Faculty Profile
Alexander Lopez
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
Phone Number: (662)915-7023
Email: amlopez2@olemiss.edu
Key Words: Membranes, Ionic Liquids, Polymer Ionic Liquids, Separations, Electrodialysis
Research Description: Dr. Lopez is interested in the development of novel membranes from polymer ionic liquid composites for desalination and water purification and the recovery of specialty chemicals from product and waste streams. Further research interests include the development of novel films for energy storage and production and emission capture through membranes and solvent systems.
Honors Theses:
Frank-Briggs, Soibifaa (2020) Comparative Analysis of the Results from the Ideal Gas Assumptions with more Rigorous Calculations from Pro/II of the Production of Pharmaceutical Grade Acetone (full text)
Imafidon, Osariemen (2020) Comparative Analysis of Simulation Models of the Production of Ethylbenzene (full text)
Edwards, Matthew James (2019) Investigation of Fouling Mechanisms on Ion Exchange Membranes During Electrolytic Separations (full text)
Available Research Projects:
Block Copolymer Synthesis for Biphasic Films
Project Description: The student will work with Dr. Lopez and Dr. Smith of chemical engineering on the development of Block-copolymers for the development of biphasic films for gas separation applications. Specifically, the student will synthesize polystyrene-based block copolymers. Duties will consist of working with faculty and graduate students within the lab to synthesize and characterize block copolymers. Developed copolymers will be investigated for the development of free-standing films.
Desired Student Qualifications: Chemical Engineering or similar field student Sophomore status or higher
Project Timeline: 2-4 semesters
Duties of Student Researcher: Read and understand relevant literature in the field, perform experiments under guidance of research advisor and graduate student(s), analyze research data and prepare publications and student honors thesis.
Last Updated on 2020-07-20 14:10:44
Fouling mitigation in electrodialysis and electrodeionization
Project Description: A major limiting factor in membrane separations is fouling, the accumulation of contaminant minerals, bacteria, and other pollutants which reduces the efficiency of separation. This project will focus on understanding the mechanisms for fouling of electrically driven membrane systems and developing techniques to reduce and eliminate fouling during system operations. The researcher for this project will conduct a small literature survey to understand basic concepts for fouling and membrane science, test commercial membranes for fouling propensity, and develop novel films and membranes from polymer/ionic liquid formulations to reduce fouling tendencies. System constraints will also be studied to determine their influence on membrane fouling.
Desired Student Qualifications: Chemical engineering student
Project Timeline: 2-4 semesters
Duties of Student Researcher: Read and understand relevant literature in the field, perform experiments under guidance of research advisor and graduate student(s), analyze research data and prepare publications and student thesis.
Last Updated on 2016-09-09 10:30:53
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanoconfined Ionic Liquids within Biphasic Films
Project Description: This student will investigate the molecular interactions which occur between nanoconfined ionic liquids and polymers. Specifically, molecular dynamics simulations will be developed for biphasic ionic liquid/ polymer composites to determine the influence of confinement on film properties. Simulations will be developed in LAAMPs software.
Desired Student Qualifications: Chemical Engineering or related field student Sophomore status or higher
Project Timeline: 2-4 semesters
Duties of Student Researcher: Read and understand relevant literature in the field, develop simulation code using LAAMPs software, run simulation using workstations and Mississippi Center for Supercomputing Research. Analyze simulation output. Prepare publications and honors student thesis.
Last Updated on 2020-07-20 14:21:26