Chemical Engineering Commons^™

High-Octane Gasoline Production Processes Using Catalysts Containing Platinum, Dilnoza Mauletbayevna Ametova, Duysenbay Xojabayevich Abdikamalov, Edil Abilov

Karakalpak Scientific Journal

The catalytic reforming process is designed to increase the detonation resistance of gasolines and to obtain individual aromatic hydrocarbons, mainly benzene, toluene, xylenes - petrochemical feedstocks. It is important to obtain a cheap hydrogen-containing gas in the process for use in other hydrocatalytic processes. The importance of catalytic reforming processes in oil refining increased significantly in the 1990s. due to the need to produce unleaded high-octane gasoline

Development Of Enhanced Algae Strains And Sustainable Cultivation Processes For Production Of Algal Lipids For Biofuels And Bioproducts, Enlin Lo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The establishment of an algae industry is crucial for addressing global biofuel and bioproduct demand that meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) worldwide. Photosynthetic microalgae are excellent sources for food, fiber, fuel, feed, and fertilizer, which are the 5Fs of the SDG. However, at present, algae-based materials are not cost-competitive or sufficiently sustainable. Improved productivity, lower cultivation cost, and reduced use of resources are required to transition from lab to industry, necessitating the development of superior strains that have high productivity and can tolerate environmental stress, such as temperature and salinity, so they can be cultivated at large scale outdoors …

In-Situ/Operando57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopic Technique And Its Applications In Nife-Based Electrocatalysts For Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Jafar Hussain Shah, Qi-Xian Xie, Zhi-Chong Kuang, Ri-Le Ge, Wen-Hui Zhou, Duo-Rong Liu, Alexandre I. Rykov, Xu-Ning Li, Jing-Shan Luo, Jun-Hu Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

The development of highly efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a significant barrier to establish effective utilization of renewable energy storage systems and water splitting to produce clean fuel. The current status of the research in developing OER catalysts shows that NiFe-based oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs) have been proven as excellent and remarkable candidates for this purpose. But it is critically important to understand the factors that influence their activity and underlying mechanism for the development of state-of-the-art OER catalysts. Therefore, the development of in-situ/operando characterizations is urgently required to detect key intermediates along …

In Situ Characterization Of Electrode Structure And Catalytic Processes In The Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Ya-Chen Feng, Xiang Wang, Yu-Qi Wang, Hui-Juan Yan, Dong Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

As an electrochemical energy conversion system, fuel cell has the advantages of high energy conversion efficiency and high cleanliness. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as an important cathode reaction in fuel cells, has received extensive attention. At present, the electrocatalysts are still one of the key materials restricting the further commercialization of fuel cells. The fundamental understanding on the catalytic mechanism of ORR is conducive to the development of electrocatalysts with the enhanced activity and high selectivity. This review aims to summarize the in situ characterization techniques used to study ORR. From this perspective, we first briefly introduce the advantages of …

Hydrogen Flooding Of A Coal Core: Effect On Coal Swelling, Stefan Iglauer, Hamed Akhondzadeh, Hussein Abid, Adriana Paluszny, Alireza Keshavarz, Muhammad Ali, Ausama Giwelli, Lionel Esteban, Joel Sarout, Maxim Lebedev

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hydrogen is a clean fuel which has the potential to drastically decarbonize the energy supply chain. However, hydrogen storage is currently a key challenge; one solution to this problem is hydrogen geo-storage, with which very large quantities of H2 can be stored economically. Possible target formations are deep coal seams, and coal permeability is a key parameter which determines how fast H2 can be injected and withdrawn again. However, it is well known that gas injection into coal can lead to coal swelling, which drastically reduces permeability. We thus injected H2 gas into a coal core and measured dynamic permeability, …

Photo-Induced Drug Release From Polymeric Micelles And Liposomes: Phototriggering Mechanisms In Drug Delivery Systems, Najla M. Salkho, Nahid S. Awad, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini

Faculty Publications

Chemotherapeutic drugs are highly effective in treating cancer. However, the side effects associated with this treatment lower the quality of life of cancer patients. Smart nanocarriers are able to encapsulate these drugs to deliver them to tumors while reducing their contact with the healthy cells and the subsequent side effects. Upon reaching their target, the release of the encapsulated drugs should be carefully controlled to achieve therapeutic levels at the required time. Light is one of the promising triggering mechanisms used as external stimuli to trigger drug release from the light-responsive nanocarriers. Photo-induced drug release can be achieved at a …

