Chemical Engineering Principles Research Articles

AI-Augmented Chemical Engineering Models for Predictive Battery Maintenance in IoT Applications

This research presents a cutting-edge approach that combines chemical engineering principles with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance battery maintenance in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The study develops predictive maintenance models capable of accurately forecasting battery degradation, thereby optimizing usage patterns and extending battery life. By integrating electrochemical data with AI-driven predictive analytics, the project enables real-time monitoring of battery health, achieving over 90% accuracy in anticipating maintenance needs, which reduces unplanned downtime and lowers operational costs. Employing machine learning frameworks, data analysis tools, and chemical engineering simulation software, the focus is on lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, commonly used in IoT networks across sectors such as smart cities, agriculture, and healthcare. Key results include a 20−30% increase in battery lifespan and a 15% improvement in energy efficiency, significantly reducing electronic waste and environmental footprint. This interdisciplinary approach provides a foundation for sustainable battery technology in IoT technology, paving the way for future advancements in AI-augmented predictive maintenance and chemical engineering models for next-generation applications. The integration of AI with chemical engineering principles allows for the development of models that adapt to the unique electrochemical behavior of different battery types, such as lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. By analyzing lifecycle data and device usage patterns, predictive models can account for variables that influence battery performance over time, including temperature fluctuations and charging cycles. This project utilizes neural networks and reinforcement learning algorithms to train models capable of learning from historical data, enhancing their predictive capabilities. A significant aspect of this research involves the preprocessing of battery lifecycle data to ensure high data quality, which is critical for accurate model training and validation.

Development of novel osteochondral scaffolds and related in vitro environment with the aid of chemical engineering principles

In tissue engineering, collaboration among experts from different fields is needed to design appropriate cell scaffolds and the required three-dimensional environment. Osteochondral tissue engineering is particularly challenging due to the need to provide scaffolds that imitate structural and compositional differences between two neighboring tissues, articular cartilage and bone, and the required complex biophysical environments for cultivating such scaffolds. This work focuses on two key objectives: first, to develop bilayered osteochondral scaffolds based on gellan gum and bioactive glass and, second, to create a biomimetic environment for scaffold characterization by designing and utilizing novel dual-medium cultivation bioreactor chambers. Basic chemical engineering principles were utilized to help achieve both aims. First, a simple heat transport model based on one-dimensional conduction was applied as a guideline for bilayer scaffold preparation, leading to the formation of a gelatinous upper part and a macroporous lower part with a thin, well-integrated interfacial zone. Second, a novel cultivation chamber was developed to be used in a dynamic compression bioreactor to provide possibilities for flow of two different media, such as chondrogenic and osteogenic. These chambers were utilized for characterization of the novel scaffolds with regard to bioactivity and stability under dynamic compression and fluid perfusion over 14 d, while flow distribution under different conditions was analyzed by a tracer method and residence time distribution analysis.

(Energy Technology Division Research Award) New Materials vs. Reaction Engineering in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In recent years, the desire to design, create and/or discover advanced functional nanomaterials has changed the way that faculty members and graduate students approach engineering research. Though materials can (and likely will) make a significant impact on most technologies, the truth is that in most disciplines, materials with highly complex structures remain on the fringes of realistic deployment. In some cases, even when so-called “advanced” materials are discovered there are significant difficulties in transitioning them from ex-situ tests to the real reacting environment. Therefore, we must be careful to understand that material chemistry and structure are only two variables in an extremely complex system and often times there are other fundamental (e.g. electronic mobility, thermodynamic barriers, diffusivity) and engineering (porosity, concentration, temperature) properties that drive behavior in such environments. Additionally, there are systems where materials are being sought without a clear understanding of what is truly limiting performance and durability or the properties that are required of a real engineered system to operate effectively.Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are an example system where the literature is littered with exotic materials that claim to improve activity and stability (presumed as performance and durability in real devices). However, it will be shown that for several years, such new materials had limited success (if any) in advancing performance and durability. This talk will summarize ~five years of work in AEMFCs where the performance and durability of AEMFCs were improved significantly without any new materials – just using traditional chemical engineering principles for reactor engineering. Only later – once device operation was well understood and controlled – were new materials helpful. On the operational side, the main discussion point will be the transport of water. On the materials side, new membranes and catalysts will be discussed. The talk will end with perspectives on transitioning AEMFCs to more realistic operating environments, including the mitigation of effects from CO2.

