Current projects in chemical engineering.
Introduction:
Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and operation of plants and machinery used in industrial chemical processes. It combines the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to create and optimize chemical processes for the production of materials such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and more. In India, the field of chemical engineering is constantly evolving with new research and projects. In this report, we will explore 75 latest projects in chemical engineering that showcase the innovation and creativity of students in this field.
1. Development of a novel catalyst for the production of biofuels
Description: This project focuses on the design and synthesis of a new catalyst that can efficiently convert biomass into biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. The goal is to develop a sustainable and cost-effective method for producing renewable energy sources.
2. Optimization of wastewater treatment processes using advanced technologies
Description: This project aims to improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants by using cutting-edge technologies, such as membrane filtration and UV disinfection. The goal is to minimize the environmental impact of industrial effluents and ensure clean water resources for communities.
3. Design and fabrication of a pilot-scale distillation column for the separation of azeotropic mixtures
Description: This project involves the construction of a distillation column that can effectively separate azeotropic mixtures, which are notoriously difficult to purify using traditional methods. The goal is to develop a practical solution for the chemical industry to produce high-purity products.
4. Investigation of the rheological properties of polymer nanocomposites
Description: This project focuses on studying the flow behavior of polymer nanocomposites, which are materials with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties due to the addition of nanoparticles. The goal is to understand how the dispersion of nanoparticles affects the overall performance of the composites.
5. Development of a green synthesis method for the production of nanoparticles
Description: This project aims to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesizing nanoparticles using plant extracts or other natural sources. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of traditional chemical processes and promote green chemistry practices.
6. Design and implementation of a process control system for a chemical reactor
Description: This project involves the design and installation of a control system for monitoring and regulating the operation of a chemical reactor. The goal is to optimize the production process, minimize energy consumption, and ensure the safety of the plant personnel.
7. Study of the thermochemical conversion of biomass for biochar production
Description: This project focuses on investigating the pyrolysis and gasification of biomass to produce biochar, a sustainable soil amendment with carbon sequestration capabilities. The goal is to develop a commercially viable process for converting agricultural residues into value-added products.
8. Synthesis and characterization of novel catalyst supports for hydrogen production
Description: This project aims to develop innovative catalyst supports that can enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production from renewable sources, such as water electrolysis. The goal is to improve the performance and durability of catalyst materials for clean energy applications.
9. Investigation of the adsorption properties of carbon nanotubes for environmental remediation
Description: This project focuses on studying the adsorption capacity of carbon nanotubes for removing pollutants from water and air. The goal is to develop cost-effective and efficient adsorbents for treating contaminated environments and improving public health.
10. Design and optimization of a bio-based process for the production of biodegradable plastics
Description: This project involves the design and optimization of a bioprocess for producing biodegradable plastics from renewable feedstocks, such as corn starch or sugarcane. The goal is to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and minimize plastic waste in the environment.
11. Development of a microfluidic platform for drug delivery applications
Description: This project aims to create a microfluidic device capable of precise control over drug release rates for targeted therapies. The goal is to improve the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical treatments by delivering drugs at the right time and dose to the affected tissues.
12. Study of the catalytic conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel
Description: This project focuses on investigating the use of heterogeneous catalysts for converting waste cooking oil into biodiesel, a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. The goal is to develop a closed-loop recycling system for converting waste materials into valuable products.
13. Design and fabrication of a solar-powered desalination system for water purification
Description: This project involves building a solar-powered desalination unit that can provide clean drinking water from seawater or brackish sources. The goal is to address water scarcity issues in coastal regions and promote renewable energy solutions for sustainable development.
14. Investigation of the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems
Description: This project focuses on studying the environmental consequences of microplastic pollution in freshwater and marine environments. The goal is to raise awareness of this emerging problem and explore potential solutions for mitigating the harmful effects of plastic debris.
15. Development of a waste-to-energy conversion system using pyrolysis technology
Description: This project aims to convert organic waste materials into renewable energy sources, such as biochar and bio-oil, through pyrolysis processes. The goal is to reduce landfill waste and generate clean energy for various applications, such as heating and electricity generation.