Microcystin-Lr Removal From Water Via Enzymatic Linearization And Ultrafiltration, Abelline Fionah, Cannon Hackett, Hazim Aljewari, Laura Brady, Faisal Alqhtani, Isabel C. Escobar, Audie K. Thompson

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria that can bloom in freshwater supplies. This study describes a new strategy for remediation of MC-LR that combines linearization of the toxin using microcystinase A, MlrA, enzyme with rejection of linearized byproducts using membrane filtration. The MlrA enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified via a His-tag with 95% purity. Additionally, composite membranes made of 95% polysulfone and 5% sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) were fabricated and used to filter a solution containing cyclic and linearized MC-LR. Tests were also performed to measure the adsorption and desorption of MC-LR …

Tuning Electrochemical Interactions And Polymer Electrolyte Interfaces For Enhanced Organic Acid Separations Using Electrodeionization, Matthew Leo Jordan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Chemical separations are critical processes for chemical and industrial plants to purify and isolate products however current separation technologies, such as distillation, rely on energy intensive processes. Electrochemical separation processes, such as electrodialysis and electrodeionization, are an energy efficient alternative that are emerging as an alternative for thermal-based separations. Organic acids are weakly ionizable species and susceptible for purification from process streams using electrochemical processes. Recently the fermentation route has garnered greater attention as a means for producing value-added chemicals, such as organic acids, from a renewable feedstock and aiding the circular economy. Some of the challenges electrodialysis faces for …

A Comparison Of Square-Wave Voltammetry Models To Determine The Number Of Electrons Exchanged In Metal Deposition, Ranon Fuller, Tyler Williams, Mark H. Schvaneveldt, Devin Rappleye

Faculty Publications

A comparison of square-wave voltammetry models for calculating the number of electrons exchanged in a metal deposition reaction. Experiments were conducted for silver deposition on platinum in an aqueous HNO₃ solution and for nickel and lanthanum deposition on platinum in molten LiCl. Diffusion coefficients for Ni²⁺ and La³⁺ in LiCl at 700^oC are calculated. Accuracy of soluble-soluble models versus a soluble-insoluble model is discussed. A simple method for determining the number of electrons exchanged under the constraint of well-compensated ohmic drop is proposed and evaluated.

Techno-Economic And Sustainability Analysis Of Renewable Natural Gas (Rng) Production, Eesha Bhattacharjee

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Natural Gas (NG) is one of the major sources of energy currently used in the United States. Its major applications include generating electricity, domestic, and industrial heating purposes and as a transportation fuel. The largest component of NG is methane, and it contains trace amounts of hydrocarbons, some CO2 and water vapor.

Biogas (produced by anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass) upgraded to have high purity methane (often termed as biomethane or renewable natural gas) can be used as an alternative to NG. The upgrading techniques may include CO2 separation from the biogas stream or via to a methanation facility where …

Protocol To Engineer Nanofilms Embedded Lipid Nanoparticles For Controlled And Targeted Drug Delivery (Nectar), Rashi Porwal, Stephen L. Hayward, Srivatsan Kidambi

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

We present a protocol to engineer a substrate-mediated delivery platform comprising hyaluronic acid-coated lipid nanoparticles (HALNPs) embedded into polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films. This platform allows controlled spatiotemporal release of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) by embedding them within the polyelectrolyte multilayer films matrix. HALNP conjugate with antibodies also adds the ability for targeted delivery. The use of LNP enables this platform to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. This platform can easily be reproduced and utilized for various biomedical drug delivery applications. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hayward et al. (2015, 2016a, 2016b), …

The Effect Of Soot Models In Oxy-Coal Combustion Simulations, Kamron Groves Brinkerhoff

Theses and Dissertations

Soot in coal combustion simulations is often ignored due to its computational complexity, despite significant effects on flame temperature and radiation. In this research, a 40 kW oxy-coal combustion system is modeled using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and a semi-empirical monodisperse coal soot model. Simulation results are compared to experimental measurements of temperature, species concentrations, and soot concentration. Cases where soot is modeled are compared with cases where soot is neglected to determine the accuracy benefits of modeling soot. The simulations were able to replicate experimental results within an acceptable level of error. Including soot in the simulations did not …

Continental Break-Up Under A Convergent Setting: Insights From P Wave Radial Anisotropy Tomography Of The Woodlark Rift In Papua New Guinea, Youqiang Yu, Frederik Tilmann, Dapeng Zhao, Stephen S. Gao, Kelly H. Liu

