DOW Distinguished Progress Report

Converting Cooking Oil Waste to Biodiesel through an Environmentally-Friendly Membrane

September 13, 2018

Peng-Kai Kao (Team leader) – Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Sabina Wilkanowicz (Stakeholder) – Nanotechnological Company, CEO, Poland Usha Kadiyala – Biophysics, University of Michigan Medical School Yulei Zhang – Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Jianxin Liu – Chemistry, College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan Keara Saud – Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Ronald G. Larson (Advisor) – George Granger Brown Professor, A.H. White Distinguished University Professor, Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan

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Executive Summary Project Overview, Methods and Results Current methods of biodiesel production involve harsh environmental contaminants and produce large amounts of waste to isolate the biodiesel from byproducts of chemical processing. To reduce waste, cost, and environmental impact, we have created a biodegradable nanofiber membrane (shown in Figure 1 below) that contains calcium oxide (CaO), a catalyst that converts waste oil into biodiesel. The novelty of this mat is that it can simply be added to waste oil and methanol and removed once the reaction to biodiesel is complete, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and reducing the number of purification steps. We created this mat by using electro-hydrodynamic processing - which uses an electric field - to create nanofibers from a solution of a biodegradable polymer and the catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the presence of catalyst in the nanofibers. The catalyst-containing-mat was immersed into waste oil and successfully converted waste cooking oil into biodiesel. To engage our community, we used waste oil from the Picasso restaurant at the North Campus Research Complex of the University of Michigan, and as a global impact, worked with NanoOrganica Innovative Technologies (NOIT), a nanotechology company from Poland for their expertise. Infrared spectroscopy and physical property analysis of the resulting biodiesel proved that we in fact had created biodiesel. These results prove that our biodegradable mat concept is feasible for biodiesel production. The scale-up of our technology could encourage more people to create their own biodiesel with this easy-to-use mat and potentially reduce the cost and environmental contamination of current biodiesel companies.

Figure 1. Biodegradable nanofiber membrane containing CaO made by our team.

This project was conducted in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, with the following members: Peng-Kai Kao (Team leader) – Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Sabina Wilkanowicz (Stakeholder) – Nanotechnological Company, CEO, Poland Usha Kadiyala – Biophysics, University of Michigan Medical School Yulei Zhang – Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Jianxin Liu – Chemistry, College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan Keara Saud – Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan Ronald G. Larson (Advisor) – George Granger Brown Professor, A.H. White Distinguished University Professor, Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan

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Introduction & Background: The combustion of fossil fuels for transportation is the second largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world. Biodiesel fuels are an alternative to fossil fuels that reduce the overall carbon footprint of transportation. The United States uses 380 million gallons of gasoline every day, and only produces 700 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Some of the inhibitors to increased biodiesel production and use include the harsh chemical processing required, expensive bioreactor machinery, and multiple purification steps required to remove catalysts that are harmful to car engines. In this project, we propose the use of a catalyst-containing nanofiber membrane to overcome some of these hurdles and to make biodiesel production easier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly and ultimately reduce fossil fuel combustion. Generally speaking, our idea is to use a nanofiber membrane made from a biodegradable polymer (Polyethersulfone, PES) and calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst to convert local (Ann Arbor) restaurant waste oils into biodiesel. The process by which waste oil is converted into biodiesel is called transesterification. The transesterification of waste oil to biodiesel occurs when it is combined with short chain alcohols, like methanol, and exposed to a catalyst. Here the major component of waste oil, triglycerides, are reacted with methanol to produce mono-methyl ester of fatty acids (biodiesel), and crude glycerol (glycerin) as a co-product (see Reaction 1 below). Traditional transesterification reactions will use harsh substances such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide as catalysts that then have to be removed from the system via multiple purification steps. Here, we use CaO embedded in a nanofiber mat so that a user can simply add the mat to their waste oil with methanol for few hours and let the transesterification reaction occur. Afterwards, the mat can be removed, leaving behind only the biodiesel and glycerin - no catalyst. These two products will naturally separate allowing for simple removal of the fuel for use. Another advantage of this mat is its reusability and biodegradability thereafter.

