Research on Chemical Engineering

Modeling Across the Scales (MAS)


Multi-phase, Multi-component fluid and heat transport at multi-scales to develop new technologies for clean energy production at an economically competitive compared to current fossil fuels. Applications include: Natural gas hydrates, Geothermal Energy, Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), Polymer technologies. The projects are funded from Department of Energy-Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).

Publication
Projects include:
  • Analysis of Geothermal Deep Direct-Use with Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage on the West Virginia University Campus-Morgantown, WV.
  • Numerical Simulations of Gas Hydrate Reservoirs to Support field test production.
  • Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Gas Hydrates in Alaska North Slope.

Low Carbon Energy Lab


The Low Carbon Energy Lab is directed by Dr. Kristine Horvat. The lab is focused on finding alternative sources of energy, especially those that are cleaner for the environment. Many areas of interest incorporate fuel production with carbon dioxide sequestration or utilization.

Publication
Projects include:
  • Methane extraction from methane hydrates coupled with carbon dioxide sequestration
  • Carbon dioxide hydrate formation
  • Dewatering and oil extraction for cellulosic and algal biofuel
  • Hydrogen production from bacteria

 

Soft MAterials Research and Technology Laboratory (SMART Lab)


The Soft Materials Research and Technology Laboratory (SMART Lab) is directed by Dr. Huan Gu. The lab focuses on utilizing materials and surface engineering to design bioinspired soft robotic surfaces. These surfaces are designed to characterize new mechanical properties of biomaterials at micron and sub-micron scales. These new discoveries can then be used to direct the development of novel functional surfaces that are expected to control biomaterials for industrial and medical applications. Some projects are highly interdisciplinary and provide hands-on experience in microfabrication, biotechnology, and utilizing state-of-the-art instruments.

Publication
Projects include:
  •     Design of bioinspired soft robotic surfaces for industrial and medical applications 
  •     Fundamental understanding of biomaterials’ mechanical properties 
  •     Discovery of antimicrobial agents and techniques 
  •     Engineering of bacterial biofilms for bioremediation