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Water-Energy-Health Nexus
Water, energy, and health form a critical nexus at the core of sustainable development. Environmental engineers are uniquely positioned to address the interconnected challenges within this nexus by developing integrated technologies that monitor the fate and transport of contaminants, improve the energy efficiency of treatment processes, and protect public health. My research group applies a broad range of expertise in electrochemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, and membrane separation to develop innovative engineering solutions that advance sustainable and circular water systems.
Electrochemical Water Treatment
Electrochemical water treatment utilizes electrical energy to drive reactions that generate essential chemical reagents, degrade contaminants, and recover valuable resources from waste streams. This approach enables the on-site production of oxidants like hydrogen peroxide directly from water and oxygen, addressing challenges associated with chemical transport and storage, particularly in remote locations. By adjusting the selectivity and reactivity of electrochemical catalysts, these systems can target specific contaminants for degradation without producing toxic byproducts, a common limitation in conventional treatments due to the complex composition of natural water matrices. Finally, electrochemical methods facilitate the recovery of valuable resources.
Reactive Membrane Filtration
Membrane-based technologies such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration offer energy-efficient and scalable solutions for treating complex water sources. However, conventional membranes are often ineffective at removing low molecular weight, uncharged contaminants due to limitations in size exclusion and molecular interactions. Reactive nanofiltration membranes address this challenge by integrating catalytic sites within membrane pores to enable in situ transformation of contaminants into benign products while maintaining high salt rejection. The confined nanoscale environment further allows for mechanistic investigations, informing the rational design of advanced materials that couple separation and catalysis for next-generation water treatment.
Fate and Transport of Contaminants
Understanding the fate and transport of contaminants in natural and engineered aquatic systems is critical for assessing exposure risks, optimizing treatment strategies, and supporting regulatory decision-making. Our group leverages environmental analytical chemistry to track trace-level contaminants, identify transformation products, and elucidate degradation pathways in complex water matrices. This work also enables forensic analysis to trace contaminant sources and support effective source control. These insights contribute to the development of more efficient treatment technologies and predictive models that enhance water quality protection and safeguard public health.
Carbon Capture and Utilization
Addressing rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels is essential for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. Our research focuses on developing electrochemical and membrane-based technologies for efficient CO₂ capture and conversion. Through systems such as bipolar membrane electrodialysis, we can selectively extract and concentrate CO₂ from sources like seawater. To overcome mass transport limitations, gas-diffusion electrodes are used to facilitate the electrochemical transformation of CO₂ into value-added products such as formic acid, methane, and ethylene. Coupling these methods with renewable energy sources enables sustainable, circular processes that convert CO₂ into useful chemicals—contributing to efforts aimed at minimizing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental resilience.
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