Energy UROPs

Techno-economic analysis for green hydrogen production through electrolyzer and balance of plant modeling

Developing a thermo-acoustic sensing platform for health assessment and lifetime extension of lithium-ion batteries

Developing a thermo-acoustic sensing platform for health assessment and lifetime extension of lithium-ion batteries

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.

Massachusetts has introduced its mission to shift to full renewable energy by 2050. Our research with the Renewable Energy Clinic involves looking at all aspects of a wind energy or battery storage project in New England, analyzing the risks, understanding stakeholders’ concerns and areas of support, and, eventually, investigating the reasons for opposing/supporting the project. With conversations with relevant stakeholders and further research, we would be able to generate class materials for the Renewable Energy Clinic to provide students of Fall 2024 with case studies that could help in resolving conflicts and continuing the projects. This research will help facilitate the progress of these renewable projects and help MA reach its climate goals by 2050. Broadly, this research on paused projects will take place in other states and countries to help more governments reach their climate goals.

Methanogens are microbes that are found in abundance across many industries such as agriculture and waste management. As their name may imply, these organisms have the unique ability to produce methane, a useful fuel and potent greenhouse gas. More interestingly, their primary metabolic pathway involves utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as the sole carbon source. My research this summer with the Furst Lab involves analyzing how environmental variables such as electrochemical conditions affect methane production in Methanogens. Characterizing the conditions that optimize the CO2 consuming metabolic pathway could provide us insight into CO2 revalorization. Methanogens could improve sustainability in industry by decreasing CO2 emissions all the while creating a useful, valuable product in the form of methane.

Methanogens are microbes that are found in abundance across many industries such as agriculture and waste management. As their name may imply, these organisms have the unique ability to produce methane, a useful fuel and potent greenhouse gas. More interestingly, their primary metabolic pathway involves utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the sole carbon source. My research this summer with the Furst Lab involves analyzing how environmental variables such as electrochemical conditions affect methane production in Methanogens. Characterizing the conditions that optimize the CO₂ consuming metabolic pathway could provide us insight into CO₂ revalorization. Methanogens could improve sustainability in industry by decreasing CO₂ emissions all the while creating a useful, valuable product in the form of methane.

Nanotechnology enables precise customization at the molecular level, driving innovations in fields like energy, healthcare, and agriculture. My lab focuses on fluid flow through nanopores, where fluids behave differently due to the increased impact of intermolecular forces. This unique behavior can be harnessed for applications such as desalination, chemical sensors, and energy storage. Experimentally measuring fluid properties in nanopores is costly and energy-intensive, so we are combining experimental data, simulations, and theory to develop equations that can accurately predict these behaviors. Our goal is to create a generalizable set of equations that accurately models fluid behavior at the nanoscale.

Redox flow batteries have great potential for energy storage, but they contain expensive ion exchange membranes that make them cost prohibitive. Our project looks at the electrochemical characteristics of bottlebrush polymers that can be used in redox flow batteries which would enable the expensive membrane to be replaced with a cheap size exclusion separator. This would allow redox flow batteries to be a more affordable option, facilitating the decarbonization and electrification of many processes.