Electrochemistry; Aquatic Chemistry; Process Modeling; Science & Technology Studies

We are engineers and scientists at the University at Buffalo, Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering studying the use of electrochemistry for better chemical separations through the lens of power, both in its physical form (energy per time) and social form (hierarchies and institutions). Chemical separations make up a large portion of industrial energy use, from purifying medications to cleaning our drinking water, and access to chemical/environmental purity is in many ways, a manifestation of social capital. Electrochemical separations have the opportunity both to reduce overall energy consumption for better energy equity and cost and to modernize separations for a renewable electricity grid, but we must be conscientious of how we implement these technologies to ensure the benefits and drawbacks are equitable.

We focus on the removal of inorganic pollutants such as CO2 and lead, with attention to both the economic and public health impacts of our processes. Our work draws from a variety of experimental and computational methods, seeking to know not only that the technology works, but also that it will be socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.

See below for example projects.