Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons^™

A New Design Strategy For Sizes Of Polymer Gel Treatments Derived From A Comprehensive Assessment Of Their Case Histories, Munqith Aldhaheri, Abdullah Almansour, Na Zhang, Mingzhen Wei, Baojun Bai

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The incentive to revive brownfield oil production extends the interest to apply polymer gel treatments in injection wells. Virtually, volumes of previous remediations implemented in similar reservoir types are used to size new jobs. Such an analogy-based design procedure imposes a need to evaluate the most frequent designs for each reservoir type based on a comprehensive field survey. This survey provides a new treatment sizing strategy for polyacrylamide-polymer bulk gels by reviewing their field applications in 653 injection wells. The new strategy proposes using the average and most frequent gel volumes per reservoir type as an initial estimate of the …

Assessing Hydrolysis Performance Of Ce(Oh)4@Pim-1 Composites Functionalized With Amidoxime, Aldoxime, And Carboxylate Groups Toward Dimethyl 4-Nitrophenylphosphonate, A Nerve Agent Simulant, Peter O. Aina, Sukanta K. Mondal, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent years, significant attention has been directed toward evaluating the reactivity of diverse polymers to gauge their catalytic activity against hazardous chemicals. Among these polymers, pim-1 has emerged as an exceptional candidate due to its noteworthy attributes including high surface area, excellent solubility, and the capability to fine-tune the nitrile functional groups along its polymeric backbone. In this study, we explored the impact of different functional groups, such as amidoxime (ax), aldoxime (ox), and carboxylate (cooh), on the degradation of dimethyl 4-nitrophenylphosphonate (dmnp) in comparison to pure pim-1 and their respective ce(oh)4-loaded polymer composites. Remarkably, the pim-1-ax analog exhibited …

Challenges And Opportunities In Electrification Of Adsorptive Separation Processes, Abdullah Al Moinee, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A global energy transition from fossil-based to renewable-based systems requires advancements in various energy sectors. Current chemical separation processes are quite energy-intensive and require significant advancement to make this transition happen. In the energy transition era, reducing the dependency of separation processes on fossil-based thermal energy seems inevitable for transitioning smoothly and meeting the stringent timelines. In particular, adsorption-based separation processes have the potential to be fully electrified through innovative strategies in developing stimuli-responsive adsorbents and swing processes. In this review, we discuss the recent efforts in electrification of adsorption processes and provide an overview of emerging materials and processes. …

Highly Efficient Dopamine Sensing With A Carbon Nanotube-Encapsulated Metal Chalcogenide Nanostructure, Harish Singh, Jiandong Wu, Kurt A.L. Lagemann, Manashi Nath

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon nanotube-encapsulated nickel selenide composite nanostructures were used as nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors for dopamine detection. These composite nanostructures were synthesized through a simple, one-step, and environmentally friendly chemical vapor deposition method, wherein the CNTs were formed in situ from pyrolysis of a carbon-rich metallo-organic precursor. The composition and morphology of these hybrid NiSe2-filled carbon nanostructures were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the as-synthesized hybrid nanostructures exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance toward dopamine oxidation, with a high sensitivity of 19.62 μA μM-1 cm-2, low detection limit, broad linear …

Pd-Modified Cuo-Zno-Al2o3 Catalysts Via Mixed-Phases-Containing Precursor For Methanol Synthesis From Co2 Hydrogenation Under Mild Conditions, Xiao Fan, Kaiying Wang, Xiaoqing He, Shiguang Li, Miao Yu, Xinhua Liang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A series of palladium-modified (Pd-modified) CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 (CZA) catalysts with various Pd loadings (0.3 wt% to 2.4 wt%) were prepared using the wetness impregnation method, on two CZA supports with different structures that are CZA-aged precursor composed of a mixture of zincian-malachite and hydrotalcite-like phases (CZA-zH), and CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 metal oxide nanoparticles (CZA-MO). Enhancement on catalytic activity can be observed on both Pd-modified CZA catalysts in a temperature range of 180–240 °C for methanol synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation. Pd/CZA-zH catalysts exhibited a more efficient and stable production of methanol at a relatively low reaction temperature of 180 °C for 100 hrs. of …

