Montana Tech Carbon High-Temperature Advanced Research (CHAR) Laboratory
Research Areas
- Biochar characterization
- Adsorption optimization
- Novel test and screening methods for material filters
- REE adsorption and desorption properties
- Novel resonant vibratory mixing separations
The Montana Technological University Carbon High-Temperature Advanced Research Laboratory, through research grants from the Army Research Lab (ARL) is investigating novel Rare Earth Element (REE) extraction and chemical hazard removal technologies to support the Army Modernization Strategy. REEs are critical materials utilized to construct communication, guidance, and control systems for both defense and civilian applications. Currently, the United States is unable to economically extract the necessary quantities of REEs, and is dependent upon foreign markets and supply chains. The CHAR laboratory is applying novel resonant vibratory mixing technologies with carbon-based absorbates to conduct REE solid separations. Chemical hazards affect the health and safety of both humans and the environment. The CHAR laboratory is tasked with developing novel techniques to mitigate airborne and waterborne contaminants. CHAR endeavors to adapt existing methodology to create metal-organic frameworks from common reagents, apply functional materials as surface coatings, and produce functional materials to neutralize air and water toxins. This work is conducted by faculty, graduate research students, and undergraduate students to provide educational opportunities for students interested in related engineering and science fields.
Research Group Members
Faculty
Richard LaDouceur
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering
Mario Caccia
Collaborator
Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
Katie Hailer
Collaborator
Chemistry
Graduate Students
Blaine Berrington
PhD
Materials Science & Engineering
Amirhosein Riahi
PhD
Earth Science & Engineering
Kelli Thomas
MS
General Engineering - Mechanical
Max Tripke
MS
General Engineering - Mechanical
Zainab Nasrullah
PhD
Materials Science & Engineering
Oluwatosin Adebayo
MS
Materials Science & Engineering
Max Wohlgenant
MS
Materials Science & Engineering
Joe Salerno
MS
General Engineering - Mechanical
Publications
Alley, Cunneen, Prieto-Centurion, Neutralization of organophosphate over highly dispersed Fe, Cu, and Co on silica, Catalysis Communications, 2021, 156 10.1016/j.catcom.2021.1063192.
Alley, Eaton-Gavenda, Prieto-Centurion, Photo-thermal catalytic degradation of organophosphates over Cu, Co, and Fe on titania, Catalysis Communications, 2022, 162 10.1016/j.catcom.2021.1063693.
Muretta, Prieto-Centurion,LaDouceur, Kirtley, Unique chemistry and structure of pyrolyzed bone for enhanced aqueous heavy metals adsorption, Waste and Biomass Valorization, doi.org/10.1007/s12649-022-01895-74.
Muretta, Kirtley, LaDouceur, Prieto-Centurion, Breakthrough behavior for gas phase ammonia by biochar, Biochar, in preparation.
Muretta, Uriarte, Compton, Stadie, Prieto-Centurion, LaDouceur, Kirtley Significance of Lignin S/G and Potassium in Formation of Biochar Structure and Chemistry, Carbon, in preparation.
Berrington, Garden, Williams, LaDouceur,Ligand functionalized chitin biopolymer materials for adsorption applications, Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, in preparation (submitted Oct. 2022).
Berrington, Williams, Garden, LaDouceur, Prieto-Centurion, Aqueous organic adsorption with functionalized chitin, Biopolymers, in preparation.
Berrington, Williams, Garden, Prieto-Centurion, LaDouceur, Mechanical analysis of fabricated chitin structures, Biopolymers, in preparation