Sustainable
Energy and Biobased Products Symposium
OSU Student Union Oklahoma State University February 21, 2025
Starlight Terrace @
Stillwater, OK 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Mission
To conduct research and provide educational programs in environmentally-sound biobased product and energy development leading to the establishment of sustainable bioenergy and biorefinery operations in Oklahoma.
Time
8:30 am – 9:15 am
Oklahoma State University’s Biobased Products and Energy Center (BioPEC) is organized to foster multidisciplinary collaborations among faculty from different departments across OSU who are interested in contributing to bioeconomy development and sustainability. Participating faculty have expertise in crop production, genetics, conversion technologies, engineering, logistics, economics and modeling, and social sciences.
EMERGING RESEARCH THEMES
9:15 am - 9:30 am
9:30 am -10:35 am (note: with 20 min. Q&A)
10:35 am-10:45 am
10:45 am–11:45 am
11:45 am-1:00 pm
Dr. Mari Chinn Director, BioPEC
Dr. Pamela Abit Grant Mgr., BioPEC
biopec.okstate.edu
129 Agricultural Hall OSU, Stillwater, OK
Design and Development of Biomolecules, Biomaterials and Biobased Products
Supporting sustainability requires enhancing existing processes while exploring and developing new conversion technologies and product innovations. Aside from process development, biofuels and carbon-free fuels are part of this research area.
Carbon Sequestration and Capture Technologies
Enhancing the value of available carbon will involve advancements in measurement, accounting, and use in existing and newly developing technologies/systems. Applications exist across multiple industries. In addition to energy usage, economic and social factors will also play a role in how this area evolves.
Sustainable Crop Production Systems
Crops provide a renewable source of useful carbon for biobased energy and products. As feedstocks for non-food purposed, it is important to identify cropping systems that not only increase productivity but also conserve and improve soil health and minimize impacts on water resources. Defining management practices and near-term markets play a significant role in this research area.
Economic and Systems Analyses
Implementation of new methodologies, technologies, and systems have direct techno-economic and social impacts affecting supply chains, natural resources, and the public. Quantity and quality of data collection and management are critical to this research area and can support machine learning, big data, and artificial intelligence opportunities.
Rural Invigoration
Rural communities are central to the production and supply of biobased energy and products considering the source of biomass feedstocks. These communities should also benefit from technologies and processes developed. This area is focused on developing value-added systems that stimulate economic growth.
OSU BioPEC welcomes faculty/researchers to join the Center. Would you be interested in joining or would you like to learn more about the Center?
8:30 AM-9:15 AM
9:15 AM-9:30 AM
Symposium Program
Registration
Poster Session Set-Up
Opening Remarks
9:30 AM-10:35 AM
Keynote Address
10:35 AM-10:45 AM
10:45 AM-11:45 AM
11:45 AM-1:00 PM
Keynote Speaker
Break and General
Poster Browsing
Poster Session
Lunch and Networking
Starlight Terrace Foyer
Starlight Terrace
Dr. Mari Chinn Director, BioPEC Dept. Head, BAE
Dr. Andrila Mukhopadhyay
Vice President, Biofuels and Bioproducts @ JBEI, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Starlight Terrace
Starlight Terrace
Starlight Terrace
Dr. Aindrila Mukhopadhyay
As a senior scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Dr. Mukhopadhyay is the Science Deputy for the Biological Systems and Engineering Division. She is the Vice President of the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) Biofuels and Bioproducts Division. She uses systems and synthetic biology to study and engineer microbial systems for applications in bioenergy, bioproduction, and environmental sustainability. Her team focuses on developing and optimizing microbial hosts for the efficient conversion of plant biomass into renewable biofuels and bioproducts. Her work integrates cutting-edge tools in genomics, proteomics, and metabolic engineering, making significant contributions to sustainable energy research and advancing our understanding of microbial functionalities in diverse environments.