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

To explore the dynamic mechanism of continental rifting within a convergent setting, we determine the first P wave radial anisotropic tomography beneath the Woodlark rift in southeastern Papua New Guinea, which develops within the obliquely colliding zone between the Australian and southwest Pacific plates. The rift zone is depicted as localized low-velocity anomalies with positive radial anisotropy, which rules out a dominant role of active mantle upwelling in promoting the rift development and favors passive rifting with decompression melting as main processes. Downwelling slab relics in the upper mantle bounding the rift zone are revealed based on observed high-velocity anomalies …

Modeling Of Temperature Swing Adsorption-Oxidation Of Volatile Organic Compounds, Busuyi O. Adebayo, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work, we simulated a single-bed 4-step temperature swing adsorption-oxidation (TSAO) process for capture and in situ oxidation of benzene, as a model VOC, over Ni/ZrO₂-SiO₂, as a dual-function material (DFM). The TSAO cycles consisted of adsorption, preheating, desorption/oxidation, and cooling steps. The model sensitive parameters were estimated via parameter estimation and validated against experimental data. Extensive parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of key process variables on the TSAO performance. Model results revealed relatively good prediction of the process. Under the conditions investigated, adsorption, oxidation and total removal efficiencies were estimated …

Morphology Of Mos2 Nanosheets And Its Influence On Water/Oil Interfacial Tension: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Yang Feng, Jirui Hou, Yulong Yang, Shuting Wang, Dongsen Wang, Tingting Cheng, Zhenjiang You

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plate-shaped nanoparticles exhibit huge potential for a broad range of cutting-edge applications in interfacial-based science and technology, such as enhanced oil recovery in hydrocarbon reservoirs, owing to their remarkable features in superior affinity toward interfaces. Understanding the adsorption behavior of nanosheets (NSs) self-assembled at the water/oil interface (W/O interface) is crucial to elucidate the variation of interfacial tension (IFT) and establish special design criteria for efficient industrial use of NSs. Here we present a molecular dynamics study to reveal the morphology of carbon-chain modified molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets. The stress exerted on a nanosheet is analyzed. The simulation …

Computational Study Of The Reactions Of Heteroatomic Compounds On Ceo2, Suman Bhasker Ranganath

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The mechanisms of ambient-temperature reactions of heteroatomic compounds catalyzed by ceria (CeO₂), an archetypical reducible oxide, for enzyme mimetics, environmental protection, and chemical synthesis are investigated in this dissertation using theoretical methods. CeO₂ is modeled with thermodynamically stable low-index surfaces exposed by commonly studied ceria thin films and nano particles. To understand phosphatase-like dephosphorylation activity, stable adsorption states and surface reactions of model phosphates are examined. Binding of the central P-atom to surface lattice oxygen (O_latt) supplemented by phosphoryl O-Ce interaction is the only stable adsorption state for the un-dissociated molecule. Deprotonation of phosphate monoesters, …

The Greenest Solar Power? Life Cycle Assessment Of Foam-Based Flexible Floatovoltaics, Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Pierce Mayville, Joshua M. Pearce

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

This study presents a life cycle analysis (LCA) of a 10 MW foam-based floatovoltaics (FPV) plant installed on Lake Mead, Nevada, U.S. A material inventory of the flexible crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based module involved massing and determination of material composition of the module's encapsulation layers with ATR/FTR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The LCA was performed using SimaPro and the results were interpreted in terms of cumulative energy demands, energy payback time, global warming potential, GHG emissions, and water footprint including negative values for reduced evaporation. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the lifetime of the modules and the foam-based racking. The …

Chemical Thermodynamics—A Practical Wonderland, Rubin Battino, Trevor M. Letcher

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Chemical thermodynamics is frequently thought of as being a hard subject and quite abstract. In fact, it is one of the most practical of subjects when you consider that the field of chemical engineering (responsible for endless useful applications) is effectively applied chemical thermodynamics. In this essay, examples of these applications are given, especially with respect to sustainability. The essay first considers the limits of thermodynamics and the constraints put on it in terms of the rigorous definitions of the principal function’s energy, entropy, and Gibbs energy.

