Dr. Eric Lees
Talk Title: Multi-Physics Modelling of Electrochemical Systems
Abstract: Electrochemical reactors use renewable electricity to synthesize high-value chemicals in place of carbon-intensive thermal processes. However, electrochemical reactors are often far less efficient than their thermochemical counterparts. Moreover, the fundamental mass transport and kinetic phenomena that dictate the energy efficiency of electrochemical reactors is not well understood, which makes optimization challenging. Multi-physics modelling provides a means of quantitatively evaluating energy improvements enabled by reactor and material design and resolving in situ concentration gradients at scales which are not accessible by experiments. This type of modelling is a powerful tool for electrochemical reactor optimization because it is computationally efficient and links relevant length- and time-scales from the electrode/electrolyte interface to the performance of the device as a whole. In this presentation, I will demonstrate how multi-physics modelling can inform the design of efficient electrochemical devices that reduce CO2 into value-added chemicals, convert water into hydrogen gas, and remediate agricultural waste. Simulations reveal the dominant energy loss mechanism in each of these systems and critical tradeoffs in reaction rate, energy consumption, and product yield. The results provide key insight into material properties and reactor architectures that manage these tradeoffs and enable efficient electrochemical synthesis.
Bio: Eric Lees is an Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Prior to joining UBC, Eric held an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory where his research focused on the development of continuum models for electrochemical systems under the supervision of Dr. Adam Z. Weber and Prof. Alex T. Bell. Eric obtained his PhD at UBC under the supervision of Prof. Curtis P. Berlinguette, where he built electrochemical reactors for coupled CO2 capture and conversion. The Lees Lab focuses on combining electrochemical engineering theory with experiments to design efficient electrochemical systems for climate-related challenges.
Dr. Chester Upham
Talk Title: How New Catalysts Can Enable CO2-Free Fuel and Chemical Production
Abstract: New processes that are both clean and affordable are urgently needed. Canada can be a great place for some of these technologies, and Chemical and Biological Engineering students are uniquely qualified to work on these processes. New catalysts can enable these processes, and this talk will highlight the use of liquid metal catalysts for decarbonization efforts. Applications will include hydrogen and syngas production from CO2 and CH4, carbon nanotube production, and high temperature hydrogen separation membranes.
Bio: Chester Upham is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical & Biological Engineering department. Prior to joining UBC, Dr. Upham was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University in the SUNCAT Center for Interfacial Science and Catalysis. He holds a PhD from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University.
Dr. Upham’s research focuses on catalyst development for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. He has also worked at several start-up companies to develop and scale-up new catalytic processes. In 2018-2019, he worked in multiple roles with C-Zero to commercialize his PhD work, was the Director of Development for Carbon Sciences from 2010-2013, and also worked as a Process Engineer at Kimberly-Clark. His work has resulted in 8 patent applications and over 20 publications in journals such as Science, Nature Catalysis, and ACS Catalysis. It has been highlighted in Chemistry World and Nature Energy.
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