin at different physiological pH levels to examine the resulting microstructural changes. Leveraging the amphiphilic and negatively charged characteristics of mucin, positively charged and hydrophobic SiNPs …

Design Of Aluminum-Air Battery Systems And Optimization Of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide And 8-Hydroxyquinoline Additives In Alkaline Electrolytes, Steve Chen

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The first portion of this thesis focuses on the design and component optimization of aluminum-air batteries to power a car for the Chem-E-Car competition. A range of separators, cathodes, and current collectors was evaluated to determine the optimal configuration for maximizing output. The resulting system consisted of 1000 series aluminum as the anode, cellulose separators saturated in 1 M potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte, and composite PVDF and graphite as the cathode. The improved batteries achieved a power density of 2.14 x 10^-4 W/cm² and were utilized for the Chem-E-Car competition. The second portion of the thesis investigates …

Electrochemical And Mechanical Evaluation Of Cellulose Acetate Electrolyte Films As A Function Of Polyetherimide And Polyethylene Glycol Additives For Supercapacitor Applications, Chase E. Golden

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Polymer electrolytes for supercapacitor applications require a balance between mechanical robustness and electrochemical performance. In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) films were modified with additives such as polyetherimide (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to test how compositional changes influence mechanical performance, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical charge storage. Films were cast using phase inversion, soaked in a 1 M NaCl aqueous solution, and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and tensile testing. Films were also evaluated based on fluid uptake for insight into electrolyte retention.

Characterizations show that the addition of PEI increased ionic …

Performance Of Zirconia-Based Catalysts For Cold Plasma-Assisted Dry Methane Reforming, Levi Pile

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study investigates the performance of zirconia-based catalysts in non-thermal plasma (NTP)–assisted dry methane reforming (DMR) for synthesis gas (syngas) production. This work explores an alternative pathway for converting carbon dioxide and methane into valuable products under milder conditions than conventional thermal processes. Experiments were conducted in a radiofrequency plasma reactor to evaluate the effects of plasma power, feed flow rate, and reactant ratios on conversion efficiency. The performance of plasma-only conditions was compared with packed-bed systems using zirconia catalysts. Results show that plasma-only systems achieved modest conversion rates (~16.5% for CH₄ and ~12.0% for CO₂), while …

Cationic Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles For Enhanced Removal Of Anionic Dyes From Wastewater, Joia A. Traver

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Water scarcity and pollution are escalating global challenges, with textile industry wastewater often enriched with toxic dyes posing significant risks to environmental and human health. These contaminants increase turbidity, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and ultimately impair aquatic ecosystems. This thesis focuses on the remediation of dye-contaminated water using nanoscale polymeric adsorbents. Methyl orange, a common anionic dye widely used in textile and leather industries, was selected as the model contaminant due to its terminal sulfonate group, which enables strong electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with cationic functional materials.

In this work, magnetic nanoparticles grafted with cationic polymers were synthesized and evaluated …

Demonstration Of The Relationship Between Irwin Spire Quantity And Boundary Layer Depth In The Chemical Hazards Research Center Wind Tunnel, Jace D. Beckwith

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Atmospheric Dispersion Models (ADMs) are computer-based simulations used to model gas releases for enforcing regulatory compliance, designing facilities, and responding to emergencies. Because ADMs rely on complex mathematical models, they require experimental validation to ensure accuracy. Wind tunnels offer a controlled, repeatable method for gathering validation data. The Chemical Hazards Research Center (CHRC) at the University of Arkansas operates an ultra-low speed wind tunnel for this purpose. A key feature of this tunnel is its simulated Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL). The simulated ABL is a turbulent layer in which wind speed increases logarithmically with height from near zero at the …

An Efficient Implementation Of Gibbs-Duhem Integration For Solid-Liquid Phase Coexistence In Binary Lennard-Jones System With Relevance To Aav Capsid Separation, Muhi Muntaka