Synthesis and characterization of coprecipitated layered NCM oxide as cathode for sodium-ion batteries: Kinetics and hydrodynamics studies

Interest in the development of high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for emerging energy storage systems has motivated to delve into a novel approach for the synthesis of layered transition metal oxide (LTMO) type cathode for SIBs batteries. In this study, we introduce novel chemical synthesis method that diverges from traditional methodologies reported till date. Rather than relying on sulfur, nitrate, or acetate metal precursor salts, we employ metal carbonate salt coupled with oxalic acid as a chelating agent, and sodium carbonate as a precipitating agent. This novel chemistry enhances the microstructure of the cathode material inherited from its precursor exhibiting spherical morphology, influence on the electrochemical properties, bestowing the material with high specific capacity, extended cycle life, and an elevated charge–discharge rate. The primary focus of this work centers on a comprehensive investigation of the hydrodynamic and kinetics aspects of the co-precipitation reaction, guided by the principles of chemical engineering. The effects of key parameters such as impeller speed, impeller type, and scale-up effects on the co-precipitation process have been systematically explored. This research introduces insights into optimizing reaction conditions such as pH, reaction temperature, metal precursor salt ratio, precipitating agent, through rigorous experimentation and characterization reports. The notable effect of precipitating agent on morphology has been demonstrated by electron microscopy images. The kinetics study shows the activation energy of 8.9 kJ mol−1 depicts the reaction is controlled by mass transfer resistance and to overcome this effect, impeller type and speed plays significant role and experimentation results shows the axial mixing pattern created by pitched blade impeller is effective to improvise electrochemical properties. The synthesized cathode material exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties, including tap density of approximately 1.3 g cc−1 with reversible capacity of 215 mAh g−1, along with excellent cyclic stability (90 %) over 60 cycles. Furthermore, it shows the high energy density up to 1300 Wh/L and a rapid charge–discharge rate. These findings contribute to the advancement of SIBs technology and offer promising prospects for future researchers to efficient development of high-performance energy storage solutions.

From Atomic-Level Synthesis to Device-Scale Reactors: A Multiscale Approach to Water Electrolysis.

