Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Harnessing Mono-2-(Methacryloyloxy) Ethyl Succinate Grafting For Robust Micro/Nanoplastic-Resistant Ultrafiltration Membranes, Mohadeseh Najafi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mitra Golgoli, Michael Johns, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in water systems poses a serious threat to conventional treatment processes, particularly membrane filtration. This study focuses on a surface modification strategy for commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membranes via plasma-induced grafting of mono-2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl succinate (MMES) to enhance resistance against MP/NPs fouling. The membranes were characterised using advanced analytical techniques, including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirming successful grafting, increased hydrophilicity, and a more negative surface charge. At optimal conditions of grafting (2 min pretreatment, 0.5 M monomer concentration, and 3 h grafting …

Sustainable Textiles Through Electrospinning: Addressing Environmental Challenges, Nicole Sharples, Omid Doustdar, Miguel Carmona‐Cabello, Shayan Abrishami, Jose M. Herreros, Ali Sadaghiani, Karl D. Dearn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The textile industry, known for its significant environmental footprint, faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This review identifies the textile industry’s sustainability challenges and examines electrospinning as a promising technology to mitigate its environmental impact. Electrospinning enables the production of nanofibers with enhanced properties suitable for various textile applications, offering potential solutions to reduce resource consumption and waste generation. This review discusses the current uses of electrospinning in textile manufacturing and analyses emerging trends in textile recycling, emphasising the role of electrospinning in transforming waste textiles into value-added products. Prospects for advancing electrospinning techniques to achieve efficient textile recycling …

Enhanced Strength And Corrosion Resistance Of Ti-13nb-12ta-10zr-4sn Alloy By Aging Treatment, Yuhua Li, Rong Zhao, Qian Zhang, Haojie Wang, Yujing Liu, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This work investigates the effect of aging treatment on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Ti-13Nb-12Ta-10Zr-4Sn (TNTZS) alloy prepared by vacuum arc melting. The as-cast TNTZS alloy was solution-treated and aged at 450°C (HT450) and 550°C (HT550). Microstructural characterization revealed significant changes in the phase proportion (in vol%), which transformed from 64% β, 19% α, and 17% α″ in as-cast condition to 54% β, 13% α, and 33% α″ for HT450 and 55% β, 25% α, and 20% α″ for HT550, respectively. The tensile strength and yield strength increased from 608 and 424 MPa in as-cast condition to 1192 …

Tribological Properties Of Woven Carbon Fiber/Peek Composites From Ambient To 200 °C: Ultra-Low Wear And Performance Evolution, Zheng Bo Xu, Shu Qing Kou, Feng Qiu, Liang Yu Chen, Hong Yu Yang, Jun Nan Dai, Shi Li Shu, Ruifen Guo, Qi Chuan Jiang, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The limited mechanical and tribological stability of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK matrix composites at elevated temperatures remains a major obstacle to their widespread application in extreme service environments. In this work, stain-woven carbon fiber (60 wt%) reinforced PEEK composite (CP60) was fabricated via compression molding, and its temperature-dependent mechanical and wear performance was systematically evaluated. Friction and wear behavior were systematically investigated using pin-on-disc tests under dry sliding conditions. Experiments were conducted at two distinct temperatures (room temperature (RT) and 200 °C) with diverse loads (200–400 N) and sliding velocities (0.47 and 0.94 m/s). The composite exhibited lower average friction …

Photocatalytic Degradation Of Cephalexin, Amoxicillin, And Phenol Red Using A Green-Synthesized Folic Acid–Zno–Bi2o3 Nanoporous System, M. Sarani, Haghighi, P. Tamaddon, A. Najafidoust, P. Faghani-Eskandarkolaei, N. Sattarahmady

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The persistent presence of pharmaceutical pollutants like amoxicillin (AMX) and cephalexin (CPX), and industrial dyes such as phenol red (PR) in wastewater poses serious ecological and public health risks, including antibiotic resistance. It necessitates efficient and low-cost remediation technologies. Photocatalysts employing innovative and engineered nanomaterials such as bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures exhibit considerable potential for eliminating pollutants. This study focused on the photodegradation of AMX, CPX, and PR utilizing green-synthesized folic acid–ZnO–Bi2O3 nanoparticles (F-Zn-Bi NPs) under visible light irradiation. Characterization of the synthesized photocatalyst was conducted using various techniques of powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission …

