Our group is always interested in new members to join our team of high-quality researchers and students. A number of opportunities exist for undergraduate, masters, PhD and post doctoral research positions.
Adam Boies
Stanford University
Mechanical Engineering, 2024-Present
Cambridge University
Department of Engineering
Professor of Nanomaterial and Aerosol Engineering, 2011-2024
Head of Energy Faculty, 2019-2024
University of Minnesota
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, 2010
University of Missouri Science and Technology
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2004
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2003
Researchers
Shahzad Hussain, sh2202@cam.ac.uk
My research focuses on the production of high-density CNT without the formation of non-CNT species, e.g., soot by controlling the reactant delivery and thermal conditions by FC-CVD production. The kinetics of precursor breakdown, soot formation, catalyst coarsening, and CNT growth bound the FC-CVD reactor conditions. Maximizing CNT growth requires conditions that have high rates of carbon radical-catalyst collisions while limiting catalyst-catalyst collisions and carbon-carbon collisions. To achieve increased reactor yields of high-quality CNT products my research objectives are the measurement of hitherto unknown rates carbon radical formation, catalyst nucleation and growth, and CNT growth. The empirical relations stemming from these measurements will enable the synthesis community to bound synthesis conditions, find new optimums for high yield, and design new reactor configurations to maximize CNT production.
Aliki-Marina Tsopelakou, amt83@cam.ac.uk
My research aims to investigate the fundamental kinetics of low concentration methane oxidation to mitigate atmospheric greenhouse gases. In particular, I focus on kinetics in methane oxidation catalyst systems to optimize both catalyst and support chemistries and morphologies through experimental measurements and calculations. My work involves screening various catalyst and support materials, optimizing catalyst synthesis processes, and developing a system that allows for thorough testing of catalysts in thermal, photo, and electrochemical environments. This project is a collaborative effort between myself and members of the Energy Group and the Centre for Climate Repair. Together, we strive to advance our understanding of methane oxidation and its potential to combat climate change.
Joe Stallard, jcs202@cam.ac.uk
I am developing new ways of tailoring the properties of direct-spun carbon nanotube materials for different applications. One goal is to manufacture dense, aligned carbon nanotube fibres at large scale to provide an exceptionally strong and stiff material for lightweight structures. Another aim is to transform them into a sparse yet efficient conductive network that can provide lithium ion batteries with a high rate capability. Because carbon nanotubes adhere well to one another, they form an entangled web of bundles that is hard to process in a dry state. A key challenge is to temporarily reduce the strength of the bonds that bind the nanotubes together so that their microstructure can be transformed. Previously, strong acids or other chemicals have been successfully used to separate them, as is common in the manufacture of high strength polymer fibres. We hope to invent new, less expensive and more environmentally friendly methods that can control bond strength precisely during processing, and to then create nanotube materials of preferred density, alignment and orientation.
Cyprien Jourdain, cj443@eng.cam.ac.uk
My research project focuses on the in-flight measurement of nanoparticles to provide reliable surface area, volume, and subsequent morphological properties of fractal aggregates. Joint experimental and numerical efforts are sought to shed light on adsorption, liquid partitioning, and heterogeneous condensation mechanisms, all driving particle growth in nature and many industrial fields. Computing techniques, including Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), are used to investigate the above multi-scale phenomena. An experimental chamber will be designed to grow in-flight particles and will be coupled with by a range of aerosol instrumentation for real-time measurements.
PhD Students
Kelvin Risby, kmr69@cam.ac.uk
Particle number standards, widely adopted to regulate emissions from mobile sources such as road vehicles and aircraft, rely on accurate measurement of number concentrations, yet no aerosol source exists that can be used as a reference standard for direct calibration of particle number counters (PNC). My research is focused on developing a novel system capable of producing a known, constant concentration of particles from transient sources for use as a calibration source. The project will combine CFD modelling and experimental techniques for characterisation of particle charging techniques, analysis of charged particle dynamics, and investigation of a range of precursor materials for aerosol generation.
Shaamrit Balendra, sb2543@cam.ac.uk
I am currently developing a novel ultrasmall water condensation particle counter (UWCPC) that is capable of detecting nanometer particles (NP). The device will be designed in terms of compactness, cost, low power consumption in addition to multi-hour data gathering capability, suited for both indoor/outdoor settings producing safe non-toxic fumes in respiratory zones. The work involves a coupled iterative approach of parametric design optimisation through COMSOL Multiphysics, rapid prototyping using 3D printing technology, and experimental testing of the device through custom made rigs and aerosol instrumentation.
Jack Peden, jdp62@cam.ac.uk
I work on projects to improve the FC-CVD process for CNT production, with the goal of improving process efficiency, reliability and CNT production rates. My research focusses on the kinetics of the FC-CVD process; understanding the chemical reactions that turn precursors into CNTs within the reactor and their sensitivity to different conditions. I take in-flight measurements of particles and gaseous species inside the reactor using CPC, SMPS, CPMA, FTIR and other techniques to classify them. My work has led to the first in-situ measurements of the CNT growth rate inside an FC-CVD reactor and provided experimental evidence for the role of acetylene as a precursor to CNT growth. I’m now working on the development of transparent reactors to allow in-situ spectroscopy of the process, hoping to unlock further insights into the reaction kinetics.
