Canada’s unconventional gas resources are an emerging low-cost, clean burning energy source, the export of which presents both a major economic opportunity for Canada. To unlock this gas from the low permeability rocks it is found in, hydraulic fracturing is used. This process involves pumping fluids under high pressure into the reservoir rock to generate […]

The goal of this project is to develop enhanced knowledge and gain applied experience through technical research, development and knowledge mobilization activities. The research topic is focused on adaptive architectures with a focus on computational design of environmentally responsive, intelligent, interactive, and reconfigurable structures. Working with Philip Beesley as academic chair of ACADIA 2013 and […]

The project is designed to reduce the carbon intensity of ethylene production in Alberta. Ethylene is an important building block for the chemical industry to produce plastics, consumer goods, solvents, paints. Ethylene is predominantly produced by steam cracking releasing up to 2.7 kg CO2 eq./ kg of polyethylene produced. In Alberta, the production of ethylene […]

MISSING!! The objective of the research to be conducted under the present research grant is the development of a CFD based model of a helicopter wake for the purpose of tracking pesticide droplet transport. The fluid velocity field, once obtained, can be used for tracking spray releases for an unlimited number of combinations of droplet […]

Cellulose and Silicon are two of the most abundant natural materials in the world, thus it is only “natural” to combine the two materials. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been attractive sustainable additives for the mechanical reinforcement of polymers and silicon can be easily converted to silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) for use in biosensing, coatings, and […]

Developing high safety Li-ion battery technology is essential for high energy, and long-range applications. However, the current state-of-the-art Li-ion battery technology cannot fulfill the industry requirements due to its theoretical limitations. All solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSLiB) using inorganic solid-state Li-ion conductors, holds promising features of high energy density, and enhanced safety over conventional Li-ion batteries. […]

Energy storage can help address the intermittency of renewable energies (such as solar and wind power). Different methods were developed to store energy for later uses. D’Arcy Mann, the founder of TESS Research Ltd., developed a method of high temperature thermal storage that would allow surplus power from renewables to be input year-round and given […]

The objective of this project is to develop lead free solder alloys with superior mechanical and physical properties. For various reasons (some mentioned above), Sn-based multicomponent alloys with alloying elements, Ag, Cu and/or Bi are likely to be the most promising [2] [8]. For further improvement of Sn-based solder joints, in this work the effects […]

Nitrogen is a primary macronutrient used today in agriculture. Although the air consists of more than 78% of diazote, plants cannot use the atmospheric nitrogen (N) because the very stable electron configuration of this molecule which makes all reactions energy demanding. For this reason, industrial processes (e.g., Haber-Bosch process) have been developed during the last […]

Nowadays, due to wastewater released from underground workings, decontamination of neutral mine drainage from toxic metals and rare earth elements is a public concern. They can pollute surface waters by their high mobility and solubility in water. Among the most common technics for the removal of pollutants, the adsorption method because of effective removal of […]

Oil and gas pipelines generally traverse over a large distance through various ground conditions, from relatively flat areas to sloping grounds such as crossing hills, mountain ridges and rivers. Ground deformation/slope failure and upheaval buckling during operation pose a major threat to the structural integrity, safety and operability of the pipelines. In the proposed project, […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a very large family of persistent anthropogenic chemicals utilized in the manufacturing of industrial materials with non-stick and oil/water repellent properties, Teflon, and fire-fighting foams. Their use has resulted in their final dispersion in soil, groundwater, and surface water, causing adverse environmental and health effects. They are responsible for […]