Poster Abstract | 1
Advancing Circular Bioeconomy: Bioremediation and Mineral Recovery
from Produced Water Using Halophilic Microorganisms
Damilare Ajagbe
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University
Babu Fathepure, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, OSU
Mark Krzmarzick, Civil and Environmental Engineering, OSU
Produced water (PW), a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, is a saline and toxic wastewater containing hydrocarbons, heavy metals, fracking chemicals, radionuclides, and valuable minerals. With over 25 billion barrels generated annually in the United States, PW disposal poses significant environmental challenges. These challenges, combined with freshwater scarcity and increasing demand for critical minerals such as lithium (Li) and lanthanum (La), highlight the need for innovative and sustainable management strategies. This study explores the dual application of sp. strain Wilcox, a halophilic bacterium, for simultaneous bioremediation of contaminants and biorecovery of valuable minerals from PW, contributing to a circular economy. The bacterium’s hydrocarbon degradation capacity, heavy metal resistance, and mineral recovery potential were systematically evaluated under saline conditions. Bioaugmentation trials were conducted by inoculating raw PW samples collected across Oklahoma with strain Wilcox. Metals were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying metal biosorption and bioaccumulation by the bacterium. Results showed that strain Wilcox degrades hydrocarbons at salinity levels up to 4 M NaCl and tolerates heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc, at millimolar concentrations. While complete hydrocarbon removal in raw PW occurred within 7–15 days, modifications such as salt supplementation for low-salinity PW and dilution for highly toxic PW were sometimes required. Additionally, the bacterium recovered 17–100% of metals, including lanthanum, copper, manganese, and zinc, through biosorption and bioaccumulation. Transcriptomic data highlighted upregulation of genes involved in metal transport, cell membrane integrity, general stress response, and chelating agent biosynthesis. This research demonstrates the dual utility of strain Wilcox for sustainable PW management and resource recovery, while advancing a circular bioeconomy.
Poster Abstract | 2
Properties of High Porosity Carbon Produced from Eastern Red Cedar
Wood and Miscanthus
Nazlim Aktay
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Sourabh Chakraborty and Nurhan Turgut Dunford, BAE, OSU
Muge Alptekin and Soner Celiktas, Ege University, Solar Energy Institute, Izmir, Turkey
Abstract
Pyrolysis of biomass produces a solid material commonly referred to as biochar. During the pyrolysis process, parts of the biomass decompose while a large portion of its carbon content is retained. Biochar has been utilized in many applications, including heat and power generation, flue gas cleaning, metallurgical applications, soil amendment in agriculture, and building material manufacturing. The properties of the carbon vary significantly depending on the target end use. The feedstock used, pyrolysis process conditions, biomass pretreatment, and downstream processing of the produced carbon significantly affect the physical and chemical properties as well as the yield of the final product. This project evaluates the physical and chemical properties of high-porosity carbon produced from various types of biomasses. The main objective of this study is to optimize a pyrolysis process to maximize the pore volume and surface area of biochar for use in the shape stabilization of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy storage applications. Biomass samples include miscanthus, tree nut shells (pecan and hazelnut shells), red cedar wood, digested sludge generated at municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and algal biomass. The samples were pyrolyzed either as is or after pretreatment with a catalyst. Pyrolysis process parameters (time, temperature, and catalyst to biomass ratio) were optimized for miscanthus and red cedar wood using the Box–Behnken design of the surface response method. The carbon samples were characterized using BET analysis, SEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques. BET analyses showed that pretreatment of biomass with a catalyst prior to pyrolysis significantly improved the pore volume and surface area of the produced carbon. Zinc chloride was more effective than potassium hydroxide for enhancing porosity. This study demonstrated that high-porosity carbon (surface area>1900 m²/g and total pore volume>1.2 cm³/kg) produced from red cedar wood and miscanthus can potentially be used for shape stabilization of PCMs for energy storage applications.
Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after CO₂, accounting for 20% of global warming potential and 28 times more potent compared to CO₂. Although the energy sector is one of the major sources of anthropogenic methane emissions, abandoned oil and gas wells (AOGs) are underrecognized contributors, releasing 0.28 million metric tons of methane annually. The saline conditions in AOGs make microbial methane oxidation challenging. This study investigates methane oxidation by salt-tolerant methanotrophs under aerobic conditions. Methane-oxidizing microbial communities were enriched from sediment samples collected from Zodletone Spring in Oklahoma. The aerobic methanotrophic community was enriched in 160 ml serum bottles containing 5 g of Zodletone sediment and 45 ml of mineral salts medium (MSM) amended with 2.5 M NaCl. The serum bottles were sealed with rubber septa and aluminum crimps, and the headspace was supplemented with 1% (v/v) methane. To enrich the culture, the bottles were repeatedly spiked with methane, and the culture was periodically transferred to fresh MSM containing 2.5 M NaCl periodically for over 3 months. All attempts to isolate pure cultures of methanotrophs were unsuccessful. We performed 16S rRNA-gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing to understand both microbial community composition and function of the enrichment. The results revealed that Methylohalobius crimeensis, a halophilic methane oxidizer with the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) gene, was the dominant species. Another species, Methyloligella sp., which lacked the pMMO gene but had other methane oxidation pathways, was also identified. The pathway analysis revealed that both bins lacked the enzyme formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH). Instead, they contained the formaldehyde-activating enzyme (Fae), which facilitates the conversion of formaldehyde to formate through a multi-step pathway. The current studies are focused on examining the interactions among the members of the Zodletone microbial community and their complex relationship and dependencies between different microorganisms during methane oxidation. Poster Abstract | 3
Enrichment of Salt-tolerant Methane-oxidizing Microbial Community from Zodletone Spring, Oklahoma
Imam Taskin Alam
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University
Fares Zohir Najar, High-Performance Computing Center, OSU
Babu Fathepure, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, OSU
Abstract
Pretreatment
Methods for Enhanced Degradation of Polylactic Acid during Anaerobic Digestion
Nadia Bawa Fio Bekoe
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Douglas Hamilton, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, OSU
Abstract
The use of biobased products, including biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), has increased, causing rapid growth in waste streams. Anaerobic digestion (AD) presents a promising solution for managing biobased biodegradable plastic waste, such as PLA. The lactic acid that constitutes PLA is suitable substrates for AD and has the potential to enhance both the quantity and quality of biogas produced. However, the poor rate of PLA biodegradation under AD conditions prolongs digestion times. This limitation is linked to its physicochemical properties, including high crystallinity, low porosity, and limited surface area, which inhibit microbial and enzymatic activity. The initial stage of PLA degradation involves reducing the molecular weight of the polymer chains, and pretreatment methods have been proposed to improve this process. This study explores the rationale for applying pretreatment methods— thermal, alkaline, and a combination of both—to modify the physical and chemical structure of PLA prior to AD. These treatments are designed to soften the material, induce surface cracks, and enhance microbial accessibility by disrupting the compact polymer chains. By addressing these structural barriers, pretreatment is expected to significantly improve PLA’s biodegradability under AD conditions. Future work will focus on biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing to quantify the effects of these modifications on degradation rates and biogas production.
State transportation agencies have recently been challenged to construct not only long-lasting but also more sustainable pavements with higher recycled contents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The asphalt industry is promoting recycling through increased usage of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) to reduce carbon emissions to meet the industry goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. RAP is mainly generated from milling and rehabilitation work of existing asphalt pavements. The aged binder in the RAP tends to be stiff due to in-service oxidation. Rejuvenators offer a very attractive solution by partially or fully restoring the aged properties of the RAP binder. In this research, a soybean oil derived rejuvenator is used to rejuvenate an extracted stiff RAP binder. The rejuvenator is initially added to a PG58-28 binder using a 12% dosage. The modified PG58-28 is then blended with an extracted RAP binder at a ratio of 1:5. The critical high and low temperatures of the rejuvenated RAP binder are significantly lowered as revealed by the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and the bending beam rheometer (BBR) testing. A study of the BBR master curves shows significant improvement in the creep compliance of the rejuvenated RAP binder indicating the ability of the binder to dissipate thermal fatigue loading. The fatigue cracking of the rejuvenated RAP binder is considerably enhanced as suggested by both the fatigue and Glover-Rowe parameters. Disk compact tension (DCT) specimens made of 100% RAP mixed with the modified PG58-28 showed higher fracture energy compared to specimens made of 100% RAP and the neat PG58-28, when tested at −6 °C. Field produced mixes was shown to pass the performance criteria for rutting, cracking, and moisture susceptibility. The rejuvenated mix with RAP met the density specification in the field. Poster Abstract | 5
Using Soybean-derived Materials to Rejuvenate Asphalt Mixes with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) content
Mohamed Elkashef Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Chris Williams and Eric Cochran, Iowa State University
