Category: Uncategorized

Authors: Jocelyn Hinchcliffe, Rayna Jacob, Brooke Struble and Kenneth Smith

Advisors: Prof. Grant Burrier and Prof. Scott Jiusto

Category: Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: The urban neighborhood of Gandul in San Juan struggles with food insecurity due to limited local bodegas, high grocery costs, and economic pressures. Our student team collaborated with the Gandul Community Center and Corporación La Fondita de Jesús to develop an efficient hydroponic garden that provides a sustainable source of fresh produce for the local community. The project ultimately produced a custom hydroponic system, an operating manual for the system, and an educational activities pamphlet, each of which serves to enhance community health, hydroponics education, and community self-sufficiency.

Presentation:

Hydroponic Gardening in Gandul, San Juan

Author: Mana Masrouri

Advisor: Prof. Jamal Yagoobi

Category: Graduate

Abstract: This project aims to develop a hybrid waste heat recovery system consisting of high-temperature industrial heat pumps to recover waste heat from the exhaust air of the drying processes and increase their efficiency.

UN SDGs:

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Poster Presentation:

GR 10 – EHD-Driven Heat Pump – Masrouri

Author: Jason Porter

Advisor: Prof. Brajendra Mishra

Category: Graduate

Abstract: While the electrodes in lead-acid batteries are readily recyclable, sulfuric acid electrolyte is contaminated with trace metal ions which preclude reuse in new batteries. We will use nanofiltration to decontaminate the spent electrolyte, in which pressure is applied against the fluid so that it passes through a porous membrane, trapping multivalent metal ions. Because of the logistics involved in transporting a mostly water-based fluid, we will distill spent electrolyte so secondary electrolyte can compete with primary sulfuric acid. In membrane distillation, a gradient in vapor pressure will drive excess water in the feed across a hydrophobic membrane into the permeate. This way, we can avoid the costs of neutralizing the sulfuric acid and then treating the effluent for disposal.

Poster Presentation:

20-03 – Electrolyte Recovery from Lead-Acid Batteries 12 04 2024

 

Authors: Nigel St Jean, Samantha Ramon Soto

Advisors: Holly Ault, Caitlin Ferrarini

Category:  Undergraduate – IQP

Abstract: The Monteverde Market, operated by Somos Monteverde (SMV), fosters local entrepreneurship and sustainability in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Challenges hinder achieving self-sustainability and increasing engagement, specifically among tourists. Through interviews, surveys, and literature review, we identified key barriers: limited tourist outreach, language barriers, and vendor fatigue. We developed strategies to enhance the market’s visibility, sustainability, and community impact. We propose adjusting market hours, offering language workshops, and increasing marketing. Positioning the market as a social hub and showcasing sustainability initiatives can attract more visitors. Implementing these strategies can boost SMV’s engagement and long-term self-sustainability.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

UG 14 – Somos Monteverde – St Jean

Author: Zexin Wang

Advisor: Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Many PV panels will reach their end-of-life, which will reach 1.7–8 million tons by 2030 and 60–70 million tons by 2050. Recycling these solar panels is critical, but common recycling methods require the use of a strong toxic acid, HF acid. We have developed a method that does not require HF acid and can recover high purity SiO2 or Si that can be used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

GR 07 – Solar_panel_recycling – Wang

Author: Amarachi Echere

Advisor: Rob Krueger

Category: Graduate

Abstract: Yes—Generative AI makes mistakes, it learns from the data it is trained on, and if that data carries biases, the AI can unknowingly perpetuate them. In a highly specialized domain like upcycling in artisanal communities, it’s a tough challenge to weed out these subtle influences, and the repercussions could affect the authenticity of cultural craftsmanship. While AI can mimic creativity, its outputs rely heavily on learned patterns, making it critical to understand how the next generation of artisans interact with AI tools and develop new competencies for sustainable practices. This study employs a participatory design approach with 28 artisans from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda to develop a framework for training a specialized GAI model to adapt to this domain. Through the Upcycle-AI model, we investigate AI’s limitations in material-sensitive design and compare its adaptability to a generic model.

UN SDGs:

SDG 1 –  No Poverty

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

 

Author: Ashton Lyon

Advisors: Dr. Danielle Cote , Dr. Kyle Tsaknopoulos

Category: Graduate

Abstract: 3D-printing with metals, using a process such as Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing to build up layers in the shape of a desired metal part, has proven to be a highly green process which enables the repair of worn parts and saves material when manufacturing new parts compared to traditional methods. The material efficiency of cold spray is very high for soft metals such as pure aluminum or copper, with nearly 100% of the material successfully depositing on the workpiece. Refractory metals (Ti, W, Nb) and nickel-based alloys are desirable for their higher strength and heat resistance but are expensive, refined from ore often sourced from conflict mining sources outside the United States, and may only deposit a small fraction of the material spent due to their high hardness. Rather than classifying this valuable powder as waste, the common industry practice today, an opportunity exists to collect, examine, and process this powder for re-use in cold spray printing. This work aims to recover Inconel 718 powder after cold spray for characterization and processing, ultimately finding that heat treatment of recovered powder has successfully reconditioned it for potential re-use in further cold spray, saving valuable material while reducing our waste and overall consumption of these critical metals.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

Author: Jinzhao Fu

Advisor: Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: This project introduced advanced solvent-free electrode manufacturing for EV batteries. This process removes the toxic solvent used in the conventional electrode manufacturing process and significantly reduces energy consumption during electrode manufacturing.

UN SDGs:

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

GR 06 – Solvent-Free Electrode Manufacturing – Fu

Authors: Wenting Jin, Zeyi Yao

Advisor: Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: This project mainly focus on fuel cell MEA recycling containing PGM metals, ionomers and carbon. Unlike traditional pyrometallurgical method, our method not only maintain similarly high recycling efficiency of Pt recycling, but also properly deal with the rest part of MEA including PFAS materials without any HF emissions, which is environmentally friendly. In addition, compared with other method, our method is easy to scale up and posses a great potential for industrialization.

UN SDGs:

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

GR 05 – Recycling of Precious Metals – Jin

Author: Zifei Meng

Advisor: Yan Wang

Category: Graduate

Abstract: This research introduces a universal, eco-friendly methodology tailored for the efficient selective extraction of lithium from both single and mixed cathode materials. Achieving impressive selective leaching efficiencies of lithium, the method reaches 99.51% for LFP and around 90% for NMC111, with a remarkable increase to 97.24% in mixed cathode scenarios due to the lowered activation energy. The extracted lithium is refined into lithium carbonate, attaining an overall recovery efficiency of 95% and a battery-grade purity of 99.6%.

UN SDGs:

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Video Presentation:

Poster Presentation:

GR 04 – Selective Extraction of Lithium – Meng