16. Synthesis and testing of novel membranes for gas separation applications
Description: This project involves the development and characterization of advanced membranes for separating gases, such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide, in industrial processes. The goal is to improve the efficiency and performance of gas separation technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
17. Design and optimization of a continuous flow reactor for organic synthesis
Description: This project focuses on the design and optimization of a reactor system for performing organic reactions in a continuous flow mode. The goal is to achieve high product yields, reduced processing times, and improved safety in chemical manufacturing operations.
18. Study of the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds for air pollution control
Description: This project aims to investigate the use of catalyst materials for converting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into less harmful byproducts in industrial exhaust gases. The goal is to develop efficient and eco-friendly solutions for reducing air pollution from chemical plants and refineries.
19. Development of a bio-inspired artificial photosynthesis system for solar fuel production
Description: This project involves the design and implementation of an artificial photosynthesis system that mimics the light-capturing and energy-conversion processes of natural photosynthetic organisms. The goal is to harness solar energy for producing renewable fuels, such as hydrogen and ethanol, from abundant resources.
20. Optimization of reactor design for the production of high-value chemicals from biomass
Description: This project focuses on optimizing the design and operation of reactors used for converting biomass feedstocks into value-added chemicals, such as platform chemicals and specialty products. The goal is to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of biorefinery processes for a bio-based economy.
21. Study of the electrochemical properties of graphene-based supercapacitors for energy storage
Description: This project aims to investigate the electrical conductivity and energy storage capacity of graphene-based supercapacitors for storing renewable energy. The goal is to develop high-performance energy storage devices with fast charging rates and long cycle life for various applications, such as electric vehicles and grid-scale storage.
22. Development of a smart sensing system for monitoring air quality and emissions
Description: This project involves the design and implementation of a sensor network for real-time monitoring of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. The goal is to provide timely and accurate data for environmental authorities to make informed decisions on pollution control measures and public health protection.
23. Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery
Description: This project focuses on preparing and characterizing magnetic nanoparticles that can be functionalized with therapeutic agents for targeted drug delivery to specific tissues or tumors. The goal is to enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatments by delivering drugs directly to the affected sites.
24. Optimization of bioreactor conditions for the production of bio-based chemicals
Description: This project aims to optimize the operating parameters of bioreactor systems for cultivating microorganisms and producing bio-based chemicals, such as enzymes and biofuels. The goal is to maximize product yields, minimize production costs, and improve overall process efficiency in biotechnological applications.
25. Investigation of the feasibility of using algae for wastewater treatment and biofuel production
Description: This project focuses on exploring the dual benefits of algae-based systems for treating wastewater and producing biofuels, such as biodiesel and biogas. The goal is to develop integrated biorefinery processes that can address both environmental and energy challenges through sustainable algae cultivation methods.
26. Development of a computer-aided process design tool for chemical engineers
Description: This project involves the development of a software tool that can assist chemical engineers in designing and simulating chemical processes with high accuracy and efficiency. The goal is to streamline the design workflow, optimize process parameters, and facilitate decision-making in process engineering projects.
27. Study of the catalytic hydrogenation of biomass-derived compounds for biorefinery applications
Description: This project aims to investigate the catalytic conversion of biomass-derived compounds, such as lignin and cellulose, into valuable chemicals and biofuels through hydrogenation reactions. The goal is to unlock the potential of renewable feedstocks for producing sustainable products in a biorefinery context.
28. Design and fabrication of a microreactor system for continuous flow chemistry
Description: This project focuses on building a compact and efficient microreactor system that can perform chemical reactions in a continuous flow mode. The goal is to improve reaction control, enhance product purity, and enable scale-up in microscale processing technologies for chemical synthesis applications.