Joseph Podolsky, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Abstract
Camelina Cultivation Potential | Part 1:
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Water Gradient Table to Assess Water Sensitivity
Sean Fetters
Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Mari S. Chinn, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, OSU
Abstract
Production of renewable liquid fuels aside from ethanol remains vital for addressing the increasing energy and transportation fuel demands. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), produced from non-petroleum-based feedstocks, can be blended with jet-fuel to reduce our reliance on fossil-based carbon. In Oklahoma, exploring SAF feedstocks can diversify the energy sector, strengthen the agriculture industry, and extend the influence of oil and gas in the state. Camelina sativa L. (Crantz) is an annual oil seed crop in the Brassicaceae family that produces oils with fatty acid profiles amenable to sustainable jet-fuel production. Camelina has been shown to perform well in arid environments and is challenged when grown on wet and poorly drained soil. Acknowledging Oklahoma’s potential as a leading camelina producer, the USDA expanded insurance for the crop in response to rising biofuel demand. The overall goal of this research is to examine how water availability, soil properties, and nutrients affect camelina productivity under common Oklahoma environmental conditions. This part of the broader project focuses on the creation of a water gradient table, adapted from Mueller-Dombois (1965). The water gradient table has been constructed in the OSU BAE Research Lab to simulate variable moisture conditions in a soil profile. By design, a moisture gradient is induced within a sloped, soil-filled tank as a result of variable distances between the soil surface and the water table, allowing the capillary effect to regulate water availability. If successful, this system can allow researchers to study the impacts of soil moisture on multiple crop species, in variable soil types, and/or in combination with precipitation scenarios. This presentation will detail the table design, which is poised to generate key data on optimal management. Ultimately, further research will yield critical insights into camelina’s feasibility as a SAF feedstock, informing broader cultivation strategies aimed at mitigating challenges posed by heavy rainfall and drought.
Poster Abstract | 7
Irrigation Energy Efficiency Testing in Oklahoma
R. Scott Frazier
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Abstract
Advanced water management strategies and technology adoption can offer Oklahoma farmers meaningful approaches to improve water use efficiency and farm income. The Master Irrigator Program funded collaboratively through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Oklahoma Conservation Commission and OSU’s Oklahoma Water Resources Center, and Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources provides training on irrigation water management, scheduling technologies and instruments, equipment use and maintenance, energy and water conservation and economics. Aside from classroom training, peer information exchange, and field demonstrations, the program supports a Mobile Irrigation Lab that performs energy use and irrigation system efficiency audits. The Mobile Irrigation Lab conducts pumping energy use efficiency audits and water application uniformity tests of multiple systems across areas of Oklahoma. The energy efficiency tests and data acquired over the years present meaningful results that can be integrated into equipment selection, maintenance, and irrigation practices. This study describes the tests used to determine relative overall pumping efficiency (OPE) of most center pivot irrigation systems. Results and observations collected from both electrical and fuel powered irrigation systems over five years are included in this study and highlight areas of improvement for reduced operational costs and increased productivity. The work and key findings inform key stakeholders including farmers, ranchers, educators and researchers on decision making for improved irrigation system energy use efficiency and sustainability.
Babita
Valorization of Brewer’s Spent Grain for Agronomical
and Horticultural Uses
Makayla Friend Horticulture, Oklahoma State University
Lamichhane, Bruce Dunn, and Tyler Mason, Horticulture,
OSU
Gail Wilson, Natural Resource Ecology
and Management, OSU, Retired
Abstract
The process of producing beer and bread for consumption results in food byproducts, most notably brewer’s “spent” grain (BSG), which cannot be used again after the yeast is removed. BSG has been proposed as a sustainable amendment in greenhouse media or applied directly to agricultural fields for sustainable fertilization of crops and soil. The physical characteristics of spent grain also make it a preferred choice for the pyloric conversion to biochar and biobased fertilizers. We looked at two species and their aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, pH, and electrical conductivity during and after an eight-week period of growth. Our biochar was prepared by drying fresh BSG, from a local brewery in Stillwater, for 14 days at 90° C, then sealed in a crucible and heated to 450° C for 3 hours, dried at 20° C for 7 days, and then amended to greenhouse media. The experimental design used was 7 plants per treatment, with two species, and 3 replications (n=210). We applied different ratios of raw spent grain and spent grain biochar into Promix BM7 soilless media with the two species, Brassica oleracea and Symphyotrichum cordifolium, in five total treatments (0% control, 10% BSG, 20% BSG, 10% biochar, and 20% biochar). We found that raw spent grain significantly lowered the pH and the electrical conductivity of the soil. However, biochar made from the same BSG retained water for longer, did not vastly affect the pH, and increased electrical conductivity in the greenhouse media. Above and belowground biomass has not been analyzed for statistical significance yet, but the results from the control and the biochar amendments are very similar in mass. Raw BSG also underperformed, when compared to the control treatments, mainly due to the lower pH of the soil and subsequent changes to the bacteria colonization rates at lower pH values.