De Novo Protein Binding To Zinc Oxide Through Biomineralization Pathways, Jean-Mark A. Francis

Theses and Dissertations

De novo proteins are structurally distinct from proteins found in nature and thus capable of having their amino acid sequence modified to accomplish tasks such as increasing protein-nanoparticle binding without unfolding or decomposing. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are functionally distinct from their bulk counterparts and are widely used as semiconductors in a variety of fields such as medicine and agriculture. With demand for these nanoparticles increasing, environmentally sustainable methods of Zinc Oxide nanoparticle synthesis are being investigated as an eco-friendly alternative to currently utilized but environmentally hazardous chemical and physical techniques. This research investigates the binding characteristics between Zinc Oxide nanoparticles …

Deep Learning Approaches For Voltammetric Analysis Of Coffee, Ryan Koes

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates deep learning approaches for voltammetric analysis of brewed coffee using a low-cost electrochemical system and screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Traditional analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), provide precise quantification of key compounds but require expensive instrumentation and specialized expertise, limiting accessibility. While SPEs offer a more accessible alternative, they yielded poor results with traditional processing; however, when combined with a neural network, the system proved more effective. In experiments with 132 coffee samples, mean errors for caffeine, CGA, and TDS predictions were 52.98 ppm, 70.48 ppm, and 0.08%, respectively. These findings …

Charge‐Governed Mechanistic Evaluation Of Aav2 Clarification Via Functionalized Flat Sheet And Hollow Fiber Deconstructed Depth Filters, Mara Baughman‐Leach, Mattie Brock, Malgorzata Chwatko, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The expansion of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapeutics has increased the demand for efficient clarification. In this study, a functionalized deconstructed depth filtration platform was developed to dissect how membrane–virus charge, modulated by pH, influences separation. Three charge regimes, positive (pH 4), neutral (pH 6), and negative (pH 8) between the membranes and AAVs, were examined. The flat-sheet system, composed of sequential 1.2, 0.8, 0.45, and 0.1 µm membranes, enabled the first layer-by-layer analysis of depth filtration behavior. This revealed that Stage 1 and Stage 4 dominate clarification. Remarkably, substantial DNA capture (> 75%) was observed even in the largest-pore stage, …

Creep-Recovery Behavior Of Copper Springs At Low Stresses, Ming-Yen Tsai, Shou-Yi Chang, Yi-Chia Chou, Jyun-Lin Hu, Yulin Zhang, Fuqian Yang, Sanboh Lee

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Copper springs, unlike conventional wires, endure complex stress states such as torsion and bending under sustained thermal and mechanical loads. This study examines the time-dependent creep-recovery behavior of copper springs under low tensile forces at temperatures ranging from 523 K to 623 K, focusing on springs with spring indexes (ratio of mean spring diameter to wire diameter) of 6.4, 8.5, and 9.6. The non-linear Burgers model with a Kelvin solid effectively captures the deformation response and mirrors dislocation nucleation and annihilation kinetics. SEM and TEM imaging reveal that low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) act as both dislocation sources and sinks. The …

Computational Study Of Rotating Detonation Combustors, Aditya Balasubramaniam

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Rotating detonation combustors (RDCs) are pressure-gain combustion devices that sustain one or more continuously rotating detonation waves, offering potential thermodynamic and performance advantages over conventional deflagration-based systems. Their behavior depends strongly on combustor geometry and operating conditions. Understanding these effects is therefore essential for the design and optimization of practical RDCs. Accordingly, this thesis numerically investigates annular RDCs with two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the effects of propellant mass flux and (2) to assess the influence of annular width on detonation-wave dynamics and combustor performance.

A finite-volume framework is used to solve the compressible reactive Euler equations with hydrogen–air …

Age-Related Hearing Loss Involves Mitochondrial Dna Instability And Copy Number Depletion In The Cochlea: Insights From In Vivo And In Vitro Models, Akil Turner, Bo Ding, Xiaoxia Zhu, Tam Nguyen, Parveen Bazard, Robert D. Frisina

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a highly prevalent sensory neurodegenerative disorder that involves various molecular mechanisms. The present study investigated if age-related oxidative stress (OS) induces alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and heteroplasmy, using complementary in vivo and in vitro models. Aged (30-month) CBA/CaJ mice have elevated auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds amplitudes vs. young (3-month) CBA/CaJ mice, a key physiological characteristic of ARHL The in vitro experiments employed the strial SV-K1 cochlear cell line treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Both the aged cochleae and H₂O₂-treated cells exhibited a significant …

