This course introduces the principles of material and energy balances and their applications to the analysis of single- and multiple-phase processes used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental industries. The course focuses on the conceptual understanding of properties of pure fluids, equations of state, and heat effects accompanying phase changes and chemical reactions, and problem-solving skills needed to solve a wide range of realistic, process-related problems.
The course will introduce emerging environmental issues, relevant engineering solutions, and problem-solving techniques to students. The case study approach will be used to assist students to develop and apply the fundamental engineering skills and scientific insights needed to recognize a variety of environmental problems that have profound impacts on all aspects of modern society. Sophomore standing required to enroll.
Our theoretical and computational capabilities have reached a point where we can do predictions of materials on the computer. This course will introduce students to fundamenta l concepts and techniques of atomic scale computational modeling. The material will cover electronic structure theory and chemical kinetics. Several well-chosen applications in energy and chemical transformations including study and prediction of properties of chemical systems (heterogeneous, molecular, and biological catalysts) and physical properties of materials will be considered. This course will have modules that will include hands-on computer lab experience and teach the student how to perform electronic structure calculations of energetics which form the basis for the development of a kinetic model for a particular problem, which will be part of a project at the end of the course. Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Physical Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics. Undergraduates should consult and be given permission by the instructor.
Fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and batteries are all electrochemical devices for the interconversion between chemical and electrical energy. These devices have inherently high efficiencies and are playing increasingly important roles in both large and small scale electrical power generation, transportation (e.g. hybrid and electric vehicles), and energy storage (e.g. production of H2 via electrolysis). This course will cover the basic electrochemistry and materials science that is needed in order to understand the operation of these devices, their principles of operation, and how they are used in modern applications. Prerequisite: Introductory chemistry and an undergraduate course in thermodynamics (e.g. CBE 2310, MEAM 2030)
Engineers will play an essential role in redesigning systems across scales to meet energy and sustainability goals in mitigating the global climate crisis. This is a foundational course applying chemical engineering principles, in particular mass and energy balances and thermodynamics, to connect microscopic and macroscopic aspects of “energy” from fundamental considerations of heat capacity and electrochemistry to limiting conversion efficiencies of thermal engines and solar cells and planetary energy balances. We will explore technical aspects of device engineering, policy requirements for technology implementation, and societal implications of such implementations. Finally, we will analyze local systems and design and justify possible changes to improve their sustainability.
Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration has recently emerged as one of the key technologies needed to meeting growing worldwide energy demand while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The objective of this course is to provide a quantitative introduction into the science and technology of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration. The following topics will be covered. General CO2 chemistry as it applies to capture and sequestration. Applied thermodynamics including minimal work and efficiency calculations for separation. CO2 separation from syngas and flue gas for gasification and combustion processes and the potential for direct air capture. Transportation of CO2 in pipelines and sequestration in deep underground geological formations. Pipeline specifications, monitoring, safety engineering, and costs for long distance transport of CO2. Comparison of options for geological sequestration in oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and mineral formations. Environmental risk assessment and management. Life cycle analysis