Increasing Versatility And Recyclability Of Additive Manufacturing By Utilizing Epdm/Pp Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, Nathan Zeringue

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

4,6-O-Phenylethylidene Acetal Protected D-Glucosamine Carbamate-Based Gelators And Their Applications For Multi-Component Gels, Pooja Sharma, Guijun Wang

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The self-assembly of carbohydrate-based low molecular weight gelators has led to useful advanced soft materials. The interactions of the gelators with various cations and anions are important in creating novel molecular architectures and expanding the scope of the small molecular gelators. In this study, a series of thirteen new C-2 carbamates of the 4,6-O-phenylethylidene acetalprotected D-glucosamine derivatives has been synthesized and characterized. These compounds are rationally designed from a common sugar template. All carbamates synthesized were found to be efficient gelators and three compounds are also hydrogelators. The resulting gels were characterized using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, …

Potassic Volcanism Induced By Mantle Upwelling Through A Slab Window: Evidence From Shear Wave Splitting Analyses In Central Java, Fansheng Kong, Stephen S. Gao, Kelly H. Liu, Jiabiao Li

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

To delineate the mantle flow fields in the vicinity of a previously proposed slab window and the possible roles that they may play in the formation of potassic volcanism in Central Java, we conduct shear wave splitting analyses using both local S and teleseismic XKS waves (including SKS, SKKS, and PKS) recorded by 121 onshore stations and two ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs). The XKS fast orientations from the OBSs are trench normal and in accord with previous subslab anisotropy measurements. In the eastern part of Central Java, the XKS and local S fast orientations from the onshore stations are mostly …

Formulation And Processing Of Dual Functional Adsorbent/Catalyst Structured Monoliths Using An Additively Manufactured Contactor For Direct Capture/Conversion Of Co2 With Cogeneration Of Ethylene, Shane Lawson, Khaled Baamran, Kyle Newport, Fateme Rezaei, Ali A. Rownaghi

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Utilizing CO₂ as a mild oxidant for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) is an attractive way of recycling this greenhouse contaminant. Typically, CO₂ capture and conversion processes are performed in separate beds, however, combining these processes into one bed incurs advantages of lower thermal gradient and reduced energy costs. This study formulated the first generation of structured dual-functional materials (DFMs) by directly 3D printing metal-oxide-CaO/ZSM-5 inks into monolithic contactors. Specifically, we 3D-printed monoliths with V, Ga, Ni, or Ti dopants to perform metal screening and determine which metal generates the best structured DFM for combined CO₂ capture …

Influence Of Saccharide Modifications On Heparin Lyase Iii Substrate Specificities, Jiandong Wu, Pradeep Chopra, Geert Jan Boons, Joseph Zaia

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Library of 23 Synthetic Heparan Sulfate (HS) Oligosaccharides, Varying in Chain Length, Types, and Positions of Modifications, Was Used to Analyze the Substrate Specificities of Heparin Lyase III Enzymes from Both Flavobacterium Heparinum and Bacteroides Eggerthii. the Influence of Specific Modifications, Including N-Substitution, 2-O Sulfation, 6-O Sulfation, and 3-O Sulfation on Lyase III Digestion Was Examined Systematically. It Was Demonstrated that Lyase III from Both Sources Can Completely Digest Oligosaccharides Lacking O-Sulfates. 2-O Sulfation Completely Blocked Cleavage at the Corresponding Site; 6-O and 3-O Sulfation on Glucosamine Residues Inhibited Enzyme Activity. We Also Observed that There Are Differences in …

Kinetic And Thermodynamic Analyses For Pyrolysis Of Hemp Hurds Using Discrete Distributed Activation Energy Model, Panuphong Mankeed, Thossaporn Onsree, Salman Raza Naqvi, Sirivatch Shimpalee, Nakorn Tippayawong

Faculty Publications

In many counties, hemp is becoming a high-valued economic crop. Post-processing, more than 65% w/w of its starting material becomes waste. Herein, pyrolysis of hemp hurds/residues was investigated under low (10-50 degrees C/min) and intermediate (100-150 degrees C/min) heating rates using a discrete distributed activation energy model (DAEM). Thermochemical decomposition of hemp hurds occurred in three stages: drying, active pyrolysis, and char formation, accounting for 70-80% w/w overall weight loss. With the discrete DAEM, the model can be utilized for predicting pyrolysis behaviors of hemp hurds accurately with correlation coefficient of over 0.99. Different reaction mechanisms appeared between the low …

Selective Penetration Behavior Of Microgels In Superpermeable Channels And Reservoir Matrices, Yang Zhao, Baojun Bai