Insights Of Quantitative Imaging And Instantaneous Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurement In Spouted Bed Column, Hasan A. Abdulwahab, Abbas J. Sultan, Amer A. Abdulrahman, Haydar A.S. Aljaafari, Ali A. Yahya, Zahraa W. Hasan, Malik M. Mohammed, Laith S. Sabri, Bashar J. Kadhim, Jamal M. Ali, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, the heat transfer behavior of a conical spouted bed column was imaged for the first time across its entire cross-sectional area and at multiple axial heights. To achieve this, a custom-built quantitative imaging approach was developed. This method combined FluxTeq heat flux sensors with an Arduino-based data acquisition system. The experimental setup enabled instantaneous, spatially resolved measurements of surface temperature, heat flux, and local heat transfer coefficients (LHTC) under various operating conditions. Measurements at different radial locations, angles, and heights provided a comprehensive view of heat transfer behavior throughout the column. The obtained cross-sectional images show that …

Effect Of Inter Electrode Distance On Electrochemical Mineralization Of Calcium Carbonate In Mildly Acidic Environments, Irene Walker, Ivy Wu, Steven Decaluwe, Robert Bell, Kerry Rippy

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

The effect of inter electrode distance (IED) on electrochemical mineralization in a parallel plate cell with a stainless-steel working electrode is presented. Three IEDs were tested, 6.5 mm, 15.5 mm, and 22.0 mm, for their water reduction effectiveness to create a region of local alkalinity that stimulates calcium carbonate precipitation in mildly acidic conditions. Chronoamperometry at -1.6 V for 30 minutes with ex-situ optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. At the smallest IEDs, crystal clusters formed in growth-favored regimes as compared to the largest IED, where nucleation dominated, leading to encasement of the SS mesh. Rapid precipitation …

Feasibility Of Upcycling Spent Lithium-Ion Battery To Carbon Dioxide Capture Adsorbent, Chimezie Frank Onwudinjo

Master’s Theses

This study investigates the feasibility of repurposing spent lithium-ion battery (SLIB) to lithium orthosilicate (Li₄SiO₄), a high temperature carbon dioxide sorbent. Two synthesis pathways including conventional acid-leaching method (Scenario 1) and a pyrolysis-based route (Scenario 2) were explored. Additionally, techno-economic analysis (TEA) and lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the two processes were also performed. Different analytical characterization techniques were performed to understand the material properties of Li₄SiO₄ including surface area, crystallinity, morphology and thermal stability. CO₂ capture performance of the synthesized Li₄SiO₄ was tested in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) using …

Discovering Naturally Occurring Antifreeze Peptides From Microbiome By Integrating Protein Language Models And Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Ibrahim A. Imam, Trevor Morey, Yuexu Jiang, Duolin Wang, Dong Xu, Qing Shao

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Antifreeze peptides inhibit ice crystal growth and recrystallization, and are promising components of cryoprotective formulations for cell, tissue, and food preservation, as well as anti-icing surface coatings. However, the discovery of new antifreeze peptides has been hindered by their sequence diversity and the limited scalability of experimental screening. In this study, we identify novel antifreeze peptide candidates from a microbiome-derived sequence library using ensemble machine learning and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We developed an ensemble classifier composed of 10 adapter-tuned protein-language models and a random forest meta-learner. After training on a curated dataset of 73 766 sequences, we applied this …

Effect Of Protective Mutation On Structure And Dynamics Of Apoe: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study, Newton A. Ihoeghian, Usman L. Abass, Ibrahim A. Imam, Qing Shao

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) plays a significant role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Three mutations—APOE3–R136S, APOE3–V236E, and APOE4–R251G—have been reported to reduce the risk of AD. Unveiling the molecular mechanism behind this reduction could lay a foundation for developing therapeutics for AD. To shed light on this subject, we investigate the mutation-induced variation in structural and dynamic properties of APOE3–R136S, APOE3–V236E, and APOE4–R251G in explicit solvent using molecular dynamics simulations. The APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 were used as the reference. The analysis unveiled that the three protective mutations may exert protection through different mechanisms. The R215G mutation makes …

