2024 Projects

Jad Abou Ali ’26

Chemical Engineering

Advisor: Martin Bazant, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Mathematics, Department of Chemical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Yash Samantaray, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Lithium-ion battery recycling
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have lately seen a high demand, especially for their optimal use in electronics and electric vehicles. However, when batteries reach end-of-life (EoL)—when the battery’s capacity goes below 80%—a majority will be disposed of in landfills. To reduce waste generation and optimize the performance of LIBs, we are investigating different methods to rejuvenate LIBs that have reached EoL. Specifically, we are exploring the performance recovery of graphite/lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries through in-situ electrolyte modifications. Such research would improve the environmental and economic sustainability of LIBs, reducing harmful waste and improving the economic viability of using LIBs worldwide.

Maya Ayoub ’26

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor: Alexander Slocum, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Aditya Mehrotra, Graduate Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Economic and battery research for Ghanaian ambulance energy transition
Many developing countries do not produce their own non-renewable energy, which makes necessary electric vehicle operations, such as ambulances, hard during energy market swings. In addition, the lack of possible battery option models and documentation contributes to the difficulty in electrifying vehicles. Our project focuses on battery cells available in Ghana and we are testing key characteristics such as internal resistance, state of charge over time, life cycle analysis, etc. We aim to find a correlation between relatively easier-to-measure values (e.g., internal resistance) and harder-to-measure values (e.g., viable lifecycle), so people in developing countries can more easily and accurately build electric vehicles with the tools they have on hand. In addition, we hope the documentation we are conducting on batteries available in Ghana and other developing countries will assist in electric vehicle deployment.

Tsolmon Bazarragchaa ’24

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor and Direct Supervisor: John E. Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management; Deputy Director for Research, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Modeling hydroelectric power in Québec
Reaching a decarbonized electric grid requires optimization of energy resources allocation and dispatch. For instance, in Québec, 95% of the electricity comes from hydropower resources. It is estimated that two-way trade between Québec and New England can lower the cost of the zero-emission power system by 17-28%. We are improving the representation of the hydropower resources in capacity expansion planning by adding detailed reservoir and river flow and pumped storage hydro representation data based on literature review.

Otto Beall ’27

Electrical Engineering

Advisor: Tonio Buonassisi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Tianran Liu, Postdoctoral Associate, Research Laboratory of Electronics
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Perovskite solar cell durability enhancement and material discovery project
The manufacturing of conventional silicon-based solar cells is energy intensive. Perovskite solar cells are a promising alternative that can be fabricated with low-energy wet-chemical methods, but they face problems of instability and lead toxicity. Our ongoing research seeks to bring perovskite technology to commercialization by using AI to identify potentially stable lead-free perovskite films and implement high-throughput testing of candidate materials. Additionally, by evaluating the impact of supplementary layers such as a strain-relief monolayer and 2-D perovskite capping layer on cell performance and stability, we seek to create durable and low-cost solar cells that can advance the accessibility of renewable energy.

Anushree Chaudhuri ’24

Urban Studies and Planning, Economics

Advisor: Lawrence Susskind, Ford Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning, Urban Studies and Planning
Direct Supervisor: Jungwoo Chun, Graduate Student, Urban Studies and Planning
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Characterizing the scope and nature of local community sentiment towards large-scale renewable energy development in the United States
A clean energy transition can be an opportunity to empower communities, but the current rapid buildout of large-scale solar and wind projects can sometimes overlook local concerns. There is no comprehensive national database documenting community perspectives about large-scale renewable energy facilities to understand trends and quantify the effects of local support on meeting climate goals. This research will use natural language processing and machine learning models to analyze online discourse and quantify positive and negative sentiment towards proposed and operational renewable energy projects in the United States in the past two decades. We aim to produce an open-access database summarizing community perspectives to inform more inclusive energy infrastructure planning and policy. The database can help diverse stakeholders—policy makers, project developers, non-profits, and communities—to understand local needs, learn from past conflicts, and proactively design better solutions to build support for renewable energy projects.

Jessica Cohen ’24

Physics

Advisor: Michael Short, Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Nathan Melenbrink, Lead Instructor, NEET Renewable Energy Machines, School of Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Thermal salt batteries as a viable alternative to coal in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the coldest capital in the world, around 60% of the population heats their homes using coal, which releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution levels up to 27 times the safe level as characterized by the World Health Organization. In order to promote cleaner air as well as address decarbonizing heating in this city and unique climate, this project focuses on using thermal salt batteries to replace coal to heat homes. By using thermal salt we can store a lot of thermal energy in the batteries without producing air pollution, unlike coal. We will run both physical experiments and simulations through COMSOL to model the thermodynamics of the system. This project has the potential to lower the carbon footprint of the capital of Mongolia and increase air quality for overall population health.