Laboratory Evaluation Of High-Temperature Resistant Lysine-Based Polymer Gel Systems For Leakage Control, Tao Song, Xuyang Tian, Baojun Bai, Yugandhara Eriyagama, Mohamed Ahdaya, Adel Alotibi, Thomas P. Schuman

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In-situ crosslinking gel known for its cost-effectiveness, has been employed for decades to plug high-permeability features in subsurface environments. However, some commonly used crosslinkers are being phased out due to the increasingly rigorous environmental regulations. As a newly discovered environmentally friendly crosslinker, lysine can crosslink the partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide through transamidation reaction. The present work aimed to study the effect of polymer composition and concentration on the gelation behavior of lysine and high molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers. Several commercial high molecular weight polymers with different contents of 2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) including AN-105/125, SAV-55/37/28, and SAV-10 were deployed in this …

Advancement In Heavy Oil Upgrading And Sustainable Exploration Emerging Technologies, Youssef Yatimi, Jihane Mendil, Meena Marafi, Ahmed Alalou, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Upgrading heavy oil is a subject of high importance for fossil fuel industry due to the rapid depletion of light oil reservoirs and the consequent increased demand for upgrading heavy oil. In this review, the advancement made in heavy oil upgrading and the proposed sustainable emerging technologies dedicated to heavy oil processing have been discussed in a comprehensive and informative manner with consideration to the encountered associated with properties of heavy oil including its significant content of undesirable large molecular weight hydrocarbons, its high viscosity, and its elevated impurity level. The shortcomings of conventional crude oil upgrading technologies are outlined, …

Development Of Inorganically Cross-Linked Sulfonated Polyacrylamide Preformed Particle Gels For Conformance Control: Impact Of Anionic Groups, Reem Elaf, Ahmed Hamza, Hassan Nimir, Mohammed Saad, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Baojun Bai

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Modern oil and gas extraction faces challenges, notably from the surplus of produced water, hampering hydrocarbon recovery and raising environmental and economic concerns. A promising solution is the injection of preformed particle gels (PPGs) into the reservoir's fractures and high permeability zones, facilitating production processes. This study introduces a novel class of inorganically cross-linked PPGs with exceptionally high swelling capacities, comprising sulfonated polyacrylamide cross-linked with aluminum attached to acetate, nitrate, sulfate, and lactate anions individually. These PPGs function as superabsorbents, capable of absorbing water at a ratio of 100-700 times their dry weight while maintaining adequate gel strength up to …

Physio-Chemical Modifications To Re-Engineer Small Extracellular Vesicles For Targeted Anticancer Therapeutics Delivery And Imaging, Rahmat Asfiya, Lei Xu, Anjugam Paramanantham, Kuanysh Kabytaev, Anna Chernatynskaya, Grace Mccully, Hu Yang, Akhil Srivastava

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cancer theranostics developed through nanoengineering applications are essential for targeted oncologic interventions in the new era of personalized and precision medicine. Recently, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as an attractive nanoengineering platform for tumor-directed anticancer therapeutic delivery and imaging of malignant tumors. These natural nanoparticles have multiple advantages over synthetic nanoparticle-based delivery systems, such as intrinsic targeting ability, less immunogenicity, and a prolonged circulation time. Since the inception of sEVs as a viable replacement for liposomes (synthetic nanoparticles) as a drug delivery vehicle, many studies have attempted to further the therapeutic efficacy of sEVs. This article discusses engineering strategies …

Rab7 Deficiency Impairs Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Function And Promotes Pulmonary Hypertension, Bryce Piper, Srimathi Bogamuwa, Tanvir Hossain, Daniela Farkas, Lorena Rosas, Adam C. Green, Geoffrey Newcomb, Nuo Sun, Jose A. Ovando-Ricardez, Jeffrey C. Horowitz, Aneel R. Bhagwani, Hu Yang, Tatiana V. Kudryashova, Mauricio Rojas

