(GR05) Improving Paper Drying with Phase Change Materials

Author(s): Itamar Harris

Advisor(s): Jamal Yagoobi

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Efficient paper drying is a significant challenge for the paper industry, prompting industry experts and researchers to seek alternative technologies. Phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to store and release heat during phase transitions from solid to liquid and vice versa. This research aims to explore the impact of PCMs on the drying process of paper, with the ultimate goal of developing more efficient and sustainable solutions for the paper and packaging industry.

UN SDGs: SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xxuC2mTCTDU

Poster Presentation:

G05_Improving_Paper_Drying_with_Phase_Change_MaterialsDownload

(GR04) Engineered Biological Construction Material: Self-healing Carbon Negative Enzymatic Construction Materials

Authors: Shuai Wang

Advisors: Nima Rahbar

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Concrete is one of the main contributors to global CO2 emission, and efforts to find an alternative to concrete have not been fully successful. Inspired by the process of CO2 exchange in biological cells, we introduced a novel method to create a CO2 negative-emission enzymatic construction material (ECM) with self-healing capabilities. The proposed concept uses carbonic anhydrase (CA) to catalyze the condensation of CO2 and water to promote the precipitation of calcium ions in the aqueous solution as calcium carbonate crystals. The resulting ECM has compressive strength and Young’s modulus more than twice that of the minimum acceptable for cement mortar and other alternative building materials.

UN SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 – Climate Action

 

Video Presentation:

Link: https://echo360.org/media/89ccd10f-8ba7-4590-a491-f165ede07829/public

 

Poster Presentation:

G04_Engineered_Biological_Construction_Material_Self-healing_Carbon_Negative_Emission_Enzymatic_Construction_Materials_ECMDownload

(GR03) Bio-template Fabrication of Nanoporous Ni@Al2O3: Durable Catalyst for Biogas Reforming Reaction

Authors: Masoumeh Mohandessi

Advisors: Michael Timko

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Following green chemistry principles and the significant role of catalysts in chemical transformations, in this study, for the first time, Ni@Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared via a green, a sustainable, and practical approach using the waste management concept. To achieve this goal, the eggplant skin was employed as an abundant and green bio-template to synthesize desired materials, applying for biogas reforming (CH4/CO2 =1:1) at four temperatures (600-750 °C). Synthesized materials were fully characterized and according to the findings, the bio-template was able to induce its structure on prepared materials and had a considerable effect on the activity of nickel-based alumina catalysts thanks to the high dispersion of Ni nanoparticles on the prepared materials. This catalyst could tolerate the reaction conditions even after 30 h of the catalytic run at 650 °C, along with a remarkable coke resistance (less than 4% carbon deposition).

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/_hTDuoSWtGU

 

Poster Presentation:

G03_Bio-template_Fabrication_of_Nanoporous_Ni@Al2O3_Durable_Catalyst_for_Biogas_Reforming_ReactionDownload

(GR01) A Nanosilver-Enabled Composite System for Point-of-Use Potable Water: Towards Safe and Affordable Drinking Water for Everyone!

Authors: Jihan El Ouaragli

Advisors: NA

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Safe and affordable drinking water is an important and basic indicator of sustainability. Its availability at the point of use can save over 2 million human lives every year and prevent over 2 billion diarrheal diseases. Here, we propose a passive and compact nanosilver-enabled composite system for point-of-use drinking water treatment that can provide around 10 liters of clean water in 1 hour for just $ 2.5 per year per family.

UN SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15 – Life on Land

Video presentation: https://echo360.org/media/0031dfb6-bb5f-4f38-b1ab-b47d397ee0e3/public

Poster Presentation:

G01_A_Nanosilver-Enabled_Composite_System_for_Point-of-Use_Potable_Water_Towards_Safe_and_Affordable_Drinking_Water_for_EveryoneDownload

(GR02) Advances in Magnesium Primary Production by Reactive Cathode Molten Salt Electrolysis with G-METS Distillation

Authors: Zujian Tang, Daniel Sehar

Advisors: Adam C. Powell​

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Molten salt electrolysis with a liquid Sn cathode overcomes multiple challenges in reduction of MgO to Mg, particularly the low density and high activity of magnesium metal. It can use carbon anodes in a design very similar to the Hall-Héroult cell, or solid oxide membrane (SOM) anodes for pure oxygen by-product production. G-METS distillation is potentially much more energy-efficient and lower cost than traditional batch distillation for separation of the magnesium metal product from the reactive cathode material.​

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/oSx_mWz9LkY

 

Poster Presentation:

G02_Advances_in_Magnesium_Primary_Production_by_Reactive_Cathode_Molten_Salt_Electrolysis_with_G-METS_Distillation_Download

(FY03) Recycled Orchestra: Bottle Marimba

Authors: John Denney, Brian Gomez, Annarose Avery, Ryan Addeche, Emre Sunar

Advisors: Jack Yebba, Svetlana Nikitina

Category: First Year

Abstract: Tons of trash are poured into a village that lives on a landfill in Cateura, Paraguay, and the community has risen up and created Orchestra H20 for kids that make and play instruments out of the trash. We sought out to create an instrument made from commonly found waste in Cateura and produce a reconstruction guide for Orchestra H20 so they can use the instrument in their ensembles. We hope to inspire others to repurpose used materials for social, educational, and environmental benefits.

UN SDGs: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1H5leARGTJY

 

Poster Presentation:

FY03_Recycled_Orchestra_Bottle_MarimbaDownload

(FY02) Project Happy Cow

Authors: Kasia Nolan, Samantha Diener, Devin Roskoph, Aishwarya Silam

Advisors: Marja Bakermans and Geoffrey Pfeifer

Category: First Year

Abstract: Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, as a matter of fact, livestock and their byproducts account for 51% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Hyde, 2015). As such an important issue, our project addresses the environmental impact of meat production and creates an educational method for college students to reduce meat consumption.

UN SGDs: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/d1QbZ4urNRM

Poster Presentation:

FY02_Project_Happy_CowDownload

(FY01) Geothermal: A Green Solution to Rising Temperatures

Authors: Alex Sheehey, Samantha Simmons, Federico Vegas, Jackson Wamback

Advisors: Professor David Medich and Professor Derren Rosbach

Category: First Year

Abstract: Our group looked into WPI’s emissions in an attempt to determine where and how WPI could have the greatest reduction on its emissions. Our team determined that WPI’s current, steam-based, gas turbine heating system is highly inefficient. Upon further research, the group concluded that replacing the current system with a geothermal heat pump system would be the most effective method for WPI to take to reduce its overall emissions.

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 13 – Climate Action

Video Presentation:

 

Poster Presentation:

FY01_Geothermal_A_Green_Solution_to_Rising_TemperaturesDownload

(GR11) Recycled Battlefield Titanium Scrap for Cold Spray Applications

Authors: Kiran Judd

Advisors: Danielle Cote, Bryer Sousa

Category: Graduate

Abstract: This project examines the use of recycled battlefield titanium scrap as the primary feedstock powder for cold spray applications. The goal of this project is to develop a “grave-to-cradle” concept of utilizing materials at the point-of-need. This is aimed to provide more sustainable material sources, overcome traditional supply chain/long-lead time issues, fabricate parts or repair components to improve operational readiness, and reduce the spare parts logistical footprint.

 

UN SDGs: SDG 9 – Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12 -Responsible Consumption and Production

*video presentation omitted as this group opted out of the competition judging*

Kiran_Judd_IQP_Poster_2023-2Download