Research

Motivation

Scalable thermochemical reactors combine temperature, pressure, and fluid convection to optimize kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transport. The result is set of reactor choices (fluidized beds, stirred tanks, plug flow reactors, etc.) that can be optimized for specific reactions depending on their chemistry. Additionally, industrial chemical reactions are very rarely conducted at only an elevated temperature and pressure. Instead, temperature, pressure, and reactor design are all used when optimizing a chemical process.

On the left are some example reactor choices such as fluidized beds, stirred tank reactors, and flug flow reactors. On the right are example reactions with elevated temperature and pressure operation conditions.

Sandwich cell and H-cell demonstrating the often simplistic nature of electrochemical devices.

In contrast to current thermochemical reactors, current electrochemical reactors often operate in the liquid phase and use ambient conditions, quiescent electrolytes, and traditional “H-cell” configurations.

Can we design scalable electrochemical reactors that leverage multiple driving forces?

Projects

We will work on incorporating optimized reactor designs and multiple driving forces for electrochemical reactions. Specifically, we will be investigating how to combine voltage with mechanical work, heat, and light to drive chemical reactions sustainably. Stay tuned as we get going for more details!

Schematic of project with voltage combining with motion, heat, and light to design new reactors.

Our Values

There are many more aspects to conducting research than the science we do in the lab. In the Schiffer Lab, our goal is not just to train good lab workers, but to make sure all our team members develop the communication and analysis skills necessary to pursue careers in academia, industry, or beyond. This includes preparing presentations, writing papers, and discussing science with a broad range of audiences. Additionally, we believe the scientific journey as a whole is extremely important. Specifically, integrity and reproducibility are integral parts of the scientific journey. We want to be confident in our data and open about the procedures and assumptions that went into our analyses and conclusions. Moreover, the scientific journey extends beyond the data, and we believe that fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and is encouraged to develop their personal skills is an extremely important facet of our approach. We want everyone to feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and concerns with each other so that not only our scientific outcomes benefit from a diversity of thought and approaches, but individuals can pursue their personal and career goals both in and out of the lab.