Elizabeth Fletes, efletes@stanford.edu
My research focuses on the kinetics of carbon nanotube (CNT) growth via methane pyrolysis through experimental analysis and kinetic simulations. This project investigates the impact of hydrocarbon (HC) and catalyst concentrations on CNT synthesis and structural properties within the FC-CVD technique. In-situ measurements are conducted using optically transparent reactors, allowing for direct observation of the growth process. Laser absorption spectroscopy is utilized to analyze gas-phase species, providing insights into understanding the reaction mechanisms governing CNT production and their formation dynamics.
Michael Larson, larsonm@stanford.edu
My research focuses on two main areas. First, I am exploring the synthesis of novel metal oxide and semiconductor materials using floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FC-CVD). My goal is to scale up this gas-phase manufacturing technique, making these advanced materials more accessible to industry and expanding their practical applications.
Secondly, I am developing advanced characterization techniques for carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis. Specifically, I utilize extractive methods and in situ measurements, with an emphasis on laser-induced incandescence (LII). This approach provides real-time insight into CNT growth dynamics, catalyst formation, and reaction conditions, enabling precise optimization of the FC-CVD process for improved material performance and reliability.
Julie Pongetti, jpon@stanford.edu
I am interested in the development of new instruments to improve the characterization of aerosol particles and their effect on the environment and human health. In particular, I work on the design of a device to monitor the semivolatile component of aircraft emissions – which are currently understudied and unregulated, despite their role in the formation of aircraft-induced contrails. I am also investigating the feasibility of a trap targeting ultrafine particles, which would open new research opportunities by enabling the real-time study of aerosol processes on populations of aerosol nanoparticles. Target applications would involve both atmospheric phenomena such as contrail formation and particle aging, as well as processes like catalysis that harness advanced engineered nanoparticles.
Maddie Swint, mswint@stanford.edu
My project circles around high-throughput synthesis of nanoparticle catalysts by spark generation for the oxidation of ambient methane to carbon dioxide. A potent greenhouse gas, converting methane can significantly lower global temperatures while improving local air quality. Catalyst activity is tested through Flame Ionization Detection (FID) and Gas Chromatography (GC) measurement, with promising compositions undergoing more rigorous testing and characterization. Through rapid synthesis and testing of catalytic materials, it will be possible to probe a large parameter space and inform empirically based computer modeling.
Sophia Sonnert, sonnert@stanford.edu
I am researching carbon material production through two main projects that integrate advanced synthesis techniques with techno-economic analysis. The first project involves developing a scalable, energy-efficient packed bed atmospheric plasma reactor designed to optimize precursor concentrations, discharge power, and flow rates. In addition, I am investigating the chemical kinetics of methane pyrolysis and related reactions, correlating these findings with economic modeling to gain a deeper understanding of the cost dynamics of carbon production. Ultimately, this work aspires to establish a cost-effective manufacturing process that supports domestic industries and aligns with sustainability objectives.
Gaurav Sharma – coming soon
Karime Perez – coming soon
David Akanmu dakanmu@stanford.edu – coming soon
Collaborating Researchers
Molly Haugen, mjh268@cam.ac.uk
My work within the Center for Sustainable Road Freight is to examine noxious and climate pollutants from heavy goods vehicles. A current focus is interpreting results from a variety of research projects within the Boies Lab. These projects include evaluating gaseous emissions collected with low cost sensors from individual heavy-duty vehicles which provide useful engine emission maps, and a separate project analysing correlations between low-cost and high-end instruments in their ability to measure particles in a laboratory setting as well as in ambient conditions.
Siriel Saladin, sls87@cam.ac.uk
I am interested in the health effects of airborne non-exhaust emissions from cars, mainly tyre and brake wear particles. The toxicity and even the chemical nature of these particles is largely unknown in contrast to the well investigated exhaust emissions. We generate, collect and characterise non-exhaust emissions to study their impact on human health, with a focus on misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer’s. We combine road simulators with physical and chemical characterisation techniques as well as in vitro protein aggregation studies. This project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Engineering, the Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Centre for Misfolding Diseases at the University of Cambridge.
David O’Loughlin, do362@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
My project is investigating the potential health effects of brake and tyre wear particles. I’m interested in how we can generate them in the lab, chemically and physically characterize them, and assess the potential impact they have on both human respiratory and environmental health using a range of analytical and biological techniques. My work is a collaboration between the Boies group and the MacFarlane group at the MRC Toxicology Unit and is supported by HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health at Imperial College London.
