草莓视频

Water Dynamics in Nanoconfined Systems

This project investigates how water behaves when confined at the nanoscale, particularly inside hydrophobic nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes. While theoretical studies have predicted unusually fast water transport and size-dependent diffusion under nanoconfinement, experimental validation of these effects remains limited.

Our research combines advanced experimental measurements with computational modeling to probe water motion in nanotubes of different sizes. These approaches allow us to distinguish between water confined inside nanotubes, water near the nanotube walls, and bulk-like water outside the nanostructures. Results indicate that confined water can exhibit multiple dynamic regimes, with distinct diffusion behavior depending on its local environment and orientation relative to the nanotube axis.

This project provides students with opportunities to explore fundamental water physics at the nanoscale, bridging experiment and simulation, with relevance to nanofluidics, membrane science, and energy–water technologies.

Sustainable Carbon Nanotube Synthesis from Biomass Waste

This project aims to develop green and scalable routes for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using biomass waste as a renewable carbon source. The research explores catalyst-assisted pyrolysis of agricultural residues (e.g., fruit peels and other lignocellulosic biomass) to produce high-quality multi-walled CNTs, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact associated with conventional synthesis methods. Our results demonstrate the successful synthesis of multi-walled CNTs with diameters in the range of ~8–15 nm, achieved through catalyst-assisted pyrolysis of orange peel biomass.

Current and future work focuses on understanding and optimizing the role of catalysts in controlling CNT growth, alignment, defect density, and diameter. Advanced characterization techniques (XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM/TEM, and surface analysis) are used to correlate synthesis parameters with structural and functional properties. The project also investigates process scalability and application-driven material design, targeting CNTs for energy storage, environmental remediation, and functional nanomaterials.

This project offers students hands-on experience in green nanomaterials synthesis, advanced materials characterization, and sustainable materials research, with opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and interdisciplinary collaborations

Carbon-Based Electrodes for Water Remediation and Capacitive Deionization (CDI)

This project investigates the use of biomass-derived carbon nanomaterials as sustainable electrodes for water remediation using capacitive deionization (CDI). Carbon materials synthesized from renewable biomass sources, including CNT-based and porous carbon structures, exhibit tunable pore sizes, high surface area, and favorable electrical conductivity, making them promising candidates for ion adsorption and desalination applications.

Our ongoing work explores how carbon structure, pore architecture, and surface chemistry influence ion transport, charge efficiency, and salt removal performance in CDI systems. Electrochemical techniques, adsorption–desorption measurements, and materials characterization are combined to establish structure–performance relationships. The project aims to optimize low-cost, environmentally friendly CDI electrodes for desalination and contaminant removal, while offering students hands-on experience in electrochemical water treatment, carbon materials design, and sustainable energy–water technologies.