29. Investigation of the application of nanomaterials for water purification and remediation
Description: This project aims to explore the use of nanotechnology for developing advanced materials that can efficiently remove pollutants and contaminants from water sources. The goal is to design cost-effective and sustainable solutions for water treatment and environmental cleanup using nanomaterial-based adsorbents and membranes.
30. Development of a bio-inspired soft robotics platform for applications in healthcare
Description: This project involves designing and fabricating a soft robotic system inspired by biological movements and structures for medical applications, such as surgical assistance and rehabilitation therapy. The goal is to create flexible and adaptive robotic devices that can interact safely with human tissues and perform complex tasks with precision.
31. Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
Description: This project focuses on synthesizing and studying metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface areas and selective adsorption properties for storing and separating gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide. The goal is to develop MOF materials with tailored pore structures and functional groups for gas storage applications in energy and environmental fields.
32. Optimization of fermentation conditions for the production of bio-based surfactants
Description: This project aims to optimize the fermentation process parameters for producing bio-based surfactants from microbial cultures, such as biosurfactants and rhamnolipids. The goal is to develop sustainable alternatives to chemical surfactants with improved biodegradability and low toxicity for various industrial applications, including detergents and cosmetics.
33. Investigation of the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater treatment
Description: This project focuses on studying the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater using semiconductor materials, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The goal is to develop efficient and environmentally friendly methods for removing pollutants and improving water quality through solar-driven photocatalysis processes.
34. Design and optimization of a closed-loop control system for a chemical plant
Description: This project involves designing and implementing a closed-loop control system for monitoring and regulating the operation of a chemical plant in real-time. The goal is to ensure operational safety, maximize production efficiency, and minimize energy consumption by integrating process control strategies and automation technologies.
35. Study of the electrochemical properties of carbon-based materials for energy storage
Description: This project aims to investigate the electrochemical performance and structural properties of carbon-based materials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, for energy storage applications, including supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to design and fabricate high-performance electrode materials with enhanced electrical conductivity and energy storage capacity.
36. Development of a modular biorefinery concept for converting waste streams into value-added products
Description: This project focuses on developing a flexible and scalable biorefinery concept that can convert diverse waste streams, such as agricultural residues and food waste, into biofuels, biochemicals, and biopolymers. The goal is to create a circular economy model for upcycling waste materials and generating sustainable products with minimal environmental impact.
37. Investigation of the electrospinning process for producing nanofibrous membranes
Description: This project aims to study the electrospinning technique for fabricating nanofibrous membranes with high surface area and porosity for filtration and separation applications. The goal is to optimize process parameters, control fiber morphology, and enhance membrane performance for water treatment, air filtration, and biomedical applications.
38. Design and fabrication of a microfluidic chip for cell sorting and analysis
Description: This project involves designing and manufacturing a microfluidic device that can isolate and analyze individual cells based on their physical and biochemical properties. The goal is to enable high-throughput cell sorting, single-cell analysis, and precision medicine applications in biology and biomedicine research.
39. Optimization of biocatalytic reactions for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates
Description: This project aims to optimize the conditions of biocatalytic reactions using enzymes for synthesizing key intermediates in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The goal is to achieve high yields, selectivity, and operational stability of biocatalysts for producing complex molecules with pharmaceutical relevance in a sustainable manner.
40. Investigation of the electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production
Description: This project focuses on studying the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis systems powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The goal is to develop efficient and cost-effective methods for producing green hydrogen as a clean fuel for transportation and energy storage applications.
41. Development of a point-of-care diagnostic device for detecting infectious diseases
Description: This project involves developing a portable and user-friendly diagnostic device that can rapidly detect the presence of infectious pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, in clinical samples. The goal is to facilitate early disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in resource-limited settings and remote healthcare settings.
42. Synthesis and characterization of zeolite-based materials for adsorption and catalysis
Description: This project aims to synthesize and characterize zeolite-based materials with tunable pore structures and surface properties for adsorption and catalysis applications in chemical processes. The goal is to design innovative zeolite catalysts and adsorbents for enhancing reaction selectivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in industrial operations.