Reaction 1: Process of biodiesel production. Ann Arbor restaurants actively generate hundreds of liters of cooking oil waste each year, and a sustainable recyclable process for this waste oil does not exist. We hope to provide a program/research expertise to meet this energy need in the society.

Triglyceride (oil)

Methanol Biodiesel Glycerin

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Methods: 1. Materials Polyethersulfone (PES, Mw ~ 58,000 g/mol) was received in granulate, from Good Fellow (USA). Methanol (≥ 99.9%) and Dimethylformamide (DMF, ≥ 99%) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (USA) and used as received. Calcium oxide (CaO, ≥ 97%) was purchased from Fisher Scientific (USA). Waste cooking oil was kindly donated from Picasso restaurants in North Campus Research Complex, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA). 2. Preparation of polymer precursor PES-CaO solution was prepared by dissolving PES and suspending CaO in DMF, followed by stirring the mixture at 50℃. The final concentration of PES and CaO in the precursor was 26% (w/v) and 13% (w/v), respectively. 3. Preparation of polymeric mats via electrospinning Table 1 presents the electrospinning process parameters for different polymer precursors.

Table 1. Electrospinning processing parameters of polymeric solutions of PES and PES-CaO.

Sample Voltage [kV] Flow rate [ml/h] Distance injector – collector [cm]

PES 10 1 15

PES-CaO 13 1 15

4. Transesterification reaction Waste cooking oil and methanol were mixed in molar ratio 1:6 in total volume of 50 mL, followed by stirring and heating up to 55℃. The reaction was conducted up to 8 hours, when free-flowing CaO (1g) was used as a catalyst, and up to 24 hours, when PES-CaO catalyst was used. For the reaction conducted with free-flowing CaO, the mixture was centrifuged for 15 minutes, under 5000 rpm and 25℃. Three phases appeared – top layer of biodiesel, lower layer - glycerol and CaO pellet. For the reaction conducted via PES-CaO, the product was left to separate with no additional centrifugation. The biodiesel was collected for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and physical properties analysis. The catalysts were recycled to repeat transesterification reactions with them. 5. Physical and chemical properties analysis All viscosity and density measurements were taken at 20℃ and atmospheric pressure. Kinematic viscosity of waste oil, fresh canola oil, and all biodiesel samples was measured with AVS 350 Viscometer (Schott, Germany). Density of oil and biodiesel samples was measured by using pycnometry technique. All FTIR data were collected at room temperature (20℃) and atmospheric pressure. Thermo-Nicolet IS-50 bench-top FT-IR (Thermo Fisher, USA) was used to test fresh canola oil, waste oil, and all biodiesel samples. All samples were run 8 scans, 525-4000 cm-1, at resolution of 4cm-1, in liquid state.

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Results & Recommendations: 1. Construction of electrospinning equipment The electrospinning apparatus, equipped with a high-voltage power supply (0-30 kV), was assembled in-house, as shown in Figure 2. The anode was connected to a stainless-steel needle which connected directly to a plastic syringe containing the polymer precursor. The ground electrode was connected to a stainless-steel plate, where all fiber mats were collected. The experimental setup was housed in a laminar flow safety cabinet.

2.Catalyst immobilization on fiber polymeric mats using electrospinning We selected polyethersulfone (PES) as the encapsulant material. PES solution, without CaO, was also processed, to compare the fiber properties and composition with and without immobilized catalyst. A picture of the mat can be seen in Figure 3 on the right. We used scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy to characterize the two different mats (FEI Helios 650 Nanolab). Figure 4 shows the nanofibrous structure and fiber diameter distribution of PES fibers with and without CaO catalysts immobilized onto them.

Figure 2. Electrohydrodynamic processing equipment constructed as a part of this project and was used to immobilize catalyst for transesterification reaction.

Figure 3 Picture of electrospun polymeric mat.

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Figure 4. Scanning transmission electron microscopy of PES mat (A-C) and PES with CaO immobilized onto the polymeric PES fibers (E-G) with fiber diameter distribution for both materials (D and H, respectively).