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating and progressive disease with limited treatment options. Endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in the development and progression of PAH, yet the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. The endosome-lysosome system is important to maintain cellular health, and the small GTPase RAB7 regulates many functions of this system. Here, we explored the role of RAB7 in endothelial cell (EC) function and lung vascular homeostasis. We found reduced expression of RAB7 in ECs from patients with PAH. Endothelial haploinsufficiency of RAB7 caused spontaneous pulmonary hypertension (PH) in mice. Silencing of RAB7 in ECs induced broad …

Reactive Capture And Conversion Of Co2 Into Hydrogen Over Bifunctional Structured Ce1-Xcoxnio3/Ca Perovskite-Type Oxide Monoliths, Khaled Baamran, Shane Lawson, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are pivotal for transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050. In particular, conversion of captured CO₂ to marketable chemicals and fuels appears to be a sustainable approach to not only curb greenhouse emissions but also transform wastes like CO₂ into useful products through storage of renewable energy in chemical bonds. Bifunctional materials (BFMs) composed of adsorbents and catalysts have shown promise in reactive capture and conversion of CO₂ at high temperatures. In this study, we extend the application of 3D printing technology to formulate a novel set of BFMs composed …

Retraction Notice To “High Density Conductive Lifepo4 Cathode With Enhanced High-Rate And High Temperature Performance” [Mater. Chem. Phys. 232 (2019) 367–373, (S0254058419304110), (10.1016/J.Matchemphys.2019.05.014)], David Seung-Hyun Lee, Won Bin Im, Xinhua Liang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief found that the corresponding author of this article submitted the manuscript to the journal without the consent of the two individuals named as "co-authors", using invented email addresses to impersonate them. In addition, based on the raw materials presented to the journal by the second co-author and the Editor-in-Chief's own investigation, the Editor-in-Chief believes that some results in the paper are fabricated. Based on these two findings, the Editor-in-Chief has decided to retract the …

The Effect Of Steam Explosion On Lipids Extraction From Microalgae And Derivation Of Pectin Films From Waste Culture, Shahil Chhiba

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of sustainable replacements for plastics and diesel fuel, derived from microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) subjected to steam explosion. During the process, oven temperatures of up to 500 °C were reached, with the experiments left for different times after reaching their maximum internal temperature. Lipids were extracted from algal cultures using a modified Folch method. The waste microalgae were combined with pectin and glycerol to form biodegradable films, and their solubilities and tensile strengths were measured. The highest yield was 124 mg lipids/g microalgae from 400 °C steam explosion for …

Molecular Understanding And Design Of Deep Eutectic Solvents And Proteins Using Computer Simulations And Machine Learning, Usman Lame Abbas

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as excellent extractants. A major challenge is the lack of an efficient tool to discover DES candidates. Currently, the search relies heavily on the researchers’ intuition or a trial-and-error process, which leads to a low success rate or bypassing of promising candidates. DES performance depends on the heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment formed by multiple hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. Understanding this heterogeneous hydrogen bond environment can help develop principles for designing high performance DESs for extraction and other separation applications. This work investigates the structure and dynamics of hydrogen bonds in hydrophobic DESs …

Evaluation Of Novel Preformed Particle Gel System For Conformance Control In Mature Oil Reservoirs, Abdulaziz Almakimi, Ahmed Ben Ali, Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein, Baojun Bai

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

To address challenges associated with excessive water production in mature oil reservoirs, this study introduces a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based material as a novel preformed particle gel (PPG) designed to plug excessive water pathways and redistribute the subsequent injected water toward unswept zones. Through microwave-assisted grafting copolymerization of CMC with acrylamide (AM), we successfully generated multi-sized dry particles within the range of 250–800 µm. Comprehensive analyses, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), have confirmed the chemical composition and morphology of the resulting carboxymethyl cellulose-grafted crosslinked polyacrylamide (CMC/PAMBA). Swelling kinetics and rheology tests were conducted to confirm the …

