Chemical Engineering PhD Symposium

Monday 1 July 2019 | 09.30h-16.00h Lecture Theatre 1 (ACEX 250) and Design Rooms (ACEX 306-312)

Opening Lecture by Professor Claire S. Adjiman, FREng

“An Engineering Mindset for Life”

Coffee and pastries will be available from 09.00h outside the Pilot Plant Control Room

Opening Lecture | Lecture Theatre 1 | 09.30h-10.20h Oral presentations by final-year PhD students | Lecture Theatre 1 |

10.20h-12.10h and 13.30h-16.00h Lunch and poster presentations | Design Rooms | 12.10h-13.30h

The symposium will be followed by a drinks reception and the announcement of the prize winners in the Design Rooms

Acknowledgments

We are most grateful to our major sponsors for their financial support of the research in our Department.

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Contents

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................................ 2

Table of contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Presentation Schedule ........................................................................................................................................ 4

Abstracts of Oral Presentations:

Cristian Ricardo Constante Amores 3D Direct Numerical Simulation in turbulent liquid jets: physical mechanisms for droplet formation ..... 5

Francisco Malaret Separation processes based on Ionic Liquids: From the lab to industrial realities .................................... 6

Janet Skitt Biomass to Liquids via Fischer Tropsch Synthesis Safely Creating Synthetic Fuels ................................................................................................................... 7

Martin Kessler Mechanocatalytic Depolymerization of (ligno)cellulosic Biomass: A Kinematic Modeling Approach ....... 8

Sakhr Alhuthali Constrained optimisation of cell culture feeding strategy and temperature shift duration to enhance monoclonal antibody titre and purity......................................................................................................... 9

Arnold Duralliu The Influence of Water and Temperature on the Long Term Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Biologics10

Shiladitya Ghosh Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Fluidized Bed-Based Cao/Ca(OH)2 Thermochemical Energy Combined Storage/Discharge Plant with Concentrated Solar Power ...................................................... 11

Federico Lozano Santamaria Online optimal cleaning scheduling and control of heat exchanger networks under fouling ................. 12

Humera Ansari Enhanced Recovery and CO2 Storage in Shale .......................................................................................... 13

Philipp Schlee From Waste to Wealth: From Kraft lignin to Flexible Energy Storage...................................................... 14

Poster Presentations in the Design Rooms ...................................................................................................... 15

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Chemical Engineering PhD Symposium 1 July 2019 | ACEX 250 – Lecture Theatre 1

Presentation Schedule

09:00-09:30 Coffee, Tea and Pastries available on the Level 2 concourse

9:30-10:20 Welcome and Opening Lecture Professor Claire Adjiman: An Engineering Mindset for Life

10:20-10:40 Cristian Ricardo Constante Amores 3D Direct Numerical Simulation in turbulent liquid jets: physical mechanisms for droplet formation

10:40-11:10 Morning Break (Coffee, Tea and Biscuits available on the Level 2 concourse)

11:10-11:30 Francisco Malaret Separation processes based on Ionic Liquids: From the lab to industrial realities

11:30-11:50 Janet Skitt Biomass to Liquids via Fischer Tropsch Synthesis Safely Creating Synthetic Fuels

11:50-12:10 Martin Kessler Mechanocatalytic Depolymerization of (ligno)cellulosic Biomass: A Kinematic Modeling Approach

12:10-13:30 Lunch Break and Poster Session (Design Rooms)

13:30-13:50 Sakhr Alhuthali Constrained optimisation of cell culture feeding strategy and temperature shift duration to enhance monoclonal antibody titre and purity

13:50-14:10 Arnold Duralliu The Influence of Water and Temperature on the Long Term Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Biologics

14:10-14:30 Shiladitya Ghosh Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Fluidized Bed-Based Cao/Ca(OH)2 Thermochemical Energy Combined Storage/Discharge Plant with Concentrated Solar Power

14:30-15:00 Afternoon Break (Coffee, Tea and Biscuits available on the Level 2 concourse)

15:00-15:20 Federico Lozano Santamaria Online optimal cleaning scheduling and control of heat exchanger networks under fouling

