People

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While individual CNTs exhibit unparalleled mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, their macro-scale assemblies are often hindered by low packing density and fiber misalignment driven by strong van der Waals forces during bundling. My work utilizes electrochemistry, Quantum Mechanics, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling to develop novel, scalable methods that improve CNT alignment and density. My ultimate goal is to harness these exceptional properties to replace traditional structural and transport materials like steel, copper, and aluminum.

My research focuses on post-processing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to maximize their alignment and density, improving the material’s strength and conductivity. I study the impact of electrolyte chemistry, potential, and mechanical load on fiber performance and microstructure. My project aims to have rapid experimentation and scalability, with the end goal of developing an economically viable post-processing procedure that encourages broader adoption of CNTs worldwide.

My research aims to develop next-generation floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) reactors for the co-production of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and hydrogen through methane pyrolysis. I am interested in reactors that leverage turbulent jet entrainment and internal gas recirculation to enhance species mixing, heat transfer, and CNT production rate while reducing external hydrogen demand and energy consumption. By integrating kinetic modeling, large eddy simulations and experiments, I seek to uncover the governing principles and translate them into optimal reactor designs. I also work on optical simulation of fractal aggregates to quantify their absorption and scattering behavior to assess their potential influence on planetary climate.

I’m interested in how we take emerging climate technologies and make them practical at large scales. Right now, I study methane pyrolysis, a process that can convert methane into hydrogen and high-value carbon materials without directly producing carbon dioxide. A central question in my work is: what would it take for this technology to move from the lab to real-world industrial scale?