ConspectusThe development of an advanced energy conversion system for water electrolysis with high efficiency and durability is of great significance for a hydrogen-powered society. This progress relies on the fabrication of electrocatalysts with superior electrochemical performance. Despite decades of advancements in exploring high-performance noble and non-noble metal electrocatalysts, several challenges persist at both the micro- and macrolevels in the field of water electrolysis.At the microlevel, which encompasses electrocatalyst synthesis and characterization, design strategies for high-performance electrocatalysts have primarily focused on interface chemical engineering. However, comprehensive understanding and investigation of interface chemical engineering across various length scales, from micrometers to atomic scales, are still lacking. This deficiency hampers the rational design of catalysts with optimal performance. Under harsh reaction conditions, such as high bias potential and highly acidic or alkaline media, the surface of catalyst materials is susceptible to undergoing "reconstruction", deviating from what is observed through ex situ characterization techniques postsynthesis. Conventional ex situ characterization methods do not provide an accurate depiction of the catalyst's structural evolution during the electrocatalytic reaction, hindering the exploration of the catalytic mechanism.At the macrolevel, pertaining to catalysis-performance evaluation systems and devices, traditional laboratory settings employ a conventional three-electrode or two-electrode system to assess the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts. However, this approach does not accurately simulate hydrogen production under realistic industrial conditions, such as elevated temperatures (60-70 °C), high current densities exceeding 0.5 A cm-2, and flowing electrolytes. To address this limitation, it is crucial to develop testing equipment and methodologies that replicate the actual industrial conditions.In this Account, we propose a multiscale research framework for water electrolysis, spanning from microscale synthesis to macroscale scaled reactor design. Our approach focuses on the design and evaluation of high-performance HER/OER (hydrogen evolution reaction/oxygen evolution reaction) electrocatalysts, incorporating the following strategies: Leveraging principles of interface chemical engineering across various length scales (micrometers, nanometers, and atoms) enables the design of catalyst materials that enhance both activity and durability. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between the catalyst structure and activity, implementing in situ/operando characterization techniques to monitor dynamic interfacial reactions and surface reconstruction processes. This facilitates a profound exploration of catalytic reaction mechanisms, offering insights into the catalyst's structural evolution during the electrocatalytic reaction. We construct a laboratory-scale membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrochemical reactor capable of operating at high current densities (>1 A cm-2) to evaluate the electrocatalytic performance under simulated industrial conditions. This ensures objective and authentic assessments of the catalyst application potential. Throughout the following sections, we illustrate the application of interface chemical engineering on different length scales in designing diverse electrocatalyst materials. We rely on in situ characterization techniques to gain a profound understanding of the mechanisms behind the HER and OER. Additionally, we describe the development of both acidic and alkaline MEA electrochemical reactors to enhance the precision of electrocatalytic performance evaluation. Finally, we provide a concise overview of the challenges and opportunities in this field.

SIMULATION-DRIVEN STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Water treatment processes in chemical engineering play a critical role in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. This paper examines simulation-driven strategies aimed at enhancing water treatment processes within the domain of chemical engineering. By leveraging advanced simulation techniques and methodologies, engineers can optimize the design, operation, and performance of water treatment systems, thereby mitigating environmental impacts and improving overall efficiency. The review highlights the importance of addressing environmental challenges through innovative approaches in water treatment processes. It underscores the role of simulation-driven strategies in chemical engineering to achieve sustainable solutions for water management. Through a comprehensive review of simulation techniques and case studies, this paper elucidates how simulation-driven approaches can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of water treatment processes. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of this research, bridging chemical engineering principles with environmental science and technology. By integrating simulation tools with knowledge of water chemistry, fluid dynamics, and process engineering, engineers can develop robust strategies for optimizing water treatment processes while minimizing environmental footprints. Key topics covered include the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), process simulation software, and advanced modeling techniques in the analysis and design of water treatment systems. Case studies illustrating the successful implementation of simulation-driven strategies in various water treatment applications are presented to provide practical insights and demonstrate the potential benefits. Overall, this paper underscores the pivotal role of simulation-driven strategies in advancing water treatment processes in chemical engineering. It advocates for the adoption of innovative approaches to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability in water management practices within the oil and gas industry and other sectors reliant on chemical engineering processes.
 Keywords: Water treatment, Environmental Challenges, Chemical Engineering, Processes, Simulation Driven Strategies.

Reform and Exploration of the Integration of "Principles of Chemical Engineering" Course and Civic and Political Education in the Context of Professional Accreditation of Engineering Education

Reform and Exploration of the Integration of "Principles of Chemical Engineering" Course and Civic and Political Education in the Context of Professional Accreditation of Engineering Education

Reform and Exploration of “Principles of Chemical Engineering” in Accordance with the Standards of Engineering Education Accreditation

Reform and Exploration of “Principles of Chemical Engineering” in Accordance with the Standards of Engineering Education Accreditation

Exploring the Innovation in Teaching Principles of Chemical Engineering: Emphasizing Foundational Knowledge and Practical Skills

Exploring the Innovation in Teaching Principles of Chemical Engineering: Emphasizing Foundational Knowledge and Practical Skills