15:20-15:40 Humera Ansari Enhanced Recovery and CO2 Storage in Shale

15:40-16:00 Philipp Schlee From Waste to Wealth: From Kraft lignin to Flexible Energy Storage

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3D Direct Numerical Simulation in turbulent liquid jets: physical mechanisms for droplet formation

Presenter: Cristian Ricardo Constante Amores

Supervisor: Prof. Omar K. Matar

Abstract:

We present three-dimensional Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of turbulent liquid jets isolating several physical mechanisms observed in microdroplet formation. We ensure that all spatial/temporal scales are resolved in the numerical simulations through extensive mesh-refinement studies. The flow of the jet into the stagnant phase leads to the formation of a mushroom-like shape at the jet leading edge, which exhibits roll-up driven by the density and viscosity contrast between the two phases. As the jet accelerates further, Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities are observed driven by the velocity contrast. Visualisation under the mushroom-like structure shows the formation of droplets because of interface rupture. Different mechanisms for droplet formation are proposed, and for the first time, the drop side distributions of both phases are quantified. Interestingly, we also observe the formation of hairpin vortices in our DNS despite the absence of coaxial flow shearing the interface.

References:

Eggers, J., & Villermaux, E. 2008 Physics of liquid jets. Reports on Progress in Physics, 71(3), 036601. Shin, S & Juric, D., 2002 Modelling Three-Dimensional Multiphase Flow Using a Level Contour Reconstruction Method for Front Tracking without Connectivity J. of Comp. Physics., 180 (2), 427 - 470. Unverdi, S., & Tryggvason, G. 1992 A front-tracking method for viscous, incompressible, multi-uid ows J. of Comp. Physics., 100 (1), 25 - 37.

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Separation processes based on Ionic Liquids: From the lab to industrial realities

Presenter: Francisco Malaret

Supervisors: Prof. Jason Hallett, Dr. Kyra Campbell

Abstract:

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts with low melting points, extremely low volatilities and physical and chemical properties which can be tuned through modification of the constituent cations and anions [1,2]. For these reasons, they have been tagged as an environmentally-friendly alternative to replace organic solvents used in industry [3]. Despite the enormous amount of scientific research about the applications of these liquids, only a few examples have reached commercial scale.

The main focus of my work is the utilisation of these novel substances to reduce the environmental footprint of industrial processes whilst maximizing profitability. Specifically, the use of ILs as catalytic solvents in separation processes, such as biomass pre-treatment and liquid-liquid extraction. This presentation will cover some basic aspects of ILs, their utilization in the previously mentioned applications and steps and challenges to scale-up process technologies form the lab to industrial applications.

References:

1 T. Welton, Synthesis (Stuttg)., 1999, 99, 2071–2084.

2 J. P. Hallett and T. Welton, Chem. Rev., 2011, 111, 3508–3576.

3 C. J. Clarke, W. C. Tu, O. Levers, A. Bröhl and J. P. Hallett, Chem. Rev., 2018, 118, 747–800.

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Biomass to Liquids via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Safely Creating Synthetic Fuels

Presenter: Janet Skitt

Supervisors: Dr. Chris Tighe, Prof. Paul Fennell

Abstract:

In 2018, transport accounted for 33% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority coming from road transport. However, as part of the renewable energy directive the UK has set targets to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the transport sector by 6%, as well as to increase the proportion of renewable transport fuels to 10% by 2020. Using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) as part of a Biomass to Liquids (BTL) process could help meet these targets, as well as address issues with the compatibility of traditional biofuels in existing internal combustion engines.

In order to investigate the production of liquid fuels from bio-syngas, a fixed bed FTS reactor was built. This involved several safety considerations as, in addition to flammable and toxic gases at high temperatures and pressures, it is an exothermic gas to liquid reaction which can exhibit wrong-way behaviour. A dynamic model of the FTS reaction was also developed to include a gas expansion term, and the impact of the contracting reaction on wrong-way behaviour investigated.

