Interdisciplinary Renewable and Environmental Collaborative REU Program

Mentors: Ji (Chem Eng), Goriacheva (Chem Eng)

This project will immerse students in the world of nanomaterials synthesis and allow them to develop a broad set of high-demand research skills. Specifically, students will: gain hands-on experience with carbon dot synthesis via pyrolysis; practice several advanced spectroscopy techniques (optical spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, and time-resolved photoluminescence); and raise environmental awareness via repurposing industrial waste products for practical applications.

Mentors: Du (Chem), Ji (Chem Eng)

The project will enable involvement of two REU students working on the synthesis and characterization of (bio)degradable polymers from partially or wholly biobased monomers via catalytic approaches. These include polycarbonates, polyesters, poly(silyl ether)s, as well as their copolymers with multiple segments (e.g., polylactides-co-polyesters, polycarbonates-co-poly(silyl ether)s), as well as more advanced architectures such as hyperbranched polymers. Their chemical and thermo-mechanical properties will be characterized via various techniques including NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry.

Mentor: Nasah (CEMRI)

New technologies are needed to address the energy transition from carbon-based fuels to carbon-free fuels such as hydrogen. In this project, students will evaluate the use of catalytic materials such as perovskites to convert biogas (e.g. landfill gas) to green hydrogen using a modified steam-iron process. The student selected on this project will: 1) Learn how to prepare perovskites using a wet chemistry technique known as the Pechini method, 2) Learn to evaluate and characterize the prepared material  using techniques such as thermo-gravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and 3) produce hydrogen from a synthetic biogas composition in a benchtop test reactor.

Mentors: Seames (Chem Eng), Du (Chem)

In this project, REU students will help investigate a direct polycondensation process to eliminate the steps associated with lactide formation and purification. The key to achieving high molecular weight PLAs is continuous removal of the water by-product produced during polymerization using progressive vacuum and high temperatures in combination with a suitable catalyst. A lab-scale system will be setup and then initial polymerization experiments will be performed with model racemic lactic acid mixtures by varying reaction parameters including reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst, and catalyst loading. The obtained polymers will be confirmed by NMR and GPC techniques and further characterized for their thermomechanical and physical properties. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of this polymerization method.

Mentors: Hou (Institute for Energy Studies), Ji (Chem Eng)

We developed an in-situ synthetic technology using Lignite-derived humic acid as the raw materials to prepare high-performance composite materials for LIBs. The preliminary test shows the composite electrode materials have much better electrochemical performance than market ones. REU students working on this project will: 1) learn laboratory techniques of synthetic chemistry; 2) learn advanced materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffractometer and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope; and 3) gain some hands-on experience in lithium battery assembly at the factory of the project sponsor.

Mentors: Hoffmann (Chem), Kubatova (Chem)

REU students will use widely distributed computational chemistry software (e.g., Gaussian, GAMESS, NWChem) to perform density functional calculations and simple post-Hartree-Fock wave-function-based correlated (MP2) calculations on target compounds with constraints on positions of surrounding solvent molecules and/or parts of macromolecules.  REU students will regularly meet with faculty and graduate students to ensure training and effective progress on the assigned tasks. Deliverables are the barrier heights of reactions, which will be converted to estimated kinetic rates using available transition state theory software.

Mentors: Kubatova (Chem), Simmons (Biology)

For initial investigation, bulk pollen will be used to complete all research tasks; the developed method will be applied to specific types of pollen and matched to DNA analysis to reveal characteristic markers. The specific activities include: 1) Evaluation of methods for dissolution/breakdown of sporopollenin, including acetolysis and thermal breakdown, which are at 1st stage of work monitored by microscopy; 2) Characterization of pollen fragments employing thermal desorption pyrolysis with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (TD-Pyr-GC-MS) w/wo derivatization. Student will learn to operate TD-Pyr-GC-MS, employ suitable sample preparation methods, and evaluate GC-MS data using mass spectrometric data library and mass spectra interpretation; 3) Use of  DNA to identify the plant sources of atmospheric pollen. We expect the analysis will reveal characteristic identification profiles enabling fingerprinting in atmospheric samples; 4) (Aspirational) These “fingerprints” patterns will then be compared to those observed in air particulate matter samples collected during the harvest season in ND.

The students will learn the basics of wet chemistry and essential safety within research tasks. The first assessment of their work will be done with microscopy to observe physical breakage as shown in the figure, which is helpful, especially when many other aspects of the research project are abstract. GC-MS analysis will be done in collaboration with a graduate student providing essential technical support and training as has been done with previous REU and undergraduate students. The analytical and biological assays will be conducted by a team of two REU students, working in each lab, sharing their results, and jointly contributing to the overall outcome of the project.

