CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS PROJECT

Thermodynamic Process-Structure-Property (PSP) Relations of Organic Nanoparticles (<20 Nm) with Controlled Architecture of  Core (MS)-And-Shell (CS) Morphology

Task: By establishing the structure-property relation, as chemical engineers, you are expected to propose the formation mechanisms for PSP relations for process-controlled deposition of organic core (MS)-and-shell (CS) nanostructures at low temperatures. 

The project work is aimed to establish a comprehensive framework that integrates essential components for discovering reliable approaches to core (MS)-shell (CS) nanoparticle evolution. Process-structure-property relations derived from the above approaches will be used for creation of nanoparticle engineering specifically aimed at multi-scale systems. This will be accomplished through  experimental studies and  analytical methodologies. Initial results generated from this study will be further expanded to discover the specific low-temperature operational factors for core (MS)-shell (CS) nanostructures.

Eventually, the science will be used to create an engineering platform (NEMPPS) for an in-depth scientific understanding of the nanostructure evolution relationship to targeted integration into process-specific multi-scale systems. The key evolutionary innovation in the project work lies in discovering a scientific platform for using multi-scale process-structure-property relations to enable engineering of currently non-attainable organic nanostructures that are stable in relation to high-process shear conditions when mixed with foreign microscale granular particles, with applications in a wide variety of scientific and industrial processes. 

Approach: Develop a thermodynamic hypotheses-driven approach on how to retain core-shell morphologies within the limits of required particle sizes (<20  nm) without altering the PSP relations.

Problem Statement: High temperature in the spray pyrolysis process instantly evaporates the droplets and also damages the molecular structure. This is because many biomolecules cannot withstand high operating temperatures. In particular, for pharmaceutical and drug related applications, it is essential to obtain both nanosized particles as well as stable biomolecules. Hence, a mechanism must be engineered to facilitate deposition of organic nanostructures in core-shell morphologies. Careful choice of operating conditions and parameters generating scientific mechanisms to evolve into an engineering protocol is needed. 

As thermodynamic chemical engineering students, your task is to carefully evaluate the problem by addressing the following questions:

1. Come up with a thermodynamic approach on how to make a solution that can dissolve both MS and CS together? Propose solution thermodynamics and properties studied. 

2. Propose s thermodynamic mechanism proposing the dissolution and heat transition behavior of the above mentioned miscible solution.

3. Since the solution has to be processed at low temperatures (less than 45°C), propose a mechanism to operate the aerosol dynamics with specific operating temperature.

4. In order to obtain a binary material of CS and MS, discuss the transition of melting temperature and atomic interaction energy.

5. How do internal energy, pressure and volume of the system (reactor chamber) change with atomic fractions of components A (MS) and B (CS) in liquid phase? 

6. How do internal energy, pressure and volume of the system (reactor chamber) change with atomic fractions of components A (MS) and B (CS) in solid phase? 

7. Propose a mechanism for interaction potential of atomic components as a function of operating temperature.

8. Based on the atomic interaction potential, explain how MS forms as a core and CS as a shell. 

9. Identify various technological road blocks when transitioning from metallic to organic structures. How do you overcome them in thermodynamic terms?

10. What is the release in thermal energy from formation of core-shell structure? Compare metallic and organic structures. 

11. What is the stored energy associated with the formation of particles?

12. Compare relative thermodynamic stabilities of various structures and suggest a methodology for heat of solution measurements for organic solutions.

Attachment:- Project Assignment.rar