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Mechanocatalytic Depolymerization of (ligno)cellulosic Biomass: A Kinematic Modeling Approach

Presenter: Martin Kessler

Supervisor: Dr. Roberto Rinaldi

Abstract:

The mechanocatalytic depolymerization of (ligno)cellulose has emerged as a promising method for the transformation of raw biomass to new feedstocks for the lignocellulosic biorefinery. Recently, a solvent-free mechanocatalytic approach was outlined, in which a (ligno)cellulose substrate is loaded with a strong acid and subsequently ball milled, enabling full conversion of (ligno)cellulose (cellulose, hardwood, softwood and perennial grasses) to water-soluble products (WSP).2,3 Furthermore, during scale-up attempts, it was shown that not only is the process feasible on a kilogram scale but it also brings significant increases in energy efficiency for the mechanocatalytic depolymerization process.4

Despite these insights, mechanocatalytic driven processes remain poorly understood and there is as yet no direct evidence that the process depends on the mechanical energy dose given to the acidified substrate during the milling process. Herein, in an attempt to shed light on the mechanocatalytic depolymerization process, a kinematic model5 of the milling process was adapted and used to assess the energy dose given to the substrate during deconstruction. The model calculates the kinetic energy transferred from the milling balls to the (ligno)cellulose substrate through collisions with the vial wall, within a planetary ball mill. The estimated energy dose depends on the kinetic energy of the balls, number of balls, collision frequency, milling time and a factor that accounts for the hindering of ball-wall collisions dependent on the vial filling. In addition, by varying the milling parameters, such as rotational speed, milling time, ball size, substrate loading and substrate type, a broad experimental data set was generated. The resulting WSP yields were then compared against the calculated apparent energy dose and revealed key features of the mechanocatalytic process.

At low energy doses, a rapid rise in WSP yield associated with the apparent energy dose was observed. However, at a higher energy dose obtained by extended milling duration or high milling speeds, the formation of a substrate cake layer on the vial walls appear to buffer the mechanical forces, limiting the conversion of cellulose into WSPs to around 86 % (Figure 1A). By contrast, for the mechanocatalytic depolymerization of beechwood, where the formation of a substrate cake layer was less severe, a good linear dependence between the WSP yield and the energy dose provided to the substrate up to a conversion yield of 99 % was observed (Figure 1B). These results verify the hypothesis regarding the negative effect of a substrate layer formed on the vial walls upon the depolymerization process.1 Overall, the current findings provide valuable insights into relationships between the energy dose and the extent of (ligno)cellulose depolymerization procured by the mechanocatalytic process.

References: [1] M. Kessler, R. T. Woodward, N. Wong, R. Rinaldi ChemSusChem 2018, 11, 552 – 561

[2] F. Schüth, R. Rinaldi, N. Meine, M. Kaeldstroem, J. Hilgert, M. D. K. Rechulski, Catal. Today 2014, 234, 24– 30

[3] N. Meine, R. Rinaldi, F. Schueth, ChemSusChem 2012, 5, 1449 – 1454

[4] M. D. Kaufman Rechulski, M. Kaeldstroem, U. Richter, F. Schueth, R. Rinaldi, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2015, 54, 4581–4592

[5] N. Burgio, A. Iasonna, M. Magini, S. Martelli, F. Padella, Nuovo Cimento Soc. Ital. Fis. D 1991, 13, 459 – 476

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Constrained optimisation of cell culture feeding strategy and temperature shift duration to enhance monoclonal antibody titre and purity

Presenter: Sakhr Alhuthali

Supervisor: Dr. Cleo Kontoravdi

Abstract:

Recombinant proteins have been extensively studied for their wide therapeutic and research applications. The main therapeutic product category is that of monoclonal antibodies, which have been approved to treat a variety of chronic and life-threatening diseases [1]. Increasing production titre has been achieved mainly by cell culture medium improvement and genetic engineering. However, mathematical modeling of bioprocess dynamics is a valuable tool to improve industrial production at a much faster rate and lower cost in comparison to statistical design of experiment approaches. A single stage population balance model has been built to capture mammalian cells behaviour in fed-batch bioreactors. The model represents two operating modes; the first at constant physiological temperature and the second with a shift to mild hypothermic conditions (32oC) at the beginning of the stationary phase, which represents common industrial practice [2].

