Current Research Areas:

Enabling Efficient Separation of Rare-Earth Elements Using Liquid-Metal Bipolar Membranes

Rare-earth elements are used in renewable energy technologies, such as permanent magnets motors in wind turbines and electric vehicles. However, less than 1% of the rare-earth elements are recycled and in the coming decades, demand for these elements will outpace supply. We are looking to develop an efficient membrane that separates out the rare-earth elements to recycle rare-earth metals from end-of-life products.

Sponsor | National Science Foundation (NSF; CAREER)

Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Properties of Liquid Metals in Molten Salts for Separation of Rare-Earth Metals

Uranium can be recycled from nuclear fuel and reused in nuclear reactors. However during the recycling process, rare-earth elements accumulate in the recycling system, and must be removed to minimize the generation of additional nuclear waste. We are investigating the use of liquid metal electrodes to remove these elements at much higher efficiencies than current methods.

Sponsor | Department of Energy (DOE)

Previous Research Areas:

Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Properties of Liquid Metals in Molten Salts for Separation of Alkali/Alkaline-Earth Metals

Uranium can be recycled from nuclear fuel and reused in nuclear reactors. However during the recycling process, alkaline-earth elements accumulate in the recycling system, and must be removed to minimize the generation of additional nuclear waste. We are investigating the use of liquid metal electrodes to remove these elements at much higher efficiencies than current methods.

Sponsor | Department of Energy (DOE)

Design of Compositionally Complex Alloys Using Low-Cost Metals for Marine Applications

Each year, the Navy spends over $7.5 billion repairing oxidized or corroded structures due to exposure to seawater. To guarantee long-term reliability in marine environments, advanced alloys must be designed for use in Navy ships and watercrafts. We are investigating compositionally complex alloys (CCA), alloys with four or more elements and no “base element”, that have high-strength and are corrosion-resistant, for use in structural applications.

Sponsor | Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Understanding Alloy Chemistry for Enhanced Environmental Resistance

Over the past few decades, increasing operating temperatures of gas turbines and other Ni-based alloy components have driven development of alloys and coatings with improved oxidation and corrosion resistance. One path to improving oxidation and corrosion resistance is adding alloying elements that influence the formation of a protective oxide layer, such as alumina. We are investigating how oxygen active elements and noble elements influence the thermodynamic properties of Al in Ni-based alloys and how they can improve the protective oxide scale.

Sponsor | National Science Foundation (NSF)