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Gene therapy using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) holds promise for treating genetic diseases, but high manufacturing costs limit its widespread use. A major challenge is separating functional (full) AAV capsids from non-functional (empty) ones, which are produced in similar amounts and have nearly identical structures. Conventional purification methods, such as density gradient ultracentrifugation and chromatography, face drawbacks like low yield, poor scalability, and high cost, often requiring multi-step processes. Recently, selective crystallization has emerged as a promising alternative, offering improved efficiency, scalability, and product quality. However, optimizing this method requires a deep understanding of thermodynamic phase behavior in multicomponent systems. In …

Engineered Uio-66-Nh2 Hybrid Nanocomposites For Antifouling Ultrafiltration Membranes With Dual Resistance To Microplastics And Protein Fouling, Mitra Golgoli, Mohadeseh Najafi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing presence of microplastics (MPs) in water and their impact on ultrafiltration (UF) membranes during the early stages of wastewater treatment highlight the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study explores the innovative modification of UF membranes by incorporating various hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticles, including UiO-66-NH2 hybrids with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (UiOM), chitosan (UiOC), and sulfobetaine zwitterions (UiOZ). These nanoparticles were synthesized and integrated into innovative UF membranes to compare their performance on MPs fouling effect in particular. The integration enhanced membrane hydrophilicity and altered surface roughness, creating a hydrophilic functional network that improved water permeability. Water …

Comparative Fatigue Analysis Of Cf-Pla Metamaterial Bone Plates For Orthopaedic Fixation, Ani Daniel, Hamed Bakhtiari, Barun K. Das, Muhammad Aamir, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Bone plates are widely used in orthopaedic surgery to stabilise fractured bones and support healing following traumatic injuries or osteotomies. However, conventional metallic bone plates suffer from stress shielding and stiffness mismatch with bone, which can hinder optimal healing. Additive manufacturing enables the incorporation of novel metamaterial architectures into polymer-based implants to enhance mechanical properties. The fatigue behaviour of these implants during the healing period is critical to ensuring their structural integrity and long-term performance. In this study, the compressive fatigue performance of fused deposition modelling (FDM)-printed carbon fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (CF-PLA) bone plates were investigated. Four metamaterial structures—tetrachiral, re-entrant, …

Development Of A Metal-Based Catalyst For The Ammonia Dehydrogenation Reaction, Othman Mohammed Abdullah Al-Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Developing cost-effective and active catalysts that would replace noble metals is desirable for the ammonia decomposition reaction. Hence, this thesis focuses on the development and evaluation of a 10Ni/0.75TiO2-0.25CeO2 catalyst for ammonia decomposition, a promising route to carbon-free hydrogen production. The system parameters investigated include the effect of reaction temperature (550, 650, and 750°C) and the catalyst mass (100, 200, and 300 mg) on the performance of the ammonia decomposition process. The primary objective of this work is to investigate how catalyst composition and metal-support interactions influence activity, hydrogen production, and ammonia conversion. Catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness …

Increasing The Prediction Accuracy Of Plant Oil Production Processes Through Adjusting The Parameters Of Machine Learning Models, Umidjon Ruziev, M.K. Shodiev, A.T. Rajabov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Vegetable oil production is characterized by high variability in output indicators due to nonlinear interactions between raw material parameters, equipment modes, and heat and mass transfer conditions. Existing approaches to applying machine learning in this field, as a rule, do not account for the impact of hyperparameter adjustments on forecasting quality across specific technological stages. The article presents a systematic methodology for adjusting model parameters (Ridge regression, SVR, GBM, LSTM) applied to three key tasks: predicting residual oil content in oil cake, color index during bleaching, and free fatty acid content during deodorization. In a set of 1000 observations, including …

Intelligent Manufacturing Of Edible Oil: From Smart Sensing To Big Data Platform, Ru Jiang, Nadirbek Yusupbekov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

With the rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies, intelligent manufacturing and big data platforms are profoundly transforming the production models of the traditional edible oil industry. The edible oil production process involves multiple complex unit operations such as refining, decolorization, and deodorization, which impose high requirements on process control and product quality monitoring. This paper presents a systematic review of key technological advances in the field of intelligent manufacturing of edible oil, establishing a comprehensive technical framework encompassing four dimensions: smart sensing, artificial intelligence applications, IoT communication, and big data platforms. The review begins by analyzing the global background and …