The model considers the dynamic profile of substrates and metabolites, product titre and one of the main cell-derived impurities, host cell proteins (HCPs), which can impact product immunogenicity and integrity [3]. The model was then used to optimise feeding frequency, feeding volume and duration of temperature downshift subject to maintaining culture viability above 80%, as is current industrial practice. This minimum viability has been set as a constraint in all our model optimisation runs. Optimum cases have been determined by exploring these three variables. (a) around 50% reduction in feed volume can be easily achieved to avoid overfeeding especially when mild hypothermia condition was applied (b) a shift in culture temperature on day 6 would give the highest product/HCP ratio.

In general, higher product titres as a result of prolonged culture viability and duration can be attained at the expense of higher feeding volume. However, when a threshold on HCP concentration is applied, a shorter culture duration and, in turn, lower antibody titre would be obtained. This study shows the usefulness of mathematical modeling for exploring trade-offs in bioprocess performance. It is also a viable tool to systematically accelerate the duration of processes development and optimisation. Integrating this model with a downstream purification model to evaluate the cost of removing these fractions of impurities, can help determine what concentration of HCPs can be economically tolerated in the cell culture supernatant and aid whole bioprocess design.

References:

1. Tsumoto, K., et al., Future perspectives of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapy, 2019. 11(2): p. 119-127.

2. Xu, J.L., et al., Systematic development of temperature shift strategies for Chinese hamster ovary cells based on short duration cultures and kinetic modeling. Mabs, 2019. 11(1): p. 191-204.

3. Bracewell, D.G., R. Francis, and C.M. Smales, The future of host cell protein (HCP) identification during process development and manufacturing linked to a risk-based management for their control. Biotechnol Bioeng, 2015. 112(9): p. 1727-37.

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The Influence of Water and Temperature on the Long Term Storage Stability of Freeze-Dried Biologics

Presenter: Arnold Duralliu

Supervisors: Prof. Daryl R Williams, Dr. Paul Matejtschuk

Abstract:

Moisture and temperature are both critical factors that affect the long term storage stability of Freeze dried (FD) biologics. Both structural changes and activity can be effected by the conditions a FD material is subject to over a prolonged storage period. The project aimed to investigate how these key factors affected the long term storage stability of freeze-dried biologics. The relationship between moisture content, structure and the stability for model proteins/antigens during long term storage (6 - 12 months) was investigated. Novel techniques and procedures were introduced to measure the effects of moisture and storage temperature in freeze-dried material. Dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) instrument in conjunction with a real time video-camera attached, measured visible collapse/shrinkage of materials was able to be recorded and analysed to provide stability maps with critical moisture content levels not to exceed in order to retain structural integrity. Mechanical properties of the freeze-dried materials was measured with a flat punch indenter as well as using inverse gas chromatography (IGC) to measure the specific surface area of materials. A series of long term stability trials were also conducted for high protein concentrations (IgG) to further investigating mechanisms of protein stabilisation in regards to whether an optimum moisture content exists. Lastly water ingress during long term storage is of huge concern especially for low mass FD Influenza Flu antigens. The closure storage format of freeze-dried vials was explored and found that vials with vacuum-oven dried stoppers had less moisture ingress than vials with unprocessed stoppers over storage time. In summary, this study expanded knowledge on current theories of mechanisms of stability in context to moisture content/temperature and promoted the adoption of novel analytical techniques to provide further insight and understating of optimising freeze-dried biologics for future use in industry.

References:

Duralliu, A., P. Matejtschuk and D. R. Williams (2018). "Humidity induced collapse in freeze dried cakes: A direct visualization study using DVS." European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 127: 29-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.02.003

Hedberg S.H.M., Devi S., Duralliu A., Williams D.R. (2019) Mechanical Behavior and Structure of Freeze-Dried Cakes. In: Ward K., Matejtschuk P. (eds) Lyophilization of Pharmaceuticals and Biologicals. Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology. Humana Press, New York, pp. 327-351. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8928-7_13

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Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Fluidized Bed-Based Cao/Ca(OH)2 Thermochemical Energy Combined Storage/Discharge Plant with Concentrated

