Rayan Alaufey, Chemical Engineering PhD Student
A team of researchers at Drexel University's College of Engineering has
developed a groundbreaking strategy for producing ozone, potentially
transforming water treatment technologies. The study, led by PhD student
Rayan Alaufey under the guidance of Maureen Tang, PhD, associate professor
of chemical and biological engineering, and John A. Keith, PhD, associate
professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of
Pittsburgh, introduces a novel approach to creating efficient catalysts for
electrochemical ozone production.
Ozone, a powerful oxidizer, is an effective alternative to chlorine in
water purification. However, current production methods face challenges in
efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Alaufey and his colleagues have tackled
this issue by developing a co-doping strategy using tin oxide, an abundant
and non-toxic material.
"Our approach involves adding two different types of impurities, or
'dopants,' to tin oxide," Alaufey explains. "The first type makes the
process more selective toward ozone production, while the second increases
the overall output."
The research, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters,
details how the team combined n-type dopants to enhance electrical
conductivity with transition metal dopants to generate key radical
intermediates. This combination successfully induced ozone production
activity in previously inactive tin oxide.
One of the most surprising findings was the versatility of the co-doping
strategy. "We discovered that many possible elements could serve as
effective dopants for each type," Alaufey notes. "This opens up new avenues
for optimizing the process."
The potential real-world applications are significant, particularly in
water treatment. Unlike chlorine, which produces harmful byproducts, ozone
primarily breaks down into harmless oxygen. Additionally, the
electrochemical process generates hydrogen as a byproduct, a valuable
renewable fuel.
The next steps involve scaling up the production of co-doped tin oxide
materials while maintaining the same level of performance observed in the
lab. This transition is crucial for realizing the technology's full
potential.
The research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
"Our work at Drexel is done in conjunction with theorists at the University
of Pittsburgh," Alaufey explains. "This partnership brings together
expertise from chemical engineers, chemists, and material scientists,
enabling a comprehensive study of the reaction."
As water scarcity and pollution continue to be global concerns, this
co-doping strategy offers hope for more sustainable water treatment
solutions. While there is still work to be done before large-scale
implementation, the research represents a significant step forward in
electrochemical ozone production.
Alaufey concludes, "By improving the efficiency and selectivity of ozone
production, we're paving the way for more widespread adoption of this
technology in water treatment systems, addressing critical environmental
and public health challenges worldwide."
Learn more about a PhD in Chemical Engineering