Reliability Analysis Of Separator Control Systems, D.P. Muxitdinov, O.U. Sattarov, M.Sh. Nematov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article aims to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and diagnostic capabilities of gas-liquid separators operating in hazardous technological processes. In the study, the separator is considered as a critical functional unit of an industrial system and is analyzed through structural and functional decomposition. The main operating parameters of the separator, including pressure drop (ΔP), separation efficiency and operational state are described on the basis of a mathematical model. In addition, a state model is developed for normal operation, foaming, liquid droplet carryover with the gas flow, and failure conditions. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic and monitoring issues, …

Data-Driven Neuro-Fuzzy Modeling And Rule Optimization For Intelligent Prediction Of Bioreactor Dynamics, Kamala Najaf Mammadzada

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Modeling wastewater bioreactors is a challenging problem in environmental engineering because the processes are constantly changing and the microorganisms do not behave in a linear or predictable way. This makes it difficult to predict and control the system behavior. This research investigates three artificial intelligence approaches for modeling wastewater bioreactors: the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and clustering-based fuzzy models. These models help us predict what is happening in the bioreactors. For instance they help us predict how the amount of substances in the water is changing over time like dS₀/dt dSs/dt …

Optimization Of Renewable Energy-Based Alkaline Electrolysis Systems For Sustainable Hydrogen Production, Shokhrukhbek Kozimjon Ugli Bakhramov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper presents a comprehensive optimization study of hydrogen production systems through alkaline water electrolysis powered by photovoltaic energy sources, with a specific focus on Central Asian applications. The research systematically investigates critical operating parameters including KOH electrolyte concentration (25-30 wt%), temperature effects (25-80°C), current density optimization (100-500 mA/cm²), and electrode material performance using cost-effective 316L stainless steel. Experimental results demonstrate that optimized systems achieve solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 13-15%, with hydrogen production costs ranging from $2-8/kg depending on system scale. The study reveals that maximum performance occurs at 30 wt% KOH concentration, 60-80°C operating temperature, and 200-400 mA/cm² current density. …

Analysis Of Automatic Control Of The Channels And Ditches Cleaning Mechanism Based On Dynamic Indicators, Nasiba Siraj Amirbayova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article deals with the automated design and experimental investigation of reinforced concrete irrigation channels and ditches, their interrelated channel-cleaning mechanisms, which are complex mechatronic systems integrating hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic components. A thorough methodology is suggested, hydrodynamic modeling, combining parametric analysis, and information-based design support to enhance channel concrete cover thickness, geometry, and cleaning system performance. Main structural parameters—involving channel depth, slope, bottom width, and concrete cover—are systematically defined and shown in matrix form to facilitate automated calculation and decision-making. Experimental prototypes and Solid Edge-based digital models are employed to verify the methodology, revealing vital interdependencies between structural parameters, …

Regular Synthesis Algorithms Of Control Devices In Nonlinear Control Systems, Husan Zakirovich Igamberdiyev, Iskandar Yusupovich Abdurakhmanov, Uktam Farkhodovich Mamirov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper examines the development of regularized algorithms for synthesizing control devices in control systems for polynomial objects, described by multidimensional Volterra functional series. The synthesis problem is solved using a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, the optimization problem is initially solved for an open-loop system. The second stage involves determining the parameters of the control device, i.e., its impulse response functions, by using the relationship between the characteristics of the open-loop and closed-loop systems. Regular algorithms are presented for finding the impulse response functions of the control device based on methods for regularizing the solution of operator equations …

Rdm Interval Arithmetic Based Weapon System Evaluation, Konul Imran Jabbarova Phd

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

For solving this issue, the paper considers a hierarchical multi-criteria decision-making problem, where the choice of a company that corresponds best to the criteria is required. Data used in this problem are presented in the form of intervals, which makes it possible to cope with uncertainty in the problem solution. Several companies working in missile production industry are chosen as alternatives for analysis. Evaluation of the selected alternatives is made based on five criteria clusters. More than twenty criteria are taken into account during evaluation.

Solving this problem is achieved with the help of the technique based on computation of …