In the case of pure PES fibrous mat, all fibers are homogenous with diameter between 0.28 to 1.9 µm. The average fiber diameter is 0.756 µm (Figure 4, C and D). The fibers were free from any catalyst (Figure 4, B). The same analysis was performed for PES mat with immobilized CaO (Figure 4, E-H). We observed non-uniform nanofiber structures with wide distribution of fiber sizes. The minimum fiber diameter was around 0.1 µm and almost half of the PES-CaO fibers presented diameter below 0.5 µm with an average fiber diameter 1.5 µm. The most notable difference between PES and PES-CaO fibers is the fiber diameter which resulted when catalyst was presented inside of the polymer (Figure 2, G and H). Thanks to scanning transmission electron microscopy (Figure 2, F) it was observed that all CaO catalyst was enclosed inside of the polymeric fibers, which proves that mat was constructed correctly and the electrospinning process was successful. 3. Biodiesel production and characterization: Before performing any biodiesel production by transesterification reaction, waste cooking oil was filtered to separate large physical particles that could affect production process. The density and viscosity of filtered waste oil was analyzed and compared with fresh (never used) canola oil and presented in the Table 2 on page 6. Waste oil presented similar density to fresh canola oil, but its viscosity was much higher, which is a result of usage. Chemical composition of waste cooking oil and fresh canola oil was also analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy (Figure 5). As seen in this FTIR data, there were no changes in chemical composition observed for waste cooking oil compared to fresh canola oil, indicating the waste oil collected from Picasso (Ann Arbor local restaurant) is of stable and reliable quality.

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Figure 5. FTIR spectroscopy of fresh canola oil and waste cooking oil.

After these initial characterizations, the waste oil was combined with methanol for the transesterification reaction. To see the effectiveness of the mat compared to the catalyst itself, the reaction was carried out with CaO in powder-form and CaO immobilized into polymeric mat made from PES. The weight of catalyst and molar ratio of reactants were the same for each sample, 1 gram of CaO catalyst and 1:6 oil to methanol in molar ratio. The reaction yield was measured by weight of waste oil and weight of biodiesel used and obtained in the reaction. It is presented by Equation 1:

𝐸 = $%$&

∗ 100% (1)

Where E, is reaction yield, mB – mass of obtained biodiesel in the transesterification process and mO is mass of cooking oil used in the reaction. Samples of the biodiesel made with free CaO powder and with CaO immobilized into PES fibers were made with yield of 81 and 74%, respectively, shown in Table 2. Viscosity and density of the biodiesel samples match those of biodiesel samples found in literature at 20℃ [1,2]. Using FTIR, the chemical composition of biodiesel samples made from waste oil - with free flowing CaO and immobilized CaO into PES fibrous mat - was compared to that made from fresh canola oil with free flowing CaO (Figure 6). All analyzed biodiesel samples presented similar chemical compositions. The chemical composition of biodiesel created from waste oil was slightly different than that of fresh cooking oil. However, the spectra presents the same peaks, characteristic of fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel), presented previously in literature[3], proving that the CaO catalyst immobilized into the PES fibrous mat worked properly with the waste oil.

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Table 2. Physical properties of waste cooking oil and biodiesel samples. All measurements were taken at 20C. Literature data for viscosity and density measured at 20C are: 74.2 mm2/s and 0.9145 kg/dm3 for fresh canola and 3.5 - 8.2 mm2/s and 0.82 - 0.9 kg/dm3 for biodiesel [1, 2]

Figure 6. FTIR spectroscopy of biodiesel samples made from waste cooking oil with free flowing and immobilized into PES mat CaO, and from fresh canola oil catalyzed by free flowing CaO.

The most evident changes between waste oil and biodiesel spectra appear in the spectral wavenumber between 800 and 1600 cm-1 (Figure 7). One of the most characteristic changes, comparing spectra of waste oil and biodiesel samples, is the appearance of new signal at 1435.04 cm-1, which corresponds to the methyl ester group with its deformation vibration. This new signal is presented in FTIR spectra of all biodiesel samples. Another interesting change in chemical composition of biodiesel that occurred after waste oil transformation, was the separation of strong, board signal at 1160.46 cm-1, into two concentrate signals at 1168.86 and 1195.87 cm-1 in case of all biodiesel samples. This change corresponds to C-O-C group stretching vibrations.

