Electrochemistry enables the direct use of renewable electricity to drive chemical transformations. Electrochemical reactors are complex, multi-component systems where transport phenomena and other effects can significantly alter reaction results compared to traditional laboratory testing. We seek to understanding how reactor design and operating conditions influence performance for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.

Representative Publications:

Enabling Green Hydrogen Production via Electoactive Porous Anodes in AEM Water Electrolyzers

Design and Operating Principles for High Performing AEM Water Electrolyzers

Mechanocatalysis uses mechanical energy to force reactions to occur between solid materials. These systems can be very effective at breaking down insoluble materials, such as biomass and plastics. We seek to understand the phenomena within mechanocatalytic reactors which enable the conversion of waste polymers to sustainable feedstocks. We also look to leverage the mechanical actions to unlock unique chemistries. 

Representative Publications:

Efficient Recycling of PET Plastic via Mechanochemical Hydrolysis

Ambient Temperature Ammonia Synthesis enabled by Mechanocatalysis

Understanding Reaction Conditions During Collisions in a Ball Mill Reactor

The integration of sustainable feedstocks and intermitant, renewable energy sources into chemical manufactuirng requires flexible processes that can respond on the order of minutes to months. The reactor systems we study can operate flexibly, but upstream and downstream processes will have a significant influence on the viability of the processes. We seek to understand the limitations and trade-offs for flexible chemical plants via processes system modeling.