Biofuels
Electrochemical Catalyst Synthesis for Biodiesel Production
This collaborative university–industrial partnership project focuses on the optimization of an electrochemical cell that synthesizes a catalyst for low-cost biodiesel fuel production. Ion-conductive ceramic membranes are critical elements of these cells, and the properties are investigated that will extend their lifetimes in order to successfully commercialize the whole electrochemical process.
Biological, Chemical, and Engineering Research to Study the Viability for an Algal Biofuel Economy in Southern Nevada
Biofuels derived from algae, particularly microalgae, have the potential to help the U.S. meet the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) while they move the nation ever closer to energy independence. Biofuel from microalgae has many merits, such as significant high oil productivity, CO2 recycling, nonfood-based feedstock sources, use of otherwise-not-productive nonarable land, and utilization of a wide variety of water sources (fresh, brackish, saline, and wastewater).
The successful development of an algal biofuels economy depends on the proper combination of biological, chemical, and engineering research in order to overcome the challenges with innovations in systems and processes. In developing a viable algal biofuels industry, various process operations must be addressed for algal biology, chemical conversion of algal biofuel, co-products, distribution and utilization, systems and techno-economic analysis, and others.