Sample Reaction efficiency [%]

Reaction time [h]

Viscosity [mm2/s]

Density [kg/dm3]

fresh canola oil N/A N/A 72.52 0.888

waste cooking oil N/A N/A 91.18 0.883

CaO 81 8 5.93 0.821

PES-CaO 1st reaction

75 24 7.18 0.842

PES-CaO 2nd reaction

72 24 7.32 0.848

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This analysis of physio-chemical properties of biodiesel samples, made via transesterification reaction, proved proper quality of produced fuel. Our polymeric nanofiber mat, made via EDH processing, fulfilled its function. Biofuel samples, with good physio-chemical properties were obtained and CaO catalyst was easily separated from the reaction product and reused. Anticipated Impact: As a team, we successfully assembled our electro-hydrodynamic processing equipment and designed and produced a biodegradable catalyst-immobilized nanofiber mat that efficiently converted cooking waste oil into biodiesel. Our team of six utilized their expertise in material sciences, chemical engineering, and electron microscopy to create this product. We also engaged the community by collecting waste oils from local restaurants and collaborated with the NOIT company from Poland to improve our technology and brainstorm broader impact sustainable ideas for our product. Our technology took less than 24 hour to convert 50 mL of waste oil into characterizable biodiesel. If we are able to speed up this process with further funding and optimization, we can deliver a sustainable biodegradable product that could help thousands of households, restaurants, and companies convert their waste oils into biodiesel more easily. There is great impact with this technology, as it will prevent the use of harmful waste and offer a refined source of reusable energy. We can see how this biodegradable mat could be used in communities and households in northern India, Nepal, west Angola, southern Thailand, and many other areas in

the world where a clean source of cooking energy is limited. With a larger production of mats, we would be able to collaborate with multiple restaurants in Ann arbor, similar to our successful approach with Picasso. We plan to work with the NOIT company to test the usage of the biodiesel we are making and to create innovative ideas for using our biodiesel to alleviate current energy demands. We would also like to collaborate with the transportation department at the University of Michigan to test the usage of our biodiesel as an alternative for automotive combustion.

With the current rate of project success and progress and with continued funding, we anticipate being able to scale up and distribute the mats to more restaurants in Ann Arbor within a year of receiving additional funding.

Figure 7. FTIR spectra of waste cooking oil and biodiesel production using CaO catalyst immobilized into PES fibrous mat.

Figure 8. We collected cooking oil waste from Ann Arbor restaurants for making sustainable biodiesel.

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REQUEST FOR FUTURE FUNDS: Milestones to implement project

Milestone 1: Evaluation and optimization of PES-CaO mat performance Metrics:

a) Recyclability: measure and optimize recycle times that PES-CaO mat maintains the ability of transferring waste oil to biodiesel.

b) Reaction kinetics: measure and optimize reaction time for each cycle of transformation.

c) Reaction efficiency: explore new conditions (e.g. ratio of chemicals, voltage, temperature and humidity) to enhance the catalysis efficiency.

Milestone 2: Biodiesel characterization (fuel analysis) Metrics:

a) Cold filter plugging point (CFPP): measure CFPP and prohibit low temperature gelling.

b) Cetane number of the biodiesel c) Ratio of biodiesel to diesel for best usage properties

Milestone 3: Flow system Metrics:

a) Design novel reactor, creating flow system, for mass production of biodiesel. (schematic shown in Figure 8 below).