Poster Abstract | 9
Enhancing Butanol Fermentation Yield via Co-Culture of Clostridium Strains: Impact on Gas Utilization and Solvent Production
Manoj Gyawali
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Hasan Atiyeh, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, OSU
Thaddeus Ezeji, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University
Abstract
Butanol derived from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising biofuel due to its higher energy density, ease of conversion to jet fuel, and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure. This study focuses on improving butanol production through acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation, a process often limited by low product yields due to uncaptured CO₂ and H₂ emissions. Addressing these limitations is essential for increasing bioconversion efficiency, which can support more sustainable biofuel production from agricultural residues. This study explores a co-culture strategy involving Clostridium beijerinckii (Cb_WT), a sugar-fermenting strain, and Clostridium carboxidivorans P7 (Cc_WT), a gas-fermenting strain, to enhance yield and reduce emissions. Monoculture experiments were first conducted to identify optimal conditions in P11 and P2 media with acetate or MES buffers, glucose concentrations of 20, 30, and 60 g/L, gas ratios (H₂:CO₂; 3:1 and 0.67:1), and temperatures of 28°C and 37°C. Fermentations were performed in 280 mL bioreactor bottles with 50 mL working volume. Cc_WT showed higher CO₂ consumption at 28°C, while Cb_WT produced more solvents in acetate-buffered media, with higher productivity at 37°C. Based on these findings, co-culture experiments were conducted in P11 acetate buffer medium with at both temperatures. Preliminary results showed that the co-culture system consumed both glucose and gas simultaneously. The co-culture utilized 16% CO₂ and 37% H₂ while producing 4-fold more acids from the same amount of sugar (20 g/L) compared to monoculture fermentation with Cb_WT at 37°C. At 28°C, co-culture fermentation consumed 19% CO₂ and 54% H₂, resulting in a 4.5-fold increase in total acid production compared to Cb_WT. Similar solvent yields were obtained with the co-culture at both temperatures. These findings highlight the potential of co-culture fermentation to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance alcohol production. Future work will focus on optimizing co-culture fermentation using switchgrass hydrolysates to further improve yields and scalability for sustainable biofuel production.
The Oklahoma Circularity Project - Understanding Circularity in Natural and Man-Made Environments
Douglas Hamilton
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Craig Woods and Parizaad Mohammadi, DASNR Office of Communications and Marketing, OSU
Sam Phelps and Sydnee Sisneros, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, OSU
Abstract
The average person has a hard time understanding how circularity – the idea that energy flows and materials circulate – applies to their daily lives. This lack of basic understanding can lead to expensive blind alleys and pitfalls as people struggle with policies and practices based on a concept they do not understand. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service took a new direction in waste management extension education with the Oklahoma Circularity Project. This project takes a three-pronged approach using webpages, blog, and video media to develop a deeper understanding of circular systems. Materials are geared towards anyone with a middle-school science background. The program uses story telling narratives to show how circularity can be seen in everyday situations both in natural and man-made environments. As of January 2025, a video introducing the concept of circularity using the tallgrass prairie ecosystem has been completed. Four more videos are in production. The project website and blog are being updated, and a project evaluation plan is being developed. Poster Abstract | 10
Growth
and Economic Viability of Hybrid Sweetgum in the South-Central United States
Omkar Joshi
Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University
Jacob Lewis, Bryan Murray, Lu Zhai, and Rodney Will, Natural Resource Ecology and Management, OSU
Abstract
The pulp and paper industry of the south-central U.S., which relies partially on hardwood timber, has faced supply chain issues due to excessive mortality in hardwood stands, harvesting/transportation challenges, and heightened demand in the oil and gas industries for hardwood-based products. Further, demand is rising for wood-based renewable energy. Recent findings show that hybrid sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana x styraciflua) has high potential as a feedstock species, due to its increased specific gravity and productivity when compared to half-sib native sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). To better understand hybrid sweetgum’s growth and economic potential, we conducted a timber inventory and simulated the growth and yield of multiple hybrid and half-sib native sweetgum stands using forest vegetation simulator. The associated land expectation values (LEVs) were calculated for a financial analysis. The hybrid stands produced greater LEVs than the half-sib stands under every combination of management, market, and discount rate. This study found that hybrid sweetgum exhibits greater economic returns, supporting its candidacy as a biomass feedstock for the region. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for private landowners, timber companies, and forestry professionals in the south-central United States, emphasizing the benefits of incorporating hybrid sweetgum into their management strategies.
