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).