Chemical Engineering
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Tan, Jun Zhi
Chemical Engineering
Tan’s research focuses on catalytic upcycling of plastic waste into more valuable chemical intermediates (e.g., gasoline and diesel) with the ultimate goal of reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the landfill. He utilizes a combination of kinetic, spectroscopic, and thermal analyses to elucidate the mechanism of plastics deconstruction on bifunctional zeolites, which have important implications on the conversion rates and product selectivities of plastic upcycling reactions. Tan is co-advised by Professor Michele Sarazen and Professor Bruce Koel in chemical and biological engineering.
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Matteo, Ed (‘08 - ‘10)
Chemical Engineering
Ed’s thesis work aimed to gain understanding of the mechanism of the cement corrosion, such that predictions may be made regarding the possibilities for long-term storage in depleted petroleum reserves. There was concern with regard to the rate of degradation of the cement, the mechanical properties of corroded material, and the formation of leakage pathways in the degraded material. Ed was specifically working to characterize silica gel that is the end product of the cement corrosion and by doing so, gained insight into both its mechanical properties and its transport properties. Another interest was to determine the permeability of clay shales, which, as a cap-rock material, often played an important role in the sealing ability of these types of formations.