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Gel treatment is an effective way to attack excessive water production in many mature oilfields around the world. Selective penetration is desired for successful gel treatments. That is, gel materials should easily penetrate the target zones (i.e., channeling features such as superpermeable channels) without entering/damaging the nontarget zones (i.e., reservoir matrices or oil zones). This study revealed that presence of threshold penetration pressure (ΔPth) was responsible for selective penetration behavior of tested microgels. The concept of ΔPth was utilized to figure out favorable working conditions for effective gel treatments. Microgel dispersions were injected into superpermeable (super-k) sandpacks (mimicking super-k channels …

Electro‐Driven Materials And Processes For Lithium Recovery—A Review, Anna Siekierka, Marek Bryjak, Amir Razmjou, Wojciech Kujawski, Aleksandar N. Nikoloski, Ludovic F. Dumée

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The mass production of lithium‐ion batteries and lithium‐rich e‐products that are required for electric vehicles, energy storage devices, and cloud‐connected electronics is driving an unprecedented demand for lithium resources. Current lithium production technologies, in which extraction and purification are typically achieved by hydrometallurgical routes, possess strong environmental impact but are also energy‐intensive and require extensive operational capabilities. The emergence of selective membrane materials and associated electro‐processes offers an avenue to reduce these energy and cost penalties and create more sustainable lithium production approaches. In this review, lithium recovery technologies are discussed considering the origin of the lithium, which can be …

Recent Advances In Structural Regulation On Non-Precious Metal Catalysts For Oxygen Reduction Reaction In Alkaline Electrolytes, Xue Wang, Li Zhang, Chang-Peng Liu, Jun-Jie Ge, Jian-Bing Zhu, Wei Xing

Journal of Electrochemistry

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline electrolytes is an important electrochemical process for metal-air batteries and anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). However, the sluggish kinetics spurs intensive research on searching robust electrocatalysts. Non-precious metal catalysts (NPMCs) that can circumvent the cost and scarcity issues associated with platinum (Pt)-based materials have been pursued and the challenges lie in the performance improvement to rival Pt-based benchmarks. As the composition and structure of the NPMCs have a significant impact on the catalytic performance, precise regulation on the catalyst structure holds great promise to bridge the activity gap between NPMCs and Pt-based benchmarks. …

Recent Advances In Electrochemical Kinetics Simulations And Their Applications In Pt-Based Fuel Cells, Ji-Li Li, Ye-Fei Li, Zhi-Pan Liu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Theoretical simulations of electrocatalysis are vital for understanding the mechanism of the electrochemical process at the atomic level. It can help to reveal the in-situ structures of electrode surfaces and establish the microscopic mechanism of electrocatalysis, thereby solving the problems such as electrode oxidation and corrosion. However, there are still many problems in the theoretical electrochemical simulations, including the solvation effects, the electric double layer, and the structural transformation of electrodes. Here we review recent advances of theoretical methods in electrochemical modeling, in particular, the double reference approach, the periodic continuum solvation model based on the modified Poisson-Boltzmann …

Facet Dependent Oxygen Evolution Activity Of Spinel Cobalt Oxides, Li-Hua Zhang, Hong-Yuan Chuai, Hai Liu, Qun Fan, Si-Yu Kuang, Sheng Zhang, Xin-Bin Ma

Journal of Electrochemistry

Water splitting is a promising technology to produce clean hydrogen if powered by renewable energies, where oxygen evolution is the rate determining step at an anode. Here we adjust the different crystal planes of the cobalt oxides catalyst to expose more effective active sites through a hydrothermal process, so as to improve the reaction activity for oxygen evolution. The samples were well characterized by TEM, SEM and XRD. Among the three synthetic crystal planes (100), (111) and (110) of spinel cobalt oxides, the (100) crystal plane has the highest intrinsic activity. Combining in-situ infrared and DFT calculations, we …

Selective Co2 Reduction To Formate On Heterostructured Sn/Sno2 Nanoparticles Promoted By Carbon Layer Networks, Xue Teng, Yanli Niu, Shuaiqi Gong, Xuan Liu, Zuofeng Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Tin (Sn)-based materials have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for selective reduction of CO₂ to formate, but their overall performances are still limited by electrode structures which govern the accessibility to active sites, the electron transfer kinetics, and the catalytic stability. In this study, the heterostructured Sn/SnO₂ nanoparticles dispersed by N-doped carbon layer networks (Sn/SnO₂@NC) were synthesized by a melt-recrystallization method taking the low melting point of Sn (m.p. 232^oC). The N-doped carbon layer networks derived from polydopamine could attract more electrons on the electrocatalyst, serve as conductive agents and protect the ultrafine nanoparticles from …