Research
Dr. Pan's research group focuses on fundamental science and engineering development of particle separation and recycling technologies. We are particularly interested in the use of advanced microscopic imaging tools and mathematical analysis to improve the understanding of underlying mechanisms, increase process efficiency, address supply chain for emerging industry, and reduce environmental impact.
Laboratory Facility
Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Olympus IX73 inverted microscope
Olympus BXFM modular microscope
Mitutoyo Infinity-corrected objective (5x, 20x)
Andor sCMOS camera (Zyla 5.5 10-tap)
Multiple FLIR cameras (IMX174 180 fps)
Optical Table (Thorlabs)
Superluminescent Diodes (1550 nm, 22 mW, 50 nm Bandwidth)
Laser Diode (1330 nm) and control systems
Tri-wavelength Epi-illumination (home built)
Contact Angle Goniometer
Multiple NI systems
General Lab Facility
Laboratory Mechanical Drying Ovens
Benchtop Muffle Furnace
Tube Furnace
Multiple Laboratory Agitators
Hot plates/agitators
Electrochemistry and Battery Testing
Large battery tester, 5V 12 A
Coin-cell battery tester, 5V 10 mA
Analytical Equipment
We are adding more capacities in FY22-23.
UV/VIS spectroscopy (Beckman);
Thermogravimetric Analzer (Leco 701)
AAS
ICP
Crushing/Milling
Hammer Mill
Multiple commercial blenders
Various Ore crushing units
Mineral Processing
Froth Flotation: Denver cells, Multiple Flotation Columns
Gravity Separation: Teeter-Bed Separators (TBS); Shaking Table; Falcon Separator; Spiral;
Wet/Dry Magnetic Separator
Electrostatic Separator
Sizing: sieves, hydrocyclone
Hydrometallurgy/Chemical Separation
Leaching/Precipitation: Pressure Oxidation Leaching, atmospheric leaching.
600-mL high-pressure Ti reactor;
2000-mL high-pressure reactor
multiple 300-mL and 500-mL glass reactor (CSTR)
Solvent Extraction: lab-scale and pilot-scale units
Crystallization
Ratory Evaporator (IKA)
Particle Characterization
Zeta potential analyzer (Malvern);
Particle Size Analyzer (Microtrac);
SEM, XRD, XRF (@ACMAL).