Flow Regimes In Bubble Columns With And Without Internals: A Review, Ayat N. Mahmood, Amer A. Abdulrahman, Laith S. Sabri, Abbas J. Sultan, Hasan Shakir Majdi, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hydrodynamics characterization in terms of flow regime behavior is a crucial task to enhance the design of bubble column reactors and scaling up related methodologies. This review presents recent studies on the typical flow regimes established in bubble columns. Some effort is also provided to introduce relevant definitions pertaining to this field, namely, that of "void fraction" and related (local, chordal, cross-sectional and volumetric) variants. Experimental studies involving different parameters that affect design and operating conditions are also discussed in detail. In the second part of the review, the attention is shifted to cases with internals of various types (perforated …

Gas-Phase Adsorption Of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate Over Ce(Oh)4@Pim-1 Composites Prepared Via Matrix Incorporation And Surface Coating Methods, Sukanta K. Mondal, Peter O. Aina, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Study Investigated the Potential of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM-1) and Ce(OH)4@PIM-1 Composites for Adsorption of the Nerve Agent Simulant, Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP). through Experimental Investigations It Was Demonstrated that These Composite Adsorbents Exhibit Excellent Gas-Phase DMMP Adsorption Performance, with High Uptake Capacities and Relatively Fast Kinetics. This Study Further Examined the Effect of Two Composite's Preparation Methods, Namely Matrix Incorporation and Surface Coating, on the DMMP Adsorption Performance of Ce(OH)4@PIM-1. the Results Revealed that Coating of Ce(OH)4 on the PIM-1 Surface Gives Rise to Faster Adsorption Kinetics Than its Incorporation into the Polymer Matrix at Fixed 30 Wt …

Thermal Decomposition And Kinetic Parameters Of Three Biomass Feedstocks For The Performance Of The Gasification Process Using A Thermogravimetric Analyzer, Rania Almusafir, Joseph D. Smith

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a powerful technique and useful method for characterizing biomass as a non-conventional fuel. A TGA apparatus has been utilized to experimentally investigate the impact of biomass feedstock diversity on the performance of the gasification of hardwood (HW), softwood (SW) pellets, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) materials. The solid conversion rate and the volatile species formation rate have been estimated to quantify the rates of devolatilization for each material. In addition, the combustion kinetic characteristics of the three biomass feedstocks were investigated using TGA at different heating rates, and a thermal kinetic analysis was conducted to describe the …

Descriptive Statistical Analysis Of Experimental Data For Wettability Alteration With Smart Water Flooding In Carbonate Reservoirs, Muhammad Ali Buriro, Mingzhen Wei, Baojun Bai, Ya Yao

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Smart water flooding is a promising eco-friendly method for enhancing oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs. The optimal salinity and ionic composition of the injected water play a critical role in the success of this method. This study advances the field by employing machine learning and data analytics to streamline the determination of these critical parameters, which are traditionally reliant on time-intensive laboratory work. The primary objectives are to utilize data analytics to examine how smart water flooding influences wettability modification, identify key parameter ranges that notably alter the contact angle, and formulate guidelines and screening criteria for successful lab design. …

The Development Of An Advanced Biorefinery To Produce Cellulosic Sugars And Bionanomaterials, Carlaile Fernanda De Oliveira Nogueira

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Market trends show growing interest in cellulose nanomaterials due to their low environmental impact. However, current nanocellulose isolation technologies face technoeconomic and life cycle limitations. Previous research has shown that enzymatic treatments effectively reduce the energy input for mechanical nanocellulose isolation. Simultaneously, there is potential to improve the viability of cellulosic ethanol facilities by coproducing nanocelluloses as high-value product obtained from agricultural feedstock. Here, our goal was to study the mass balance of enzymatic-mechanical processes that coproduces cellulosic sugars and nanocelluloses, evaluating the technical feasibility of converting lignified and non-lignified materials.

First, we have determined a feasible 50:50 mass ratio …