Solar Power

Presenter: Shiladitya Ghosh

Supervisor: Prof. Paul S. Fennell

Abstract:

In implementing thermochemical energy storage, the selection of storage medium and the design of the associated discharge process are crucial; in this work the CaO/Ca(OH)2 system was chosen as it is well understood in the literature and is a cheap and accessible material though the associated storage/discharge process has not been studied in depth.1 This work sought to design a combined energy storage and discharge process flowsheet involving the CaO/Ca(OH)2 system coupled with a CSP receiver setup and discharge power cycle (CSP-TCES). AspenPlus V9 was used to simulate and optimize a fluidized bed-based flowsheet. Historical solar irradiance data for various sites, including Casablanca, Morocco, was used to dynamically simulate hourly solar loads coupled with multiple discharging schedules. A subsequent techno-economic analysis yielded estimated levelised costs of electricity of 0.052-0.091 $/kWh and levelised costs of storage of 0.043-0.045 $/kWh showing the CSP-TCES system as very competitive with alternative more-developed storage technologies.2

Keywords: thermochemical energy storage, calcium oxide, fluidized bed, dynamic simulation, concentrated solar power

References: [1] Y.A. Criado, M. Alonso, J.C. Abanades, Z. Anxionnaz-Minvielle, Applied Thermal Engineering, 73 (2014) 1087-

1094.

[2] U.S. Energy Information Administration, Levelized Cost and Levelized Avoided Cost of New Generation Resources AEO2019, February 2019 <https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/pdf/electricity_generation.pdf>

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Online optimal cleaning scheduling and control of heat exchanger networks under fouling

Presenter: Federico Lozano Santamaria

Supervisors: Prof. Sandro Macchietto

Abstract:

Oil refining processes are highly energy intensive, and they are subjected to many inefficiencies that affect their performance. Fouling in heat exchangers is a major source of energy inefficiencies as the unwanted deposit decreases the heat transfer rate. Fouling accounts for ~ $ 10M /year of additional energy cost for an average size refinery, and for ~ 2.5% of the man-made carbon emissions considering refineries worldwide[1], [2]. Alternatives for fouling mitigation, and reducing energy utilization in refining operations are paramount.

Fouling mitigation in heat exchanger networks is necessary to maintain a reliable and efficient operation. In addition, the process operation is driven by economic factors so fouling mitigation must be done at minimal cost and at maximum energy efficiency. Two common mitigation alternatives are: i) the control of the flow rate distribution in the network, and ii) the periodic off-line cleaning of the units. These two alternatives involve decisions at two different levels: control for flow rates, and scheduling for cleanings. It is advantageous to solve the scheduling and control problem simultaneously because of their strong interactions. However, it is challenging due to the need to use adequately descriptive models, difference in time scales, and large number of variables, most of which are binary. The integrated problem can be formulated as a large scale MINLP, which has been solved efficiently for relevant cases showing the advantages of the integration.

In this work we present: 1) the model development of heat exchanger networks under fouling and its validation with plant measurements, and 2) the simultaneous and online solution of the optimal cleaning scheduling and optimal flow control for fouling mitigation of heat exchanger networks [3], [4]. The model developed is based on first principles, it captures the interactions of the units, and its able to predict and quantify the benefits of fouling mitigation strategies (e.g. flow control, cleanings). The online optimization of the network follows a MHE-NMPC (moving horizon estimator - nonlinear model predictive control) structure in which the scheduling decisions and the control decisions are taken at two different layers with two different frequencies. This approach captures the dynamic behaviour of the system at two different time scales, updates the model parameters online, and defines the optimal future decisions to minimize the operating cost. A case study is presented for a typical refinery preheat network. Results for this online implementation show the advantages of integrating scheduling and control decisions at the same level.

References: [1] F. Coletti, H. M. Joshi, S. Macchietto, and G. F. Hewitt, “Chapter One – Introduction,” in Crude Oil Fouling,

2015, pp. 1–22.

[2] Y. Wang, Z. Yuan, Y. Liang, Y. Xie, X. Chen, and X. Li, “A review of experimental measurement and prediction models of crude oil fouling rate in crude refinery preheat trains,” Asia-Pacific J. Chem. Eng., vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 607–625, Jul. 2015.

