(366k) Optimizing the Electrocatalytic Performance of Ti2n Mxene through Decoupling Surface and Bulk Structure and Phenomena

The goal of my research is to revolutionize the design of multi-phase equipment’s such as electrochemical reactors for CO₂ conversion and home appliances for reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. The next step is to develop a scale-up methodology for the transition from lab scale to commercialization of these technologies. I aim to become a faculty member at a research institution where I can lead my research group in these endeavors.

My current role is a Research Collaborator in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago with Prof. Meenesh R Singh. I am working towards DOE carbon negative shot by decarbonization of E-Crude synthesis from CO₂ using electrochemical reactors and renewable energy sources. In addition to this, I am developing a high throughput fully automated screening system to screen multiple catalysts and reaction conditions. In my previous role as a Senior CAE specialist at Whirlpool corporation, I have developed nature inspired engineering solutions for energy efficient home appliances using experimental and computational efforts. The new designs help in achieving DOE efforts towards reduce energy consumption and sustainability of home appliances. I completed my PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Homi Bhabha National Institute, India. My doctoral research was directed towards revolutionizing the design of passive safety systems for advanced nuclear reactor.

Key highlights:

• 1 granted US patent
• 3 published US patents and 2 published EP patents
• 12 peer-reviewed publications and 02 book chapters
• Innovative PhD thesis award

Research Interests

My research work is based on the theme of “From Nature For Nature”. The goal is to employ nature inspired engineering solutions for the novel design of multi-phase reactors such as electrochemical reactors and home appliances for mitigating the challenges such as decarbonization, reduced energy consumption and renewable energy sources.

The first reactor needs to be optimized is the electrochemical reactor for DOE carbon negative shot. The overarching goal here is to overcome challenges by establishing an automated and fully integrated system that combines CO₂ capture and conversion into a single, sustainable, and more energy-efficient process. The central hypothesis based on preliminary results in the lab where unique high single-pass conversion system and proven CO₂ capture technology that enabled us to develop cost-competitive, carbon-negative ethylene production that can be further applied to the synthesis of other value-added chemicals such as ethanol. To achieve this goal, an integrated approach that combines multi-scale modelling of the process, including transport of reactant and product, materials and process optimization, and modular CO₂ capture/conversion experiments using electrodialysis stacks, ultimately leading to design and assembly of modular, fully automated and scalable CO₂ capture and conversion systems.

The second reactor is home appliances such as Dishwashers for DOE efforts towards reduce energy consumption and sustainability of home appliances. The objective here is to revolutionize the drying technology in dishwashers by employing nature inspired engineering solutions which ensures reduced energy consumption and enhance drying. The idea is to integrate smart materials such as thermos-responsive polymers on tub (steel/plastic) surfaces of dishwashers. In the presence of external stimulus such as temperature, these smart materials will switch their wettability during the wash and dry cycle and hence enhances drying in dishwashers. I firmly believe that University-Industry partnership will play an important role in the commercialization of this technology. Therefore, the final step is to collaborate with industry people, policymakers and other funding agencies for successful commercialization of these technologies.

Efforts will be made to disseminate the research experience and knowledge for solving the societal problems such as availability of non-seasonal fruits and vegetables to remote locations by developing efficient driers. The price and availability of fruits and vegetables depends upon season and location. In order to ensure, the availability of vegetables and fruits to rural places at lower price, the new design of dryer will be very proposed by using the same strategy which has been used in the second reactor development.

Industrial Research

In my previous role as a Senior CAE specialist at Whirlpool corporation, I have developed a system performance model for predicting the energy consumption and drying performance of dishwasher using 1D system code by getting insights from 3D CFD and experiments. I have worked upon variety of projects such as: (i) Transition to higher energy class in dishwasher; (ii) Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints of home appliances; (iii) Develop nature inspired engineering solutions for improved and sustainable design of home appliances; (iv) Develop novel dishwashers with adsorbent drying technology and (v) Develop mini dishwasher for faster cleaning and water conservation using scrub clean technology.