Milestone 4: Scaling up biodiesel production Metrics:

a) Production of large quantity of polymeric mat with catalyst (PES-CaO) b) Equipment installation for large-scale biodiesel production

Figure 9. Schematic of biodiesel production flow system

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Milestones and timeline

Milestone 10/2018 11/2018 12/2018 01/2019 02/2019 03/2019 04/2019

1 Milestone 1

2 Milestone 2

3 Milestone 3

4 Milestone 4

Budget:

Items Price

I. Materials: a. CaO (3kg) and Polyethersulfone (PES) (4kg) b. DMF (8L) and Methanol (20L) c. Laboratory basic materials (glass vials, thermometers, probes, aluminum foil, bottles to store product, oils and wastes, etc.) Construction of the reactor with flow system and production plant

$2,569.00 $1,359.00 $2,000.00 $13,000.00

II. Interaction with clients/stakeholder/community: a. Using stakeholder protocols, characterization fees: SEM ($57/h), FTIR ($40/h) b. Sending material to characterize biodiesel properties and engine tests c. Seeking potential clients (Michigan) and oil/fuel transportation costs d. Meetings with stakeholder to discuss project progress e. Group meetings, meetings with potential clients

$3,910.00 $10,000.00 $4,000.00 $7,000.00 $3,000.00 $46,847.00

Alternative budget: If we only receive funding at 50% of the level proposed, we will reduce the scale-up size of biodiesel production thus the reactor construction budget as well as the materials cost can be reduced by 50%. In addition, we will seek potential clients from smaller local area. Literature References: [1] S.N. Sahasrabudhe, et al., Density, viscosity, and surface tension of five vegetable oils at elevated

temperatures: Measurement and modeling, Int. J. Food Prop. 20 (2017) 1965–1981. [2] B. Esteban, et al., Temperature dependence of density and viscosity of vegetable oils, Biomass and

Bioenergy. 42 (2012) 164–171. [3] SHIMADZU, Infrared Spectroscopy differences between biodiesel prepared from rapeseed and the

edible rapeseed oil.,1–2.

Peng-Kai Kao 1415 Natalie Ln, Apt. 305 • Ann Arbor, MI 48105 • pkkao@umich.edu • (734) 757-3802

EDUCATION University of Michigan Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, GPA 3.94/4.00 (Expected) 2020 National Taiwan University MSE, Chemical Engineering, GPA 3.93/4.00 2014 National Taiwan University BS, Chemical Engineering, GPA 3.67/4.00 2012

EXPERIENCE University of Michigan, Michael J. Solomon Group - Researcher 2015-present Ph.D. research on colloids self-assembly, colloidal microstructures modeling and rheology

• Design reconfigurable anisotropic colloidal crystals for applications in structural color, infrared camouflage and energy management

• Collaborate with 2 Ph.D. students and 2 PIs to invent a hydrogel rheometer fixture for characterizing the structural property, kinetics, and rheology of colloidal systems

National Taiwan University, Cheng-che Hsu Group - Research Assistant 2012 - 2015 • Developed a microfluidic analytical device incorporated with atmospheric-pressure plasma

sources for heavy metal contaminant detection in drinking water • Analyzed the effect of N2-addition on gas phase kinetics to improve manufacturing yields in

semiconductor etching process for an industry-university cooperative project with Tokyo Electron • Investigated different dynamic wetting behaviors on superhydrophobic surfaces for the

development of textiles with enhanced solvent-resistance and stain-resistance

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Patents

1. Kao P., Szakasits M., Ma T., VanEpps S., and Solomon M., Hydrogel Materials as Rheometer Tooling for the Transient Delivery of Additives During Mechanical Rheometry. U.S. Patent App. 62/570, 928. (2017)

2. Hsu C., Kao P., Chen M., Yeh P., and Huang F., Detection device, US Patent App. 15/241,096. (2017)

3. Hsu C., Yang Y., Kao P., Lin T., and Wang C., Plasma generating device and manufacturing method thereof, US Patent App. 14/806,977. (2016)

Peer-reviewed Journal Papers 1. Kao P., Vansaders B., Durkin M., Glotzer S and Solomon M., Reconfigurable Light Diffraction

Response of Ellipsoidal Colloids by Electric Field Assisted Assembly. in preparation (2018) 2. Huang K., Chi H., Kao P., et al. Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet-Assisted Synthesis of Zeolite-

Based Low-k Thin Films. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2017) 3. Yang Y., Kao P., and Hsu C., A Low-Cost and Flexible Microplasma Generation Device to

Create Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Contrast on Nonflat Surfaces. IEEE JMEMS (2015) 4. Kao P. and Hsu C., Battery-operated, Portable, and Flexible Air Microplasma Generation Device

for Fabrication of Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices on Demand. Analytical Chemistry (2014)

