(4ev) Reaction Engineering of Complex Reaction Systems in Non-Conventional Solvent Environments

Reaction engineering is crucial for addressing energy, agricultural, and environmental challenges by developing efficient and sustainable chemical processes, especially for the complex reaction systems involved in environmental contaminant remediation, organic solid waste management, and biomass resource utilization. A key component in these processes is the choice of solvent. Solvents play a significant role in reaction engineering, influencing reaction rates, selectivity, and overall process efficiency by providing optimal reaction environments. Non-conventional green sub/supercritical (sub/SC) solvents, such as sub/SC-water, SC-bioalcohols, and SC-CO2, offer numerous advantages over traditional solvents. These solvents have tunable properties, including adjustable density and viscosity, which improve reaction conditions, leading to higher efficiency and selectivity. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly and sustainable, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of chemical processes.

The unique properties of these non-conventional solvents make them particularly effective in enhancing the reaction engineering of complex reaction systems. By optimizing reaction conditions and enhancing selectivity, these solvents enable the development of innovative processes that can efficiently address complex environmental and industrial challenges. Realizing this ambitious goal requires rethinking ways to conduct novel catalytic and thermochemical processes in non-conventional solvent environments. Therefore, the mission of my lab is to develop novel supercritical fluid processes that outperform current approaches, addressing significant sustainability and environmental challenges in complex reaction systems. The initial research directions are:

(1) Remediation of Environmental Contaminants Using Modular Sub/Supercritical Water Reactors

(2) Catalysis-Aided Solvolysis Thermochemical Conversion of Organic Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into Value-Added Materials

(3) Catalytic Conversion of Agricultural/Food Waste into Fuels and Chemicals

My expertise in reaction engineering, environmental science, kinetics, advanced characterization, and catalysis uniquely positions me to accomplish the ambitious goal of realizing the untapped potential of the reaction engineering of complex reaction systems in non-conventional solvents. This includes developing novel processes that outperform existing technologies and addressing the remediation of pollutants, as well as the production of low- and zero-emission fuels and chemicals. Through reaction engineering, we will use this knowledge to develop impactful applications.

Doctoral Research

My Ph.D. work with Professor Eric Eddings at the University of Utah focused on developing novel thermochemical processes for manufacturing high-performance carbon materials (such as carbon fiber and carbon quantum dots) from low-rank carbon resources (including lignite, steam coal, and waste plastics). By integrating principles of reaction engineering and leveraging the unique properties of sub/supercritical fluids (water, CO₂, and other organic solvents), I developed innovative thermochemical solvolysis conversion processes and designed high-temperature, high-pressure reactors at various scales to produce anisotropic carbonaceous materials. Through advanced characterization techniques such as GC-MS, NMR, XRD, and MALDI-TOF-MS, I analyzed reaction products to understand how feedstock composition and reaction conditions influence material properties and performance. This knowledge allowed me to investigate the reaction engineering of complex heavy hydrocarbons in subcritical/supercritical solvent environments.

Additionally, I utilized machine learning and data science to optimize various reaction processes for converting municipal solid waste plastics into high-performance carbon materials. This work supports my ongoing research interest in the reaction engineering of complex reaction systems in non-conventional green supercritical solvents, aiming to develop efficient, sustainable, and high-performance materials from diverse feedstocks.

Postdoctoral Research

As a postdoctoral research associate under the mentorship of Professor George Huber at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, I developed catalytic processes through kinetics, reactor engineering, and environmental science. My work encompassed several key areas:

(1) Catalytic Conversion of Dairy Waste: I conducted studies on converting dairy waste whey into value-added and platform chemicals. By combining advanced product characterization and kinetic studies, I discovered kinetic models of complex catalytic systems to accurately describe the formation of targeted products. This knowledge was applied to design and operate catalytic flow pilot-scale reactors, develop and optimize catalytic processes, and conduct economic analyses for our pilot plants.

(2) Catalytic Isomerization of Monosaccharides: I developed pilot-scale processes for the catalytic isomerization of common monosaccharides into rare sugar sweeteners from food industry waste. Advanced analyses were conducted to investigate catalytic reaction mechanisms. I developed pilot-scale processes to produce food-grade, low-calorie sweeteners for customers in various industries and performed life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses.

(3) Product Purification Processes Develpment: I performed product purification processes, including adsorption and simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, to separate targeted products and remove contaminants from processing streams. Knowledge of adsorption and separation kinetics and thermodynamics was obtained to guide further process development and techno-economic analysis (TEA).

(4) Hydrothermal Systems for Environmental Remediation of PFAS: Leveraging my experience in environmental science and chemical engineering, I utilized my expertise in supercritical fluids, reaction engineering, and catalysis to develop hydrothermal systems for the catalytic and thermochemical remediation of various environmental contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Advanced characterization techniques were employed to determine PFAS mineralization mechanisms and develop accurate reaction kinetic models.

Teaching Interests

My training in chemical engineering has equipped me to teach a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including Reaction Engineering, Unit Operations, and Thermodynamics. Recognizing the importance of efficient conversion of agricultural and municipal solid waste, I am eager to develop a course focused on novel reaction engineering approaches to address current technological limitations. Additionally, my background in environmental science and sustainability allows me to create courses related to renewable energy and environmental chemical engineering. My dedication to quality teaching is reflected in my pursuit of pedagogical training and numerous teaching opportunities throughout my academic career.

I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage actively in their education. By setting clear learning objectives and ensuring that students understand course goals and expectations, I help them achieve success by leveraging their strengths and interests. I plan to design new courses and adapt existing ones by constructing syllabi, homework, and in-class activities that align with specific learning objectives. This approach will enable students to understand how each objective contributes to their skill development, fostering a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.