Postdoctoral and Ph.D. Research

Electrochemical reduction of CO₂ (ECR) powered by renewable energy sources is a powerful technology to fight climate change. Considering the huge industrial importance (global market size of ~$200 billion) of two major fuels (ethylene and ethanol), it is necessary to find sustainable methods for synthesizing them. Therefore, my Post-Doctoral research work focusses on breaking frontiers in finding new avenues for tailoring the selectivity towards products (ethylene and ethanol). A strategy is developed which consists of following steps: 1) High throughput system for catalyst screening; 2) Identify novel catalyst; 3) Dynamic catalyst regeneration; 4) Improve electrolyzer design; 5) Improve ion transport; 6) Optimum operating conditions; 7) Identify optimum electrolyte composition; 8) Strategy to attain desired potential; 9) Scale-up strategy; 10) develop a system performance model for optimization; 11) Transition from lab scale to pilot scale and then commercial scale. The first step is to develop a novel catalyst which favors products such as ethylene and ethanol. A bi-metallic (Cu-M) catalyst is developed, where M is the secondary metal such as Ag or Au or Zn or Al. The experimental results clearly demonstrate that presence of secondary metal tailor selectivity towards products. The selectivity is further improved by synthesizing bi-metal copper oxide (Cu₂O-M) as catalyst. The presence of Cu(I) oxides enhances selectivity towards products as compared to Cu-M. Cu₂O/M catalyst undergo dynamic structural and morphological changes under continuous operation which reduces lifetime of the catalysts as well selectivity towards C2+ products. Therefore, a methodology is developed for catalyst regeneration and controlling the Cu(I) oxidation states by applying asymmetric reduction and oxidation pulses which consists of two reduction and one oxidation pulse. Currently, we are working on scale-up of this technology by performing experiments on large scale electrolyzer (100cm²).

My PhD research focused on the novel design of passive safety system (~10000 m3) for advance nuclear reactor using opensource CFD software OpenFOAM. In comparison to conventional design, the new design ensures (i) 40% enhanced heat transfer; (ii) complete mitigation of thermal stratification and (iii) uniform steam distribution inside the system. In addition to this, the research work also includes: (1) Assessment of various turbulence (RANS and LES) models (2) Development of single phase solver in OpenFOAM to study 3D transient natural convection and heat transfer; (3) Detailed CFD simulation of low Re thermally stratified flows using HPC; (4) Quantification of mixing, thermal stratification and heat transfer; (5) Develop novel techniques for mitigation of thermal stratification; (6) Study the flow distribution in manifolds with multiple T junctions; (7) Effect of sub-ccoled nucleate boiling, bubble induced turbulence and associated heat transfer; (8) Perform flow visualization experiments using PIV and LDA technique.

Science for Society

I have not restricted myself to academics only and made efforts to disseminate my knowledge for the benefits of society. In India, 30% of the total available energy is consumed in cooking only. Hence, there is a huge responsibility to optimize the cooking procedures for achieving significant reduction in energy consumption and the environmental impact. 3b people in the world still dependent on solid biomass fuel for cooking purpose having maximum achievable thermal efficiency using forced draft cook stoves is 35%. Therefore, an energy efficient cook stoves and cooking vessels were developed by performing CFD simulations.

Teaching Interest

My vision for teaching emphasizes a balanced approach that integrates both traditional methods like using a chalkboard for personal interaction and newer technologies such as computer presentations for visual aids. This blend ensures that students receive comprehensive learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and preferences.

Smart phones are powerful instruments that have become ubiquitous in today’s society, with smart phone ownership in the U.S. at 96% for adults in the age range 18-29 and 88 % for high schoolers Despite their constantly-improving computing and imaging capabilities, smart phones are underutilized as a tool for teaching and learning in STEM. Rather than discourage the use of phones in class, this project will develop hands-on lab activities that leverage phone cameras as microscopes and spectrometers to teach students about materials science and nanotechnology.

In order to encourage student engagements, various methods like Q&A sessions, team activities, and mini-projects will be arranges. These activities not only encourage active participation but also enhance collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge, thereby enriching the learning experience.

Overall, my teaching philosophy focused on creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where students are motivated to engage deeply with the subject matter and take ownership of their learning journey.