5. Kao P. and Hsu C., One-step Rapid Fabrication of Paper-based Microfluidic Devices Using Fluorocarbon Plasma Polymerization. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics (2014)

6. Chang H., Hsu C., Kao P., et al. Dye-sensitized Solar Cells with Nanoporous TiO2 Photoanodes Sintered by N2 and Air Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets with/without Air-quenching. Journal of Power Sources (2014)

YULEI ZHANG 1108 Maiden Ln, CT, Ann Arbor, MI48105 732-789-0060 yuleizh@umich.edu

EDUCATION

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ph.D Candidate Research Focus: Protein engineering University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Major GPA 4.0/4.0 Overall GPA 3.76/4.0 Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Rutgers University-New Brunswick GPA: 3.85/4.0 (with highest honor)

Honors: National Scholarship issued by the Ministry of National Education

Ann Arbor, MI

Fall, 2021(Expected)

Ann Arbor, MI Sep, 2015-Apr, 2 New Brunswick, NJ

Sep, 2013-May, 2015

RESEARCH Physicochemical Rules for Identifying Monoclonal Antibodies with Drug-like Specificity Oct, 2017-Present University of Michigan, PI: Prof. Peter M. Tessier • Developing physicochemical rules based on amino acid sequence for identifying antibody specificity and affinity • Investigating drug-like properties of antibodies, antibody library design, bioinformatics analysis of antibody evolution Design and Characterization of High-efficiency Thin-film Thermal Photovoltaics (TPVs) Sep, 2016-Oct, 2017 University of Michigan, PI: Prof. Andrej Lenert • Investigated the optical and electrical properties of thin-film TPV cells, specializing in FTIR and external quantum efficiency

characterization • Developed a novel optoelectronic calorimetry experimental platform for measuring the device photoelectric conversion

performance and efficiency PUBLICATION S • Beltran-Villegas, D. J., Zhang, Y., & Larson, R. G. (2017). Janus particle rotator-to-lamellar nucleation and growth

kinetics. The Journal of Chemical Physics, 146(9), 094901. • Ban, Y., Peng, Y., Zhang, Y., …& Yang, W. (2016). Dual-ligand zeolitic imidazolate framework crystals and oriented films

derived from metastable mono-ligand ZIF-108. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 219, 190-198.

PROJECT EXPER IENCE Design of DME Synthesis and Electricity Production Based on Gasification of Biomass Jan-May, 2015 Group leader • Performed routine external inspections, collected samples from specific pipelines and tested equipment in the field • Reviewed and summarized literature on modeling and analysis of large-scale gasification for DME production • Simulated and optimized operation units such as: Rectisol system, heat exchanger, air separation unit and power-island • Consolidated team members’ simulation units and compared the productivity and revenue of different plans

IND USTRY EXPER IENCE China National Petroleum Corporation Aug, 2016 Operation Control Intern • Performed routine external inspections, collected samples from specific pipelines and tested equipment in the field

China Huanqiu Contracting & Engineering Corporation May-Aug, 2015 Design and Simulation Intern • Analyzed material and energy balances and proofread physical properties (AutoCAD&PID) • Contributed to Rectisol System modeling, matching process parameters recommended by industry • Discussed and provided solutions to technical issues alongside experienced Aspen technicians SKILLS Languages: English (proficient), Chinese (native) Computer: Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Simulink, Labview, Microsoft, C language, COMSOL, FMEA

Keara Saud ktsaud@umich.edu

Education

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Current Ph.D. Candidate in Materials Science and Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC May 2016

B.S. in Material Science and Engineering, 4.0 Overall and Major Minor in Chemical Engineering

Honors and Awards

NSF GRF- Research fellow 2018 – Current Park Scholarship, 4-year all-inclusive merit based scholarship and program 2012 - 2016

Experience

Graduate Research, University of Michigan October 2016 – Current

Research Adviser: Dean Michael Solomon

Connecting active motion to its application by determining and comparing the microdynamical and rheological effects of active motion on colloidal gels when active motion is induced by AC electric fields or hydrogen peroxide

