Sustainability and Energy

To address grand challenges in sustainability and energy, CBE researchers have developed innovative technologies while probing the scientific foundations. Current examples include renewable-energy technologies, chemical looping, polymer recovery, new high-temperature heat-transfer fluids, PFAS destruction, advanced batteries, green chemistry, manufacturing intensification, CO₂ capture and utilization, and emission control. These advances result from applying our expertise in reaction engineering, catalysis, advanced materials, electrochemistry, molecular engineering, analytical chemistry, and analytics, combining lab and pilot-scale experiments with advanced computer models of reactors and materials.

Prof. Abolhasani

Focuses on development of microscale flow chemistry technologies tailored for studies of fundamental mechanisms.

Prof. Crook

Develops new biological engineering methods in yeast and bacteria to advance human health and sustainability.

Prof. Easley

Focuses on methodologies for in-situ and electrochemical characterization of polymer solutions.

Prof. Fedkiw

Develops composite polymer electrolytes which decouple the mechanical behavior of the polymer from its conductivity.

Prof. Genzer

Develops new three-dimensional, nanostructured architectures for solar cells.

Prof. Kelly

Focuses on using functional genomics approaches to characterize the metabolism of hyperthermophiles.

Prof. Khan

Focuses on functional nanofibers that offer an exciting opportunity to develop materials with new and tailored properties.

Prof. Li

Studies carbon dioxide capture and biomass tar removal via thermochemical redox reactions.

Prof. Neal

Prof. Parsons

Focuses on fundamentals of thin film materials, surface reactions, and nano–scale engineering.

Prof. Rasor

Engineers cells and cell-free systems for bio-based production of chemicals and energy.

Prof. Spontak

Focuses on the design, characterization, and modeling through the use of optical, electron, x-ray, and probe microscopies.

Prof. Velev

Develops technologies for chemical synthesis in microscopic droplets, drug and toxin screening, handling of single live cells, assembly of microscopic circuits and sensors.

Vice Chancellor Walton

Focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functional porous materials for use in chemical separations.

Prof. Westmoreland

Explores the kinetics which govern the conversion of woody biomass to bio-oils.