Why Energy and Particle Technology?
Particle technology is foundational to numerous aspects of modern life and is central to advancing sustainable industrial practices. From the air we breathe to the medications we take, particles are everywhere. The properties of these particles, including their morphology and chemical composition, impact our health, environment, and the performance of everyday products. For example, nanoparticles enhance the strength of car tires, improve the quality of paints, and are essential in energy storage within batteries. As our understanding of particle behavior at the nanoscale grows, so does the potential to create particles with unique properties for novel applications across diverse fields.
At the Energy and Particle Technology Laboratory (EPTL), we investigate particles in energy production, storage, and environmental sustainability. Carbon and nickel nanoparticles, for example, are used in batteries and capacitors, while metal particles such as iron, lithium, and aluminum are explored for chemical energy storage and transport. Our team also addresses the environmental impact of soot—a significant air pollutant contributing to health problems and global warming. Additionally, we develop novel processes for producing carbon black with low CO₂ emissions, which also generate hydrogen as a valuable co-product. This approach supports sustainable manufacturing and reduces the environmental footprint of carbon black production.
Our multidisciplinary research combines fluid dynamics, chemical kinetics, aerosol science, and materials science to drive innovations in gas-phase nanoparticle synthesis. This includes techniques like flame spray pyrolysis, which allow for the synthesis of nanoparticles from most elements on the periodic table. By modeling critical parameters such as nucleation, coagulation, and sintering, we aim to optimize nanoparticle manufacturing processes from first principles, enabling both performance improvements and cost reductions in experimental design.
In the EPTL, we also develop process design software and multi-scale simulation tools, equipping students with advanced coding, data analysis, and visualization skills. These tools enable our students to gain proficiency in computational methods, making them adept at tackling complex engineering challenges with cutting-edge techniques.
With state-of-the-art analytical and computational tools, the EPTL is committed to advancing particle technology to support industrial decarbonization, hydrogen production, and advanced material synthesis. Through our partnerships with industry, we work to reduce the risks and costs of new technology development, ensuring that innovations in particle technology contribute meaningfully to sustainable, energy-efficient industrial practices.