UROP Project
Atmospheric degradation pathways and endpoints for an emerging class of compounds about to be used industrially (for chemistry students or chemical engineers)
Contact
Key Info
Basic Information
- Project Offer-Number:
- 280
- Category:
- UROP Abroad
- Field:
- Chemical Engineering
- Faculty:
- OTHER
- Organisation unit:
- University of Arizona
- Language Skills:
- English, the PI has no other language skills
- Computer Skills:
- Have had one programming course
MoveOn
This project would train a chemist or chemical engineer on the use of computational chemistry techniques to estimate the atmospheric lifetimes, kinetic degradation rates, and environmental consequences of the introduction of hydrofluoroethers, an emerging class of compounds. These compounds are poised to greatly influence the environment if HFCs are phased out, as indicated even by the US EPA. Computational chemistry techniques will be taught, along with statistical thermodynamics, with the understanding that students will NOT have had this background. These techniques will enable the research to evaluate new chemicals for use and give the student new and complimentary skills that help them think about sustainability at a global level.
Task
Use computational chemistry to predict reaction rates. Use life cycle assessment to evaluate trade-offs of new chemicals for different uses.
Requirements
- Have had differential equations - Have had organic chemistry - Have had a programming course of some sort - Be willing to learn broadly about many topics regarding sustainability
Full Address
University of Arizona
PO Box 210011, Dept. of Chem. and Env. Engr.
85721-0011 Tucson, AZ
USA
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