[3] F. Lozano Santamaria and S. Macchietto, “Integration of Optimal Cleaning Scheduling and Control of Heat Exchanger Networks Undergoing Fouling: Model and Formulation,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., vol. 57, no. 38, pp. 12842–12860, Sep. 2018.

[4] F. L. Santamaria and S. Macchietto, “Integration of optimal cleaning scheduling and control of heat exchanger networks under fouling: MPCC solution,” Comput. Chem. Eng., vol. 126, pp. 128–146, Jul. 2019.

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Enhanced Recovery and CO2 Storage in Shale

Presenter: Humera Ansari

Supervisors: Prof. Martin Trusler, Prof. Geoffrey Maitland, Dr. Ronny Pini

Abstract:

Despite major technical advances in extraction techniques, shale gas production remains inefficient, with about 90% of the original Gas-in-Place (GIP) remaining in the formation [1]. This stems from the lack of understanding of fluid behaviour in shale, which has nanometric pores and low permeability. While primary methods of recovery provide suitable initial production rates, enhanced means of recovery using CO2 injection [2] may be required to sustain them. This enhanced process would both increase the recovery of shale gas and result in CO2 storage in the depleted reservoir.

In shale, natural gas is held freely in pores and fractures as well as adsorbed within the pores of the organic matter and clay minerals [3]. Understanding gas adsorption/desorption is key, as this dictates not only production rates, but it can also be used to provide estimates of the GIP at subsurface conditions. This investigation aims at using new laboratory observations to (i) quantify gas adsorption in shale at subsurface conditions, (ii) assess the pore-space properties of shale and their controls on sorption (particularly the role of organics and clay minerals) and (iii) make estimates of recoverable and storable gas.

CO2 and CH4 high-pressure adsorption isotherms have been measured using a Rubotherm Magnetic Suspension Balance over a wide range of conditions, i.e. temperatures in the range 283-353K and in the pressure range of 0-300 bar. Two distinct sets of samples have been studied: (i) shales from the Bowland formation in the UK and the Marcellus reservoir in the USA, as well as (ii) synthetic materials, including mesoporous zeolite and mesoporous carbon. These can serve as analogues for the structure of shale and the organic matter in shale, respectively. We observe that the organic content of the shale can be used to scale adsorption isotherms measured on the mesoporous carbon, thus confirming that (i) shales are largely mesoporous and that (ii) organics play a major role in driving adsorption in shale. However, the presence of microporosity, which is largely associated with clay minerals, is clearly manifested in the isotherm shape and confirmed by comparing observations on shale and mesoporous zeolite. We have measured a substantial adsorption selectivity of shale towards CO2 as compared to CH4, thus providing an opportunity to exploit the adsorption/desorption process to further enhance gas production and store CO2.

The samples have also been characterised by cryogenic low-pressure (<1 bar) physisorption methods including N2 at 77K, CO2 at 273K and 298K and Ar at 87K to obtain structural information of the material and key model parameters, such as the Henry constants. This comprehensive data set is used to identify useful guidelines with regards to the effect of the shale composition (i.e. clay and organic content) on textural properties, such as specific surface area and pore size distribution.

The measured high-pressure adsorption isotherms have been deployed within the material balance framework to predict both recoverable and storable gas volumes. To this aim, we propose a modification of the classic approach that directly uses excess adsorption, the truly measurable quantity in an adsorption experiment. We contend that estimates of GIP become more reliable through this approach, because assumptions on the adsorbed phase volume are no longer needed.

References: [1] D. Jarvie, R. Hill, T. Ruble, R. Pollastro, AAPG Bulletin, 91 (2007) p.475-499 [2] R Edwards, M. Celia, K. Bandilla, F. Doster, C. Kanno, Environmental Science and Technology, 49 (2015) p.9222-9229 [3] W. Yu, K. Sepehrnoori, T. Patzek, SPE Journal, 21 (2016) p.589-600

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From Waste to Wealth: From Kraft lignin to Flexible Energy Storage

Presenter: Philipp Schlee

Supervisors: Prof. Magda Titirici

Abstract:

Societies have undergone a rapid change in lifestyle towards high mobility and availability. Digital technologies coupled with Internet-based devices enable everyone to access a vast amount of information from anywhere at any time, if energy on-the-go is supplied. Concurrently, man-made climate change urges us to electrify the transportation sector. All these developments put tremendous pressure on mobile energy storage. Hence, new mobile energy storage devices, which will be rather integrated than being separate components in mobile gadgets, are intensively developed.