Use of confocal laser scanning microscopy and advanced image tracking with Python

Undergraduate Research, North Carolina State University August 2015 – May 2016

Research Adviser: Professor Richard Spontak

Created and modified thin polymer membranes for carbon dioxide capture and improved polymer strength

Traveled to Norway to use multicomponent gas permeation cell to test gas transport properties of the membranes

The Hershey Chocolate Company, R&D Intern May 2015 – August 2015

Conducted structural, textural, and nutritional analyses of a healthy snack using DSC, DMA, SEM, and other techniques

NSF- REU at International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University June 2014 – August 2014

Research Adviser: Professor Derk Joester

With funding from the NSF – REU program, determined the cause of the bursting of the synthetic model system for observing amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) to better understand its formation and transformation

Research and Study Abroad, University of Cape Town, South Africa January 2014 – June 2014

Explored the efficiency of different platinum catalysts in water gas shift reactors with Professor Jack Fletcher

Publications

L. Ansaloni, Z. Dai, J. Ryan, K. Mineart, Q. Yu, K. Saud, M. Hägg, R. Spontak and L. Deng, "Solvent-Templated Block Ionomers for Base- and Acid-Gas Separations: Effect of Humidity on Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide Permeation" Adv. Mater. Interfaces, 4, 1700854 (2017)

Presentations

American Chemical Society Colloid & Surface Science symposium, State College, PA June 2018 “Active colloidal motion by two different propulsion mechanisms studied at high particle concentrations”

Engineering Graduate Symposium, University of Michigan November 2017 “Comparison of Active Motion Induced by AC Electric Fields and Chemical Potential Gradients”

Macromolecular Science and Engineering Symposium, University of Michigan October 2017 “Comparison of Active Motion Induced by AC Electric Fields and Chemical Potential Gradients”

Council for Undergraduate Research REU Symposium October 2014 “Improving the Stability of Synthetic Liposomes for Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Synthesis”

Involvement and Outreach

Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Student Council, Treasurer & 1st

/3rd

Year Representative September 2016 - Current Graduate Society of Women Engineers, Activities Chair, Operations Chair November 2017 - Current Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Treasurer May 2017 – May 2018 Graduate Society of Women Engineers –Elementary Engineering Teaching Outreach, Participant March 2017 Grad Mentoring Program, Mentor October 2016 - Current Materials Advantage Society Student Chapter, Co-Founder and Executive Chair April 2015 – May 2016

Revitalized the NC State student chapter and coordinated company visits, meetings, and Materials Day Habitat for Humanity Chapter at NC State, Fellowship and Fundraising Officer March 2013 – May 2015

Sabina Wilkanowicz, Ph.D.

sabina.wilkanowicz@gmail.com

Education

2013 Ph.D., Chemical Sciences in the field of Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Microbiology

2011 Postgraduate pedagogical studies, Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Management and Economics

2008 M.S.E., Molecular and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry

2008 Erasmus Scholarship, Complutense University of Madrid, Faculty of Chemical Sciences

Professional Experience

2017 - present Postdoctoral Fellow, Dekaban Fellowship, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

2016 - present Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Mechanics and Petrochemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland

2014 - 2016 R&D Project Leader, R&D Department, BioInicia S.L., Spain

2012 - 2014 Scientist, R&D Department, EURx Molecular Biology Products, Poland

2011 - 2012 Sales Manager, EURx Molecular Biology Products, Spain

Research Interests

combination of nanotechnology and biotechnology in different industrial fields; usage of electrohydrodynamic processing in bioactive encapsulation used in food, pharma and cosmetic industries; innovative, functional surfaces production with possible industrial applications; biodiesel production by enzymes immobilized in nanofibrous membranes; usage of microalgae strains in biodiesel production; antimicrobial membranes production for food industry applications; production of new enzymes immobilized on nanosurfaces

Participation in Grants and Scientific Projects

Project no. 686116 „OptiNanoPro: Processing and control of novel nanomaterials in packaging, automotive and solar panel processing lines”. Grant founded by European Union, H2020-NMP.