CO₂ Capture Enabled by Biomass Waste-Derived Carbon Adsorbents
Razaul Karim
Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Hong Je Cho, Chemical Engineering, OSU
Abstract
The significant increase in CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere has greatly impacted global warming and climate change. One promising strategy to tackle this challenge is to employ biomass-derived carbon (BDC) adsorbents for CO₂ capture, thanks to its benefits such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, facile scalability to industrial scale, and non-toxicity. BDC is typically synthesized by pyrolysis. However, current BDC materials suffer from low CO₂ uptake, due to the lack of effective synthesis methods. In this study, we aim to develop effective BDC adsorbents using spent coffee grounds (SCG) as carbon precursors for CO₂ capture, by demystifying the impacts of synthesis methods of BDC on its CO₂ adsorption ability. Specifically, SCG was pyrolyzed with metal-activating agents, forming metal oxide particles distributed on nanoporous carbon matrices. We hypothesize that metal oxides in carbon uptake CO₂ via base-acid interactions, and carbon’s porous structures increase CO₂ adsorption capacity due to confinement effects. To test these hypotheses, various synthetic parameters for carbon preparation have been studied, including the type and quantity of metal activating agents, impregnation methods, and the pyrolysis temperature and duration. Our findings showed that SCG-derived carbon with ZnO, pyrolyzed with 40% ZnCl₂ at pyrolysis temperature of 600°C for 1 h, achieved high CO₂ adsorption capacity of ~60 cm3/g and high CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 13.7 at CO₂ adsorption temperature of 20°C. This is attributable to carbon’s high porosity and surface area, and strong interactions between basic ZnO and acidic CO₂. Future work will be directed toward fully elucidating the underlying mechanism for carbon structural formation during pyrolysis and its CO₂ adsorption mechanism, contributing to the sustainable and effective development of BDC for CO₂ capture.
Forest
ral
Sustainable and Economic
Analysis Model (ForSEAM): Tempo-
and Spatial Optimization of Woody Biomass for Low-Net-Emission Carbon Resources
Lixia Lambert
Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University
Burton C. English, University of Tennessee
Maggie R. Davis and Matthew H. Langholtz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Abstract
Woody biomass is considered one of the most promising and cost-effective renewable resources for meeting the net greenhouse emission reduction goal in the United States. The Forest Sustainable and Economic Analysis Model (ForSEAM) is a dynamic linear optimization model developed to determine where conventional timber products and woody biomass feedstock could be acquired from timberland in the United States (U.S.). This model is compartmentalized into three sections: supply, demand, and sustainability. The supply component includes timber sector production activities for 305 production regions in the lower 48 U.S. states. Each region consists of sawlog and pulpwood for conventional industrial use, and woody biomass. The model currently considers two sources of woody biomass: 1) logging residue generated from harvesting sawlog and pulpwood for conventional use and 2) removal of small-diameter trees. The conventional timber use demand component is based on U.S. Forest Service Scenarios determined by the U.S. Forest Resource Outlook Model (FOROM). The sustainability component ensures that harvest in each region does not exceed annual timber growth, that forest tracts are located within a reasonable distance of the roads, and that current year forest attributes reflect previous period conventional wood product harvests and woody biomass is removed. This model framework can be used for policy analysis on biobased economies and may be modified for other regional uses.
Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage: Leveraging Thermal Energy Storage as a Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution to Augment Battery Storage
Pouria Moghimi
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Jeffrey D. Spitler and Christian K. Bach, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, OSU
Abstract
The intermittent nature of renewable electrical energy generation poses significant challenges to maintaining electrical grid stability. Gridscale electrical storage, including batteries and pumped hydropower has significant environmental impacts and limitations. A system with distributed or behind-the-meter (BTM) storage units offers an alternative where each storage unit can be integrated into demand response programs. Despite the decreasing costs of Li-ion batteries, they remain relatively expensive and have a high levelized cost of storage. Additionally, these batteries are subject to life-cycle degradation, have a limited lifespan, and their sustainability is often questioned due to the ethical and environmental concerns associated with mining the raw materials. In the United States, nearly 70% of total end-use, on-site energy consumption is attributed to space heating, air conditioning, and water heating, highlighting the significant share of thermal loads in residential buildings (IEA RECS 2020). Thermal Energy Storage (TES