43. Optimization of bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass using enzymatic hydrolysis
Description: This project focuses on optimizing the enzymatic hydrolysis process of lignocellulosic biomass, such as agricultural residues and forestry wastes, for producing bioethanol as a renewable biofuel. The goal is to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bioethanol production by enhancing enzyme performance and substrate conversion rates in biorefinery operations.
44. Investigation of the electrochemical sensors for real-time monitoring of water quality
Description: This project aims to develop electrochemical sensors for detecting and quantifying water contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, in real-time monitoring applications. The goal is to provide accurate and rapid analysis of water quality parameters for environmental monitoring, pollution control, and public health protection.
45. Development of a microalgae cultivation system for wastewater treatment and bioenergy production
Description: This project involves designing and implementing a microalgae cultivation system that can purify wastewater and produce bioenergy, such as biodiesel and biogas, through photosynthetic pathways. The goal is to create a sustainable and integrated approach to wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation using microalgae-based technologies.
46. Optimization of membrane distillation process for seawater desalination
Description: This project focuses on optimizing the membrane distillation process for desalinating seawater and producing high-quality freshwater for domestic and industrial use. The goal is to improve the energy efficiency, salt rejection, and operational stability of membrane distillation systems for sustainable water supply in arid regions and coastal areas.
47. Synthesis and evaluation of novel nanocatalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions
Description: This project aims to synthesize and test novel nanocatalysts with tailored surface properties and active sites for selective hydrogenation reactions in organic synthesis. The goal is to improve the catalytic performance, reaction selectivity, and product yields of nanocatalyst materials for pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing processes.
48. Design and fabrication of a microreactor system for continuous flow nanoparticle synthesis
Description: This project involves building a microreactor platform that can produce nanoparticles in a continuous flow mode with precise control over particle size and morphology. The goal is to optimize reaction conditions, enhance process scalability, and enable rapid synthesis of functional nanomaterials for various applications, such as drug delivery and catalysis.
49. Investigation of the electrochemical CO2 reduction for carbon capture and utilization
Description: This project focuses on studying the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemical feedstocks, such as carbon monoxide and methane, using renewable electricity sources. The goal is to develop electrocatalytic systems for converting CO2 emissions into value-added products and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a sustainable manner.
50. Development of a smart sensing system for monitoring indoor air quality in buildings
Description: This project involves developing a smart sensor network for real-time monitoring of indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide, in commercial and residential buildings. The goal is to ensure indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency through data-driven building management strategies and ventilation control technologies.
51. Synthesis and characterization of bio-based polymers for biomedical applications
Description: This project aims to synthesize and characterize bio-based polymers from renewable feedstocks, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical devices. The goal is to develop biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with tailored properties for enhancing therapeutic outcomes and reducing environmental impacts in healthcare.
52. Optimization of biocatalytic processes for the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Description: This project focuses on optimizing biocatalytic processes using enzymes and microorganisms for synthesizing high-value fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. The goal is to harness the catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of biocatalysts in biotechnological applications for pharmaceutical manufacturing, biocatalysis, and green chemistry processes.
53. Investigation of the catalytic conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels
Description: This project aims to explore novel catalytic materials and reaction pathways for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals, such as methanol, formic acid, and syngas, through catalytic reduction and hydrogenation processes. The goal is to develop sustainable and cost-effective technologies for utilizing CO2 as a feedstock for producing renewable fuels and chemicals with carbon recycling capabilities.
54. Design and optimization of microreactor systems for flow chemistry applications
Description: This project involves designing and optimizing microreactor systems that enable controlled and efficient chemical reactions to be performed in a continuous flow mode. The goal is to enhance reaction kinetics, product yields, and process intensification in microscale reactors for organic synthesis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and material synthesis applications.
55. Development of a biorefinery concept for the valorization of plant waste into bio-based products
Description: This project focuses on developing a biorefinery concept that uses plant waste materials, such as agricultural residues and forestry biomass, as feedstocks