Tiny Plastic, Big Trouble: How Polystyrene Nanoparticles Impact Dna-Damage Repair Deficient Cervical Cancer Cells, Jordan D. Berezowitz, Mira C. Fish, Lauren E. Mehanna, Breanna Knicely, Claire E. Rowlands, Eva M. Goellner, Brittany E. Givens

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Microplastics are becoming increasingly abundant waste products; therefore, the risk of human exposure is also increasing. The cytotoxic consequences of microplastic exposure, particularly in cancer, have yet to be explored. We obtained commercially available polystyrene nanoparticles of uniform size (86.61 ± 6.41 nm) and confirmed the chemical composition and shape using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. We evaluated colloidal stability over a range of concentrations from 1–1000 µg mL⁻¹ using hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential, determining that higher concentrations exhibit greater colloidal stability compared to lower concentrations. Specifically, the zeta potential increased from …

Novel Methods For Environmental Fluoride Measurement, Cable Warren

Chemistry & Biochemistry Dissertations

Fluoride analysis has been an important focus of analytical analysis for many years and will continue to be so going forward. Today, fluorinated compounds, specifically per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as “forever chemicals” have captured the moment and are the subject of vast research and regulation. Under this context, I have researched new methods of fluoride separation and concentration in complex media as well as a novel method of PFAS destruction and total organic fluorine analysis for screening of PFAS in aqueous samples. Through research and work on micro-scale detection methods, an understanding of the state of the art and …

Made On Mars: Design And Manufacturing Of Structural Polymer-Regolith Composites, Pailey M. Vitale

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Human exploration of Mars is constrained by harsh environmental conditions and the prohibitive cost of transporting materials from Earth. Long-term sustainability requires the local production of mechanical and structural components using resources available on Mars, thereby minimizing payload mass. This project investigates polymer–regolith composites derived from atmospheric CO₂ and mineral-rich regolith as a pathway toward in-situ manufacturing. These composites, when compatible with additive manufacturing, could replace imported plastics, enable on-demand fabrication, and support closed-loop recycling systems. The objective is to design and evaluate polymer–regolith composites that maintain mechanical integrity and environmental resistance under Martian conditions, including extreme temperature swings, radiation …

Energy Efficient Windows Using Pvme, James S. Bronstrup

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Project aims to improve window energy efficiency using the thermoplastic polymer PVME (polyvinyl methyl ether), which displays temperature-dependent transparency that can be adjusted by mixing it with water and salt to reduce heat transfer through a window. The objective is to determine the optimal PVME water-salt ratios for placement inside a windowpane, evaluate energy savings compared to a traditional argon-filled window, and compare estimated costs. A small-scale model will test different concentrations for various climates, with heat transfer measured by temperature indicators via a LabQuest. Building on research by Yang Zhou at Nanyang Technological University, who used a …

Microscopic Insights On Shear Rheology Of Polyampholyte Ionomers Via Molecular Simulations, Kyle Vonscio

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Ionomers are polymers that contain a small fraction of charged groups. The ionic attraction of charged groups allows ionomers to act similarly to crosslinked polymers. Depending on the strength of electrostatic interactions and structure of the ionomers, different dynamics and rheological responses can be observed. With moderate attraction between ions, these noncovalent crosslinks can be broken when heated, allowing ionomers to flow and show the strength of a crosslinked network at low temperatures. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations will be performed under shear in the xy-plane and the macroscopic rheology and conformation of the polyampholyte ionomer will be determined. The …

Determining Critical Micelle Concentrations Of Standard Surfactants And Rhamnolipids, Kathryn E. Kunz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

My proposed project will study the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of rhamnolipids using the pendant-drop and drop-weight methods. First, the critical micelle concentrations of ionic and nonionic common surfactants will be tested. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) will be used as an ionic surfactant and Tween 20 will be used as a nonionic surfactant. The critical micelle concentrations will be determined using the pendant-drop and drop-weight methods. The experimental results from the standard surfactants compared to their accepted values will be tested to assist with determining a more suitable approach. Completing the tests will provide a better understanding of critical micelle …

Analyzing The Effect Of Network Properties On Self-Assembly Of Polymer Grafted Nanoparticles In Vitrimer Nanocomposites, Tyler Eakin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to show the how polymer grafted nanoparticles behave in a vitrimer composite network. The effect of varying the network parameters such as the grafting density, the volume fraction of nanoparticles, and the ratio of polymer chain length : graft chain length will be studied. The assemblies formed by the polymer grafted nanoparticles will be visually analyzed and assigned one of 5 possible conformations. A phase diagram of grafting density vs network chain length / graft length will be constructed. The phase diagram will provide valuable insight into how nanoparticle self-assembly can be manipulated through changing network parameters

