(4pj) Creating a Sustainable Future: Integrating Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy Systems for Environmental and Economic Benefits

Green chemistry and sustainable energy are interconnected through their shared goal of minimizing costs, environmental impact, and promoting sustainability. Green chemistry principles guide the development of cleaner and more efficient technologies. In bioenergy production, green chemistry optimizes processes like biomass conversion and biocatalysis to maximize yield and minimize waste. Integrating green chemistry into sustainable energy technologies ensures reduced greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a circular economy by converting waste biomass into valuable biofuels and chemicals. Together, they foster innovation, economic growth, and a sustainable future by creating energy systems that are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.

Research Interests

During my master's degree, I delved into the innovative realms of solar energy and nanofluids, exploring their potential to revolutionize energy systems with improved efficiency and sustainability. This period was marked by my active collaboration with a research team dedicated to sustainable energies. Throughout this collaborative effort, I was able to publish 15 papers in prestigious journals. My work during this time laid a solid foundation for my ongoing research pursuits. Now, I have joined a bigger research group, and my research is deeply committed to advancing the fields of sustainable energy and green chemistry, focusing on developing high-performance, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable solutions. As the world pivots towards sustainability, the demand for innovative approaches to energy production and chemical manufacturing that are both eco-friendly and economically sustainable has never been greater. My work addresses this critical need by exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and green chemistry principles to create processes and products that minimize environmental impact without compromising economic feasibility.

The core of my research lies in optimizing biorefinery processes, valorizing waste materials, and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production. By employing advanced simulation tools, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis, I aim to not only improve the performance of these sustainable systems but also to ensure their safety and reliability. My interdisciplinary approach draws on my background in engineering, economics, and sustainability to tackle complex challenges, contributing to the development of renewable energy sources and chemicals that support a healthier planet.

Teaching Interests

Inspired by a passion for education and a commitment to sustainability, my teaching approach is centered on preparing students to face the multifaceted challenges of the modern world with confidence and competence. I aim to instill a deep understanding of the connection of economic, environmental, and technical considerations in the field of sustainable energy and green chemistry. I am equipped to teach a range of courses that span the topics of thermochemical biomass conversion, advanced heat transfer principles, and the economics of sustainable technologies. By integrating my real-world research experiences into the curriculum, I plan to offer students hands-on learning opportunities that highlight the practical application of green chemistry and renewable energy.

I seek to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. My ultimate goal is to guide and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to innovate and lead in the transition toward more sustainable energy systems and chemical processes.

Ph.D. Projects:

• Comparative techno-economic and life cycle assessment of electrocatalytic processes for lignin valorization

• TEA and LCA of Integrating lignin-first biorefining and biological funneling using wild-type Rhodococcus opacus PD630

PhD Mentor

Mark Mba Wright, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States. Email: markmw@iastate.edu

Highlighted Publications (*Equal Contribution)

M. Sheikholeslami, S.A. Farshad, Z. Ebrahimpour, Z. Said, Recent progress on flat plate solar collectors and photovoltaic systems in the presence of nanofluid: A review, Journal of Cleaner Production 293 (2021) 126119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126119.

M. Sheikholeslami, Z. Ebrahimpour, Thermal improvement of linear Fresnel solar system utilizing Al2O3-water nanofluid and multi-way twisted tape, International Journal of Thermal Sciences 176 (2022) 107505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2022.107505.

Z. Ebrahimpour, M. Sheikholeslami, Intensification of nanofluid thermal performance with install of turbulator in a LFR system, Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification 161 (2021) 108322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2021.108322.

Z. Ebrahimpour, M. Sheikholeslami, Investigation of nanofluid convective flow through a solar system equipped with mirrors, Journal of Molecular Liquids 335 (2021) 116198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2021.116198.

Z. Ebrahimpour, M. Sheikholeslami, Nanofluid thermal performance inside an absorber tube of LFR unit equipped with helical T-shape tape, Journal of Molecular Liquids 325 (2021) 115202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2020.115202.

Z. Ebrahimpour, M. Sheikholeslami, S.A. Farshad, A. Shafee, Heat transfer intensification in a LFR unit considering exergy analysis of radiative and convective mechanism, Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification 157 (2020) 108141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2020.108141.

Zahra Ebrahimpourboura, MBA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States. Email: zahra7ep@iastate.edu

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57219098605