Project no. N401 569438 “The role of virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli Dr+ strains in biofilm formation as the mechanism of increasing intracellular persistence and survival of bacteria in the urinary tract.” Grant founded by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Project no. N401 587740 “Biofilm formation by uropathogenic E. coli Dr+ strains and its importance in pathogenesis of Urinary Tract Infections.” Grant for PhD students founded by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

List of Publications

Torres-Giner S., Wilkanowicz S., Melendez B., Lagaron J.M. (2017) Nanoencapsulation of Aloe Vera in synthetic and naturally occurring polymers by electrohydrodynamic processing of interest in food technology and bioactive packaging. J. Agric. Food Chem. 7:4439-4448

Wilkanowicz S. (2017) Use of biotechnology and nanotechnology in refinery and petrochemical industries. Przem. Chem. 4:282-290

Liu X., Blouin J., Santacruz A., Lan A., Andriamihaja M., Wilkanowicz S., Benetti P., Tomé D., Sanz Y., Blachier F., Davila A. (2014) High-protein diet modifies colonic microbiota and luminal environment but not colonocyte metabolism in the rat model: the increased luminal bulk connection. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 307:459-470

Zalewska-Piątek B., Wilkanowicz S., Bruździak P., Piątek R., Kur J. (2013) Biochemical characteristics of biofilms of uropathogenic Escherichia coli Dr+ strains. Microbiol. Res. 168:367-378

López-Rubio A., Sanchez E., Wilkanowicz S., Sanz Y., Lagaron J. (2012) Electrospinning as a useful technique for encapsulation of living Bifidobacteria in food hydrocolloids. Foodhyd. 28:159-167

Zalewska-Piątek B., Kur M., Wilkanowicz S., Piatek R., Kur J (2010) The DraC usher in Dr fimbriae biogenesis of uropathogenic E. coli Dr(+) strains. Arch. Microbiol. 192:351-63

Zalewska-Piątek B., Wilkanowicz S., Piatek R., Kur J. (2009) Biofilm formation as a virulence determinant of uropathogenic Escherichia coli Dr+ strains. Pol. J. Microbiol. 58:223-9

JIANXIN LIU 1108 Island Drive, CT, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734-834-800 jianxinl@umich.edu

EDUCATION

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Overall GPA 3.5/4.0 Research Focus: Protein structure by X-ray crystallography Doctoral of Science in Chemistry Shanghai Jiao Tong University GPA: 86/100

Zhiyuan College, BS Honor program in Chemistry (top 10% students in SJTU)

Ann Arbor, MI Sep, 2017- Dec,2022(Expected)

Shanghai, China Sep 2013-Jul 2017

RESEARCH Design and synthesis of chalcone-oxaborole photo-affinity probe Oct 2014-Jun 2016 Shanghai Jiao Yong University, School of Pharmacy, PI: Prof. Zhou • Designed and optimized a novel photo-affinity probe enhancing the detection to cancer cells for 10-20 folds

Development of high-selective oxidative dearomatization biocatalyst approach Aug 2016-Feb 2017 University of Michigan, Life Science Institute, PI: Prof. Narayan • Designed and synthesized a series of specific substrate for a new high selective and efficient biocatalyst

method of oxidative dearomatization • Identify different catalytically active enzyme mutant

Selected copper-mediated C-H/N-H annulation of indolcarboxamide with arynes and its application

Feb 2017-Jun 2017 Shanghai Jiao Yong University, School of Chemistry, PI: Prof. Zhang • Designed and developed a novel copper-catalyzed method to transform inert C-H/N-H bond into versatile

functional groups. Tailor the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll to extend the usable range of photosynthetic light Sep 2017-Current

University of Michigan, Department of Chemistry, PI: Prof. Bridwell-Rabb • Use X-ray crystallography to solve the structure of enzyme that can tailor photosynthetic pigments

chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll • Figure out the mechanism and explore further application and modification

SKILLS Languages: English (proficient), Chinese (native) Professional: HPLC, FPLC, LC-MS, GC, NMR, FTIR and EPR. Computer: MATLAB, Coot, PyMOL, ChemBio Office, Origin, Microsoft