Cory Decker ’27

Advisor: John E. Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management; Deputy Director for Research, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
Direct Supervisor: Shen Wang, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Modeling hydroelectric power resources in electricity system generation expansion planning models
The water dynamics of hydroelectric power generation are often misrepresented or ignored in terms of simulating power output and ramping capability in electricity generation expansion planning models. Lack of impact assessments of water dynamics may lead to miscalculations in power and transmission capacity needs and flexibility requirements using current models. Through a comprehensive literature review, we determined issues within the current model regarding hydropower modeling and proposed new formulations to make our electricity generation projections more accurate. Through this analysis, we can provide practical insights into addressing the challenges associated with integrating renewable energy sources into regional power grids, such as how hydroelectricity production in Quebec can be transmitted to cities like New York and Boston.

Sarah Hernandez ’25

Chemical Engineering

Advisor: Fikile Brushett, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Katelyn Ripley, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Technoeconomic comparison of electrochemical and amine-based CO2 separation processes
There is a need for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture processes that are energy efficient and low cost to adequately mitigate the excessive release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Novel electrochemical CO2 capture systems may meet this need, but, to the best of our knowledge, there are limited techno-economic comparisons between commercially deployed thermochemical systems and potentially lower-cost electrochemical systems. Using a process modeling platform, I develop and optimize a state-of-the-art thermochemical CO2 capture system that allows for direct cost and performance evaluations against electrochemical alternatives. This modeling aids in quantifying key cost contributors for each system while also guiding future research directions and policy in the carbon capture field.

Lauryn Kortman ’24

Materials Science and Engineering

Advisor: Michael Short, Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Alexis Devitre, Graduate Student, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Quantifying cryogenic stored energy release in irradiated YBa2C3O7 through molecular dynamics annealing simulations
Magnetic fusion energy has the potential to provide abundant, carbon-free electricity, anywhere, any time. But the bombardment of fusion neutrons can affect the longevity of fusion magnets, responsible for the confinement field that sustains fusion in the core. My research utilizes molecular dynamic simulations to quantify the energy stored in radiation-induced defects. This quantification will inform strategies to prevent local hotspots in superconducting magnets (called quenches) that can severally damage these expensive and critical camponents. By mitigating the risk of quenches, my research increases the operational certainty and overall attractiveness of fusion power.

Trent Lee ’26

Materials Science and Engineering

Advisor: John H. Lienhard, Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Water, Mechanical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Zi Hao Foo, Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Nanofiltration for valuable metal extraction from aluminum waste cryolite
IAP: The current production process of aluminum, which is heavily used in the manufacturing of automobiles, drink cans, and electrical wiring, is problematic because of the large quantities of hazardous waste it generates. My project is investigating the viability of nanofiltration as a method for purifying this waste cryolite stream to recycle the aluminum that is otherwise unused. From experimental data, I have achieved significant aluminum retention (>98%), while separating it out from 70-95% of other metal species—a result that can increase efficiencies in the energy-intensive and environmentally harmful production of aluminum.

Spring: The current production process of aluminum, which is heavily used in the manufacturing of automobiles, drink cans, and electrical wiring, is problematic because of the large quantities of hazardous waste it generates. My project is investigating the viability of nanofiltration as a method for purifying this waste cryolite stream to recycle the aluminum that is otherwise unused. From experimental data, I have achieved significant aluminum retention (>98%), while separating it out from 70-95% of other metal species—a result that would reduce hazardous waste and enhance aluminum’s circular economy.

Elaine Liu ’24

Mathematics

Advisor and Direct Supervisor: Marija Ilić, Adjunct Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Senior Research Scientist, Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Multi-layered optimization for coordinated electrical vehicle charging
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EV) introduces higher demand for electricity, which stresses the power grid, especially when drivers come home from work in the evening. Our research recognizes diverse charging needs and power grid constraints and we designed a multi-layer coordination scheme to maximize social welfare for all market participants that include generators, demand aggregators, and EV owners. Our research shows that, given the right market structure and incentives, companies will optimize for their charger allocation and retail pricing in this way and ensure our power grid is efficient and sustainable.