Effects Of Hofmeister Ions On Lower Critical Solution Temperatures Of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) And Poly(Vinyl Methyl Ether), Joseph Joaquin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this study is to compare how four different Hofmeister anions (Cl-, SCN-, F-, and I-) affect the Lower Critical Solution temperature (LCST) on two thermo-responsive polymers: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAM) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). pNIPAAm is commonly used in the environmental applications such as monitoring, oil-water separations, or antifouling materials, and in medical industry from drug delivery to tissue engineering. When pNIPAAM or PVME reaches a temperature above their LCST, they become hydrophobic, and the polymer chains coiled, leading to their aqueous solutions turn opaque. PVME exhibits a similar LCST as that of pNIPAAM, so it can be …

Analysis Of Sessile Drop And Captive Bubble Contact Angle Measurements On Metallic And Hydrophobic Surfaces, Jack H. Darnell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Contact angle measurements are widely used to characterize surface wettability and determine changes in surface energy, yet the choice of measurement technique can significantly influence the results. This study compares the sessile drop and captive bubble methods for measuring contact angles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions on carbon steel, stainless steel, and a hydrophobic wafer. Additionally, the time‑dependent wetting behavior of water, SDS, polysorbate 20 (commercial name Tween 20), and rhamnolipids on a hydrophobic wafer was evaluated over a five‑minute period. Results show that the sessile drop method consistently produced higher contact angles than the captive bubble method on …

Surface Immobilization Of Stimuli-Responsive Polymers Using A Network Of Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, Walter Bungard, Ryan Nixon

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this honors project is to develop a cost-effective and accessible method for entrapping stimuli-responsive polymers onto solid substrates using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The entrapment network process will first be replicated on glass or silicon using APTES and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), involving spin coating and thermal annealing to chemically bond the polymer to the substrate. Once validated, the method will be applied to other stimuli-responsive polymers, including thermo-responsive, electroactive, and pH-sensitive types, with APTES as a control. For each sample, film stability, responsiveness, and surface behavior will be evaluated using contact angles, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis, followed by statistical evaluation. …

Effects Of Coupling Agents On An Epoxy Coating And Consequent Corrosion Resistance Of Carbon Steel, Breck A. Mooney

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will include the determination of how coupling agents affect corrosion resistance on select carbon steel when combined with a polymer coating. This research will explore 2 different silane coupling agents: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS). 1 polymer coating, Bispenol A diglicidyl ether (BADGE), will be explored as well. These coatings will be applied to select carbon steels in various ratios to determine their effects on corrosion.

Development Of A Signature Model For Predicting Normal Boiling Point Using Machine Learning, Mackenzie Karabin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project was to utilize the Signature molecular descriptor to construct a predictive model for computing the normal boiling point using a 4856-compound dataset. The final model intends to be applied to screening compounds whose experimental normal boiling point values are not readily available. Compounds were deconstructed into their height-1 atomic Signatures, resulting in 225 unique descriptors for the dataset, which were used as independent variables for creating the model. Machine learning (ML) techniques were employed to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of different ML models for predicting normal boiling point using the Regression Learner App in …

Computer-Aided Molecular Design To Identify More Environmentally Friendly Pfas, Melvin M. Keita

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to inversely design alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD). PFAS, also described as “forever chemicals”, have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS can be found in drinking water, food, food packaging, waste sites, and other sources. Exposure to different PFAS can lead to increased risks of some cancers, immune effects, and reproductive effects. Pulling from existing data, this project will use quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) to design PFAS alternatives that possess optimal properties to prevent adsorption into drinking water and other potential sources …

C. Difficile Detection Method For First Responder Glove Application, Alli N. Senedak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Clostridioides Difficile (C. diff) is a Anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus that is capable of spore formation, making it difficult to control its spread and duration in clinical environments. This phenomenon can provide danger to first responders, healthcare workers, and patients. The goal of this project is to create a biosensor capable of detecting C. diff in a clinical setting that can be applied to a glove apparatus. The project will involve the use of C. diff aptamers activated on the surface of an electrode. Once surface activation has been verified via surface analysis, the electrodes will be exposed to C. diff …