化工原理理论教学的思考与感悟

化工原理理论教学的思考与感悟

Research on the development and application of the hydrogen energy

In recent years, global warming has been an ongoing concern for experts, and the cause of this problem is the over-reliance on fossil fuels, so finding a new source of energy that can replace traditional fossil fuels is essential at this stage. In terms of hydrogen production, solar hydrolysis is a promising method for converting sunlight into renewable, sustainable, and green hydrogen energy. The most representative pathway for converting solar radiation into molecular hydrogen is photovoltaic chemistry (PEC). In terms of hydrogen storage, researchers have identified the potential of a new type of hydrogen storage vessel, the "hybrid hydrogen storage vessel," which combines an aluminum-carbon fiber reinforced plastic (Al-CFRP) composite vessel with a hydrogen storage alloy. An evaluation of this system has shown that the hybrid hydrogen storage vessel has advantages over conventional hydrogen storage technologies in terms of volume and weight of stored hydrogen. In terms of hydrogen applications, hydrogen-fueled electric powertrains offer a solution for long-distance driving using clean energy, whereas battery-powered vehicles are plagued by range limitations, which is a shortcoming in hydrogen applications. This paper critically examines the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source and presents three aspects of hydrogen technology, respectively its production, storage and application. This essay highlights the importance of chemical engineering principles in optimizing the production, storage and utilization of hydrogen energy for a clean, sustainable energy future.

Complementary role of large language models in educating undergraduate design of distillation column: Methodology development

This paper explores the integration of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in chemical engineering education, departing from conventional practices that may not be universally accepted. While there is ongoing debate surrounding the acceptance of LLMs, driven by concerns over computational instability and potential inconsistencies, their inevitability in shaping our communication and interaction with technology cannot be ignored. As educators, we are positioned to play a vital role in guiding students toward the responsible, effective, and synergetic use of LLMs. Focusing specifically on distillation column design in undergraduate mass-transfer courses, this study demonstrates how ChatGPT can be utilized as an auxiliary tool to create interactive learning environments and simulate real-world engineering thinking processes. It emphasizes the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and a thorough understanding of LLM principles, taking responsibility for their use and creations. While ChatGPT should not be solely relied upon, its integration with fundamental principles of chemical engineering is crucial. The effectiveness and limitations of ChatGPT are exemplified through two case studies, showcasing the importance of manual calculations and established simulation software as primary tools for guiding and validating engineering results and analyses. This paper also addresses the pedagogical implications of integrating LLMs into mass transfer courses, encompassing curriculum integration, facilitation, guidance, and ethical considerations. Recommendations are provided for incorporating LLMs effectively into the curriculum. Overall, this study contributes to the advancement of chemical engineering education by examining the benefits and limitations of LLMs as educational aids in the design process.

