Research | A&S Lab - abdullahalmoinee

Adsorption and Separation Lab

Advisor: Dr. F Rezaei, Professor, Missouri S&T, University of Miami (Since 2024)

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri S&T, USA

Research Outline:

LuSTR21: Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation of Advanced Electrostatic and Magnetic Separation Processes for Lunar Regolith Beneficiation toward In-Situ Resource Utilization

Abstract:

Lunar regolith beneficiation based on in-situ particles separation face significant challenges due to the unique properties of regolith particles and extreme environments of lunar regions, including high particle heterogeneity, fine dust adhesion, and the complex interplay of their electrical and magnetic properties. Conventional separation techniques often struggle to effectively isolate target minerals of diverse size ranges while simultaneously removing unwanted materials, thereby limiting the potential of efficient in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). To address these challenges, this dissertation investigated and developed an integrated electrostatic-magnetic size separation system that combines computational modeling and experimental validation which is structured around three primary objectives: (1) simulate particle trajectories in an electrostatic sieve to optimize control parameters; (2) model an electrostatic system to achieve efficient particle separation through iterative design of various separator geometries; and (3) model and integrate a magnetic separation system with the final electrostatic prototype to optimize particle size distribution (PSD) and enrich iron-aluminum minerals based on their magnetic properties. The methodology involved developing an empirical model for particle separation, utilizing a static time-stepping interaction framework to track the dynamics of charged particles, enabling predictions of separation efficiency. The model discretizes PSD into bins and tracks their motion utilizing electrostatic and magnetic parameters governed by the applied numerical equations. Simulations were calibrated and validated against experimental data which provided precise multimodal particle density functions (PDFs) and scrutinized how the distribution functions of the particles manifest as the electrostatic-magnetic field propagates. Results indicated significant influence of sorting mechanisms and control parameters, including varying feed rate (0.14-0.18 kg/h), inclination angles (10°-20°), electrical phase angles (90°-360°), and port lengths (10-50 cm) at different excitation frequencies (10-20 Hz). The electrostatic sweeping system stands out as the successful separator for effective separation (> 70%) achieving efficiencies of 88-90% for 40-50 µm particles at 30 Hz and a collection rate of 0.16 kg/h, while efficiencies for larger particles reach 80-90% at lower frequencies. Sensitivity analysis from magnetic separation demonstrated that increasing the feed rate decreases separation efficiency due to particle overcrowding, with optimal efficiency achieved at 125-150 g/min. Recovery rates for diamagnetic particles were approximately 90% for Highlands (310 rpm) and 60% for Mare (465 rpm) at specific speeds with varying angle of repose (30°-46°) presenting improved particle distribution and facilitating smooth settling of heavier particles while indicating higher speeds enhancing mixing but potentially causing turbulence and particle ejection. Increasing magnetic flux density from 0 to 2 T correlated with a decrease in cumulative mass percentages, denoting that stronger magnetic fields may hinder the separation process. Highlands simulants demonstrated greater separation efficiency at moderate magnetic field strengths, whereas Mare simulants performed better under lower densities. By establishing a robust framework for efficient moon mining, this research utilized computational modeling to offer scalable solution with a view to developing a beneficiation system and creating suitable feedstocks from mineral grains in lunar regolith to optimize the key performance indicators (KPIs) for enhanced separation purity.

LuSTR21: Lunar Surface Technology Research

Publication: (i) https://doi:10.1061/9780784485736.007;(ii) TBP; (iii) TBP

Research Outline:

ECO-CBET: GOALI: CAS-Climate: Accelerating the Decarbonization of the Cement Industry via CO2 Capture and Conversion Integration

Abstract:

The primary objective of this project is to develop and implement an innovative, integrated, and adaptable CO2 capture-conversion system that facilitates the decarbonization of the cement industry. Additionally, this system aims to produce valuable cement supplements by utilizing waste CO2. As we strive towards a net-zero emission future and embrace a circular economy, waste CO2 present in industrial flue gases holds great potential for generating a wide range of value-added products.

