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Current Research
Current Research
CO₂ Electrolyzer Techno-Economic Analysis: Stack Cost Modelling for Green Chemical Production
Building a bottom-up manufacturing cost model for CO₂ electrolyzers to assess the economic viability of electrochemical carbon utilization at scale. The model adapts the NREL Design-for-Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) methodology -originally developed for PEM water electrolyzers -to CO₂ reduction systems, filling a gap in existing literature which relies on water electrolyzer cost proxies rather than CO₂ specific stack cost estimates.
The model calculates levelised production cost ($/kg) by costing each stack component individually from material loadings and prices, applying NREL manufacturing process economics across CCM coating, die cutting, and stack assembly, and annualising the resulting capital cost via a CRF alongside operating electricity costs.
Past Research Projects
Past Research Projects
OER Catalyst- Fe-Ni Analysis using In Situ UV Vis for CO2 Electroreduction (Spring 2025)
OER Catalyst- Fe-Ni Analysis using In Situ UV Vis for CO2 Electroreduction (Spring 2025)
Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a key technology in addressing climate change by converting CO2 into valuable products. However, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode limits the efficiency of these systems. Traditional catalysts, like iridium and ruthenium, are expensive and scarce, hindering large-scale adoption. To overcome these challenges, the Barecka Lab is developing an innovative catalyst made of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) plated onto nickel foam. My project involves using UV Vis spectroscopy to track the plating dynamics of Fe and Ni in solution, providing insights into the catalyst's formation and optimizing its performance for sustainable CO2 reduction.
Industrial CO2 Waste Valorization
Industrial CO2 Waste Valorization
Feasibility study on electrochemical urea synthesis from CO2 waste streams in ammonia production, analyzing technical, economic, and environmental impacts for a plant in Corpus Christi
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car
Optimizing the efficiency and speed of a Zinc-HCl reaction to power a stacked hydrogen fuel cell powered arduino car. (ChemE Car NU)
Fluid Mechanics of PSH
Fluid Mechanics of PSH
Researching the effects of a working fluid's dynamic viscosity on the efficiency of a small scale pumped storage hydropower system.
Gear Mechanism Optimization
Gear Mechanism Optimization
Exploring the role of lubrication in optimizing gear mechanisms, focusing on how lubricant temperature affects the efficiency and longevity of agricultural machinery
PFAS Phytoremediation
PFAS Phytoremediation
Assisting upperclassmen on phytoremediation of PFAS using Juncus Ephesus plants
Carbon Efficient Cement Formulation
Carbon Efficient Cement Formulation
Investigating the effects of charge density of a cation in a carbonate on the volume of C02 released for applications in sustainable cement formulation
Biomethane Potential Test
Biomethane Potential Test
Determining the biochemical methane potential of a specific organic waste substrate using a respirometer sensor method to assess its potential as feedstock for a biodigester.
Bioslurry- Organic Fertilizer
Bioslurry- Organic Fertilizer
Investigating the potential of bioslurry, a product from function biogas systems, to enhance spinahc crop germination and phenology, and soil fertility (NPK concentration)
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