A Mathematical Framework for Modeling Energy Dense Redox-Mediated Flow Batteries

Electrochemical processes can accelerate global decarbonization efforts by enabling the broad adoption of renewable electricity, facilitating the deployment of electric vehicles, and affording new opportunities in sustainable chemical manufacturing. However, this transition requires new electrochemical technologies with performance, cost, and scalability metrics that align with emerging demands. This need has inspired exploration into innovative systems that leverage unconventional materials and/or reactor designs. One such approach is the use of redox-mediated electrode reactions, which may expand the portfolio of feasible reactants, device configurations, and operating modes. In brief, a soluble and stable redox-couple (the mediator) is paired with an off-electrode material of interest (typically in the solid phase); this combination results in a two-step reaction system, where the mediator reacts on the electrode surface within an electrochemical cell before driving a separate redox reaction with the spatially removed material.1-2 Prior literature has shown how this approach can enhance the charge-storage capacity of redox flow batteries, facilitate difficult-to-perform electrochemical transformations, and unlock spatial and temporal flexibility in electrochemical processes.3-6 While promising, the performance of these systems is governed by coupled reactive-transport processes which present complex (and transient) interdependencies that frustrate navigation through the multi-dimensional design space. As such, technology development is slowed by the material- and time-intensive nature of experimental campaigns. To this end, modeling and simulation can offer an inexpensive and accelerated path to disaggregate interrelated physical processes, to quantify performance descriptors, and to inform experimental studies.7-8 In this presentation, we will describe a mathematical modeling framework that uses traditional chemical engineering principles to represent a redox-mediated electrochemical system consisting of a flow cell, a tank containing solid reactants, and a recirculating stream containing a soluble mediator. This domain aligns with common redox-mediated flow battery configurations, which enables both validation of the simulated electrochemical and fluid dynamic performance as well as insight into experimental observations reported in the literature. We will highlight the utility of low-dimensional models derived from this framework to provide deeper quantitative understanding into these phenomena. Through dimensional analyses, relevant dimensionless groups can be established that allow for generalization of model findings (e.g., scaling relationships, property tradeoffs) and articulation of design criteria for conceptual systems relevant to electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Acknowledgements This work was funded by the Skoltech – MIT Next Generation Program. N.J.M and B.J.N gratefully acknowledge the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant Number 2141064. Any opinion, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF. CTM gratefully acknowledges support under and awarded by the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research, through the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

Perceptions of Chemical Engineering Students on Decolonizing the Curriculum by Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Practices

The #FeesMustFall movement, which rocked institutions of higher learning in South Africa in 2015/2016, inspired robust engagement around the decolonization of knowledge. Students argued that the epistemological context of higher education in South Africa does not reflect the African context. Activists argued that if the curricula did not speak to local issues, the challenges facing higher education would remain. Incorporating indigenous knowledge practices into mainstream education could signify a shift away from Western dominance in the local episteme. Engineering is not immune to decolonization. This paper attempts to extract the views and observations of 38 chemical engineering students, from second year until PhD level, at the University of Johannesburg on decolonizing the curriculum by incorporating indigenous knowledge practices. The data was generated through an open-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire required that participants briefly describe indigenous practices with the potential for elucidating chemical engineering principles. Participants identified umfuso, which is the process of drying vegetables in the sun, sieving with leselo, which is made up of reeds and is used to separate light materials from heavy ones, drinking cow urine as a remedy to cure various diseases, making traditional mageu, brewing traditional beer (umqombothi) and milling and grinding maize meal, as practices which they believe had potential to reshape the curriculum. The findings of the study show that students concurred with the call for decolonization and transformation of the chemical engineering curriculum, but that there was a lack of consensus on whether incorporating indigenous knowledge practices could help achieve it, as the system of acquiring education itself needs decolonization.

Responsive polymer thin films

Responsive polymer thin films

Application of “Online Preview-Flipped Classroom-Home Exploration” Teaching Mode Based on Cooperative Group Learning into Principles of Chemical Engineering

Application of “Online Preview-Flipped Classroom-Home Exploration” Teaching Mode Based on Cooperative Group Learning into Principles of Chemical Engineering

Construction and Practice for Innovative Teaching Model of “Principles of Chemical Engineering” Course under The New Form of Internet Plus

Construction and Practice for Innovative Teaching Model of “Principles of Chemical Engineering” Course under The New Form of Internet Plus

Exploration and Practice of Online and Offline Collaborative Teaching Mode to Promote the Construction of Chemical Engineering Principle Course

Exploration and Practice of Online and Offline Collaborative Teaching Mode to Promote the Construction of Chemical Engineering Principle Course

Reform and Exploration of “Comprehensive and Precise Process” Assessment in Chemical Engineering Principle Experimental Course

Reform and Exploration of “Comprehensive and Precise Process” Assessment in Chemical Engineering Principle Experimental Course

Design and Practice of Integrated Teaching of Chemical Engineering Principle Experiment under the Background of Professional Certification—Taking Absorption as an Example

Design and Practice of Integrated Teaching of Chemical Engineering Principle Experiment under the Background of Professional Certification—Taking Absorption as an Example