Akshay Kale, ak2115@cam.ac.uk
The objective of my project is to develop and characterise engineering systems capable of generating a desired number concentration of charged aerosol particulate matter. The state of art commercial technologies available for generating charged aerosols exhibit a strong dependence of the output number concentration of aerosol particles on the input number concentrations. Producing a fixed number concentration of charged aerosols remains a currently unmet challenge, which can lead to breakthrough applications across transport and energy sectors. Funded by the Germany-based non-profit initiative “AiF Projekt GmbH” (https://www.aif-projekt-gmbh.de/ueber-uns/unternehmen.html), this project is a collaborative effort between the University of Cambridge and Catalytic Instruments GMBH, Germany (https://catalytic-instruments.com). My other interests lie in developing MEMS and NEMS devices for healthcare applications, which I have been actively pursuing since my PhD studies at Clemson University, USA.
Previous Group Members
Maurits Houck, PhD 2020-2024, The thermodynamics, kinetics and modelling of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries featuring crystallographic shear niobium metal oxide anodes
Xiaoyu Qiu, PhD 2020-2024, Entropy, Energy and Dynamics of
Coalescing Spherical and 1D Aerosols
Mabel Rulan Qiao, PhD 2020-2024, Gas-phase processes for carbon
nanotubes production: catalyst synthesis and CNT reorientation dynamics
Michael Glerum, PhD 2020-2024, Development of an internally heated FC-CVD reactor for CNT synthesis.
Sumit Kumar, PDRA 2023-2024, Catalyst synthesis and evaluation.
Manar Almazrouei, PhD 2020-2024, Aerosol Synthesis of Layered Oxide Cathodes Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries. Assistant Professor UAEU https://research.uaeu.ac.ae/en/persons/manar-almazrouei
Liron Issman, PhD 2018-2022, Advancing Direct-Spun Carbon Nanotube Textiles, From Field Alignment to Innovative Applications
Mohsen Kazemimanesh, PDRA 2018-2022, Characterization of airborne non-exhaust particles from brake and tyre wear in vehicles
Anna Schroeder, PDRA 2018-2021, Managing Air for Greener Inner Cities – http://www.magic-air.uk, micro-scale emissions modelling and measurement.
Nasser Chouwdhury, MRes 2021-2022
Ben Wood, MRes 2021-2022
Jason Allen, MRes 2020-2021
Julie Pongetti, MRes 2020-2021
Adam Wronski, MRes 2020-2021
Tyler Johnson, PhD 2017-2021, Theory and Applications of the Aerodynamic Aerosol Classifier
Brian Graves, PhD 2016-2020, Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube Materials from a Microwave Plasma
Xiao Zhang, PDRA 2017-2020, Fellow at Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physics – Beijing
George Giannopoulos, PDRA 2018-2020, Faculty at University College London
Lee Gordon, MPhil 2019-2020
Cameron McKie, MPhil 2019-2020
Islam Abdelkader, MPhil 2019-2020
Kai Tan, MRes 2019-2020
Steven Ibrahim, MRes 2019-2020
Andres Gonzalez, PhD 2015-2020
Robert Nishida, PhD 2015-2019
Cathy Zhou, MRes 2018-2019
Josh Hassim, MRes 2018-2019
Jamie Blaiklock, 2018-2019
Mustafiz Raman, 2018-2019, Faculty University of Coventry https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/persons/mostafiz-rahman
Nick Kateris, MEng 2017-2018
Tom Stakes, MEng 2017-2018
Khuzaimah Saeed, MEng 2017-2018
Krisna Dharma, MEng 2017-2018
Larkin Sayre, MPhil 2017-2018
Naomi Mowat-Amiet, MPhil 2017-2018
Justin Bishop, Post Doctoral Researcher 2012-2017
Jean De la Verpilliere, 2013-2017, CEO https://echiontech.com/
Christian Hoecker, PhD 2013-2017
Maxime Duvieusart, MPhil 2016-2017
Nihal El-Fahim, MPhil 2016-2017
Mariam Ibrahim, MPhil 2016-2017
Wesley Blank, Undergrad Researcher Summer 2016
Nicholas Kateris, Undergrad Researcher Summer 2016
Richard Findley, MPhil 2015-2016
Marc Stetter, PhD and Researcher 2010-2015, Professor Imperial College https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/m.stettler
Uven Chong, PhD 2010-2014
Niall Martin, PhD 2012-2015
Howard Saffey, MPhil 2013-2014
Mark Bajada, MPhil 2013-2014
Wojciech Nodzynski, MEng 2013-2014
Jacob Swanson, 2012-2013, Professor Minnesota State, https://cset.mnsu.edu/ie/swanson.html
Xiaoyu Yan, Researcher 2011-2013, Professor Exeter University, https://renewable.exeter.ac.uk/staff/xy258
Nurul Alam, Researcher 2012-2013
George Harris, MPhil 2012-2013
Laura Pillari, MPhil 2012-2013
Nathan Brakely, MPhil 2012-2013
Joseph Ritchie, 2011-2012