Instead of fossil carbon sources we use Kraft lignin, the main by-product of papermaking, as precursor for the manufacture of flexible electrospun lignin carbon fibre mats. These mats exhibit good electrical conductivity, a highly accessible nanoporosity and high degree of flexibility. These properties make them ideal candidates for flexible electrodes in new mobile energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors. Depending on the type and processing of Kraft lignin the carbon fibres exhibit extremely high rate capability with maximum power densities of up to 60 kW kg−1 and high energy densities of 8 Wh kg−1 when tested in aqueous supercapacitors. This is attributed to the good accessibility of the nanopores and good wettability. Moreover, a flexible, rechargeable nickel-zinc battery was manufactured by depositing ZnO and Ni(OH)2 particles onto the carbon fibres. Finally, in organic electrolyte-based supercapacitors energy densities of up to 35 Wh kg−1 were achieved which can power a toy propeller after being charged by natural sunlight via a toy solar panel.

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List List

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Chemical Engineering PhD Symposium 1 July 2019 | Design Rooms – ACEX 306-312

Poster Presentations

Layout of Poster Boards

List of Poster Presentations

1 Apanpreet Bhamra, Year 2 (Rongjun Chen) Targeted Delivery of Macromolecules using a Novel Virus-mimicking Liposomal System

2 Jie Ren, Year 2 (Rongjun Chen) DMSO-free cryopreservation for cellular products

3 Sean McIntyre, Year 1 (Daryl Williams) Inverse liquid chromatography (ILC) for reaction engineering

4 Anthony Houghton, Year 1 (Daryl Williams) Hydration & Water Vapour Sorption Analysis of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskites

5 Louis Hennequin, Year 3 (Jason Hallett, Paul Fennell) Assessment of Flexible Operation in an LNG plant

6 Sebastian Green, Year 2 (Jason Hallett, James Bull, Philip Miller) Assessing the Explosive Hazards of Diazo Compounds with Thermal Analysis

7 Hande Alptekin, Year 3 (Magda Titirici) Structure-Performance Correlations in Hard Carbons for Na-ion Batteries

8 Anna-Maria Eckel, Year 1 (Ronny Pini) Numerical simulation of convective mixing in geologic carbon sequestration applications

9 Mustafa Alsalem, Year 2 (Kyra Campbell, Mary Ryan) Understanding the role of aqueous NaCl solutions on corrosivity of carbon steel and FeCO3 formation

10 Epameinondas Skountzos, Advanced Characterisation of Materials CDT Year 3 (Kyra Campbell) A 13.56 MHz Inductive Power Transfer System Operating with Corroded Coils

11 Samara Sadeek, Year 3 (Kyra Campbell, Geoff Kelsall) Corrosion of carbon steel in aqueous amine solvents for post combustion carbon capture

12 Nadin Moustafa, Year 1 (Kyra Campbell, Martin Trusler) Mechanisms of CO2 Capture into Monoethanolamine Solutions

13 Stefanos Konstantinopoulos, Year 2 (Claire Adjiman, Costas Pantelides) A Flexible Lattice Dynamics Approach for Free Energy Calculations within Crystal Structure Prediction

14 Rodrigo Barbosa, Year 3 (Cleo Kontoravdi) Computational Platform for Predicting the Quality of Anti-Cancer Biotherapeutics

15 Chiara Heide, Year 3 (Cleo Kontoravdi, Karen Polizzi, Oscar Ces) Boosting the activity of CHO-based cell-free protein synthesis factories for high-throughput in vitro production of functional antibodies

16 Elli Makrydaki, Year 3 (Cleo Kontoravdi) An artificial Golgi reactor as an alternative method for targeted cell-free glycosylation

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