Mentors: Chelmo (Mech Eng), Kubatova (Chem)

REU students will measure bulk activity coefficients using two different methods, followed by compiling the data into K_s measurements and comparison with literature data. 1) Determine desired chemical composition of aqueous aerosol bulk mimics. REU students will plan for making 16 sample solutions containing a pair of one electrolyte (NH₄Br, NH₄I, NH₄HSO₄, NaHSO₄) and one organic (3-methylglutaric acid, 3-methyladipic acid, oxalic acid, levulinic acid). The salts affect the solubilities of the organic, and thermodynamic models such as AIOMFAC will be used to determine the appropriate concentration ratios of these electrolytes and organics; 2) Mix ternary solutions containing one electrolyte, one water-soluble organic, and water; 3) Measure Setschenow constants using shared headspace method  with GC-MS analysis; 4) Measure constants using solid phase microextraction SPME with GC-MS analysis for negligible depletion; 5) Compile the data from Activities 3-4 and introduce it to the framework in Equation 1 to determine the empirical Setschenow constants for these systems; 6) (aspirational) Identify any trends or parameterization for these systems and check if it is consistent with literature parameterizations for systems that have been previously studied.

Mentors: Delene (Atm Sci), Fevig (Space Studies)

REU students will use 3D-printing technology to build instruments for balloon packages. Students have the opportunity to work with the open source hardware and software community to develop, test and deploy instruments and control systems. For example, students can work on adapting temperature, humidity and pressure measurement components of the 3D Printed Automatic Weather Station (3D-PAWS) for use on a balloon package system. Further activities include development of a package cut-down system and a Raspberry Pi based down-linking system. The software and hardware documentation of the developed equipment will be released in open repositories with a focus on material that can be used in an educational setting.

Mentors: Majdi (Atm Sci), Delene (Atm Sci)

The NSF-sponsored project, “RAPID: North Dakota Field Measurement Campaign to Improve Understanding of Fog Processes,” utilizes the Meteorological Observation Trailer to measure aerosol concentration along with concurrent meteorological data including wind parameters. REU students will obtain data from a CHORDS server and create visualization using a Grafana site. Students will conduct both case study analysis and statistical data analysis to investigate how changes in aerosol concentration relate to changes in wind parameters. Such relationships between wind parameters and aerosol concentration enable atmospheric chemical processes that affect aerosols, cloud droplet concentration, and fog formation to be inferred.

Mentors: Huang (Chem), Kubatova (Chem)

In this project, REU students will engage in the synthesis of catalysts featuring precisely defined nanoparticles. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of catalytic CO2 reduction. Students will learn to synthesize uniform nanocatalysts with adjustable metal sizes, varied metal compositions, and tailored metal–support interfaces through advanced synthetic protocols. Subsequently, students will shift towards gaining a comprehensive understanding of how these diverse nanocatalysts activate CO2 and selectively convert it into desired products, such as ethanol. The catalytic products will be identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

Mentors: Sui (Chem), Zhao (Chem)

To complete this project specifically designed for the REU program, the student will first synthesize new near-IR fluorescent biosensors based on the precursors prepared in the lab. Then, the absorption and fluorescence emission properties of the biosensors will be determined using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Finally, these new fluorescent biosensors will be incubated with cancer cells and imaged under a fluorescence microscope. Through the project, the REU student will learn basic skills in organic chemistry and use them to make new substances, and gain knowledge of spectroscopy and fluorescence chemistry as they determine the absorption and emission spectra of the biosensors. In addition, students will get research experience in cellular biology while performing cancer cell culture and cell imaging.

Mentors: Sui (Chem), Du (Chem)

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanomedicine has evolved into an advanced technique for treating various diseases, especially cancer. Among all kinds of nanomaterials, nanoparticles based on biodegradable polymers have attracted extra attention because such materials can break down into nontoxic small molecules inside the body, leading to several virtues in terms of compatibility with biological systems, controlled drug release, and potential for reduced inflammation and foreign body response. In this research, we will develop novel therapeutic nanoparticles that can effectively annihilate cancer cells and cause negligible harm to normal cells, creating a powerful technique for cancer therapy. The student working on this project will learn basic knowledge and practical lab skills through laboratory training and hands-on experiments. Biodegradable polymers will be synthesized by the student following a standard protocol established in our lab. Prepared polymers will be determined under varied conditions to evaluate their potential for biomedical applications, especially for the development of advanced drug delivery systems. The student will have opportunities to learn experimental skills in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and cellular biology.

Mentors: Van der Watt (CEMRI, Chem Eng), Gedafa (Civil Eng), Guteta (Civil Eng)

The circular economy approach to manufacturing has gained traction as a way to minimize waste and pollution by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. Industries must innovate to manage their waste effectively. Researchers at UND are pioneering a carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture method based on mineralization, not only removing CO₂ from the atmosphere but also converting industrial wastes into useful products. The mineralization process permanently sequesters CO₂ in a solid, usable form. Within this CO₂ removal technology framework, it is imperative to subject the transformed wastes to rigorous testing. This assessment aims to ascertain their compliance with construction standards and specifications, while simultaneously identifying any supplementary processing steps necessary to enhance their utility. REU students working on this project will:

1. Develop advanced material characterization skills related to and including total carbon and total inorganic carbon determination, mineral mapping using X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis to study material properties before and after CO₂ mineralization at different temperatures.
2. Investigate optimal conditions (temperature, pressure, time, etc.) and catalysts for the mineralization reaction.
3. Gain expertise in conducting concrete strength and durability tests using mineralized wastes as cement replacements.