Leala Nakagawa ’27

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor: Tonio Buonassisi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Tianran Liu, Postdoctoral Associate, Research Laboratory of Electronics
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Advancing stability testing equipment for perovskite solar cells
Thin-film perovskite solar cells show high potential for cost-effective production and energy conversion efficiency, but they degrade quickly as their stability lags behind. To accelerate research on improving their stability, we are developing specialized equipment that tests large quantities of solar cell samples under lighting conditions similar to the sun’s illumination. This equipment would be used for high throughput experiments that could lead to development of market-ready perovskite solar cells.

Sebastian Rotella ’24

Chemical Engineering

Advisor: Guiyan Zang, Research Scientist, MIT Energy Initiative
Direct Supervisor: Bosong Lin, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Cost-performance analysis and benchmarking of CO2 capture systems for hard-to-abate industries (Spring)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are a promising solution to addressing the substantial emissions originating from hard-to-abate industries. However, there are many existing CO2 capture systems, and some may be better suited depending on the properties of the flue gas stream. We are developing process simulations of existing and emerging CO2 capture systems to evaluate their cost and performance across different industrial flue gas streams, and in doing so we will identify which CO2 capture systems are best suited for specific industrial processes. By benchmarking the cost-performance analysis of the various CO2 capture systems, we hope to guide future implementation of CCS technologies to be as cost effective and energy efficient as possible.

Advisor: Robert Stoner, Founding Director, Tata Center for Technology and Design
Direct Supervisor: Bosong Lin, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Optimizing rollout of hydrogen for industrial decarbonization (IAP)
A significant challenge in the battle against climate change lies in mitigating the substantial greenhouse gas emissions originating from hard-to-abate industrial sectors, which collectively contribute to nearly one-third of global emissions. Among the promising solutions to address these emissions, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies stand out as crucial decarbonization enablers by being able to significantly reduce emissions from existing industrial plants without disrupting vital industrial processes. However, since many of the industrial emissions are at high temperatures (300 to >1,400°C), conventional CCS technologies require cooling the flue gas to enhance the capture efficiency, which in turn requires more energy and leads to wasted low-grade heat. We are developing process simulations of emerging CCS technologies (such as molten salt) that offer the potential to operate the capture process at temperatures closer to those of the emissions. By evaluating their cost and performance across different industrial flue gas streams in comparison to conventional CCS technologies, we will identify which CCS technologies are best suited for specific industrial processes and help guide the growing implementation of CCS.

Jordan Tierney ’25

Materials Science and Engineering

Advisor: Asegun Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Direct Supervisor: Seiji Engelkemier, Graduate Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Material feeder for hydrogen pyrolysis
Hydrogen has a wide variety of important industrial applications, from fuel to chemical production, however the current dominant production method results in climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions. We are developing a reactor for methane pyrolysis, a pathway which utilizes high-temperature chemical reactions to turn methane into hydrogen and solid carbon. Solid carbon is a preferable byproduct to carbon dioxide, as it can be collected and sold for use in other applications, rather than being released into the atmosphere.

Jansen Wong ’26

Computer Science and Engineering

Advisor: Christopher Knittel, George P. Shultz Professor of Energy Economics, Professor of Applied Economics, MIT Sloan School of Management
Direct Supervisor: Yifu Ding, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative
Sponsor: Friends of MITEI UROP

Mapping data-driven coal retrofitting solution with geospatial synthetic power system datasets for India
IAP: Without strategic interventions, operational coal power plants in India hinder progress toward ambitious climate goals, including a national net-zero target by 2070. Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS), development of a comprehensive database, and machine learning, this research project focuses on visualizing effective retrofitting strategies for 284 operational coal power plants. Our interactive web platform and database could provide policy makers and stakeholders involved in India’s energy transition with plant-level strategies as they design retrofitting initiatives.

Spring: India’s 806 coal-fired power units, characterized by aging boilers and low thermal efficiency, impede progress toward the country’s climate goals. This is compounded by incomplete documentation regarding their characteristics, including thermal efficiency. Employing a machine learning methodology, we construct a comprehensive database detailing the operational features of all extant coal plants in India, integrating environmental considerations like water stress and coal price, alongside the development of a visualization tool to enhance accessibility and understanding of our datasets. The ultimate aim is to furnish policy makers with accurate data for computing carbon emissions from coal plants, thereby enabling informed decisions regarding decarbonization strategies.