In order to reduce CO2 emissions in the United States by half by 2030, it is crucial to invest in industry sectors, such as cement, that cannot currently shift entirely to carbon-free energy sources. The cement industry in the U.S. currently produces approximately 90 million tons of cement annually, resulting in nearly equivalent CO2 emissions. While the invention of eco-efficient alternative cements capable of completely replacing Portland cement remains a challenge, a promising strategy for decarbonizing the cement industry in the near future is the transformation of Portland cement into blended cement.

This project aims to capture CO2 from cement flue gas and utilize it as a renewable feedstock for producing blended cement through carbon-negative processing of industrial waste. The proposed capture-conversion technology will be integrated into a cement production unit, leveraging the CO2 emissions from the cooler end of the kiln and utilizing waste materials and waste heat from the cement plant to drive the CO2 conversion process.

By embracing the principles of convergence science, the project aims to advance scientific, technological, and socio-economic knowledge, addressing challenges related to: 1) CO2 capture, 2) CO2 conversion, 3) process systems engineering and integration (TEA), and 4) environmental sustainability assessment. These advancements will expedite the decarbonization of the cement industry.

This project holds the potential to create new opportunities for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions from the cement industry, simultaneously generating valuable cement supplements from waste resources such as alkali industrial wastes (e.g., off-specification coal ashes). Collaboration with the Ash Grove Cement Company will play a vital role in this endeavor.

ECO-CBET: Environmental Convergence Opportunities in Chemical, Bioengineering, Environemntal, and Transport Systems

GOALI: Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry

CAS: Critical Aspects of Sustainability

Research Outline:

Process development and Techno-Economic analysis for combined and separated CO₂ Capture-Electrochemical utilization

Abstract:

Combining CO₂ capture and utilization into a single unit operation offers a feasible solution for converting a sustainable feedstock into marketable commodity chemicals, while reducing energy requirements from separated processes. In this research, we developed a process model and performed a techno-economic analysis (TEA) for point-source CO₂ capture and electrochemical-based utilization in light olefins production under both separated and integrated scenarios. CO₂ containing flue gas from a 500 MW power plant was utilized as a feed while CO₂ utilization involved electrochemical reduction reactions to produce light olefins directly from CO₂. A meticulous analysis was conducted, probing into the multifaceted impacts of various operational parameters, material properties, and downstream treatment units. Factors such as pressure, temperature, H₂O/CO₂ molar ratio, catalyst and adsorbent activities, deactivation rate, and heat integration were optimized to achieve 95% CO₂ recovery and >90% conversion, and >85% ethylene yield. Through a comprehensive TEA, our findings unveiled that the combined process utilizing bifunctional adsorbent/catalyst materials (BFMs) incurs costs of approximately $284/ton CO₂, whereas the separated process reported expenses of ~$516/ton CO₂. This study, pivotal in its contributions, evaluated economic feasibility of combined capture-conversion method based on BFMs for CO2 removal (CDR) and subsequent utilization via a promising advanced process model for sustainable feedstocks conversion to commodity chemicals.

Publication: (i) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.155909

Research Outline:

Challenges and Opportunities in Electrification of Adsorptive Separation Processes

Abstract:

A global energy transition from fossil-based to renewable-based systems requires advancements in various energy sectors. Current chemical separation processes are quite energy-intensive and require significant advancement to make this transition happen. In the energy transition era, reducing the dependency of separation processes on fossil-based thermal energy seems inevitable for transitioning smoothly and meeting the stringent timelines. In particular, adsorption-based separation processes have the potential to be fully electrified through innovative strategies in developing stimuli-responsive adsorbents and swing processes. In this review, we discuss the recent efforts in electrification of adsorption processes and provide an overview of emerging materials and processes. The challenges associated with electrified adsorption-based separations are discussed in detail, and opportunities to expedite the transition from traditional practices to advanced energy-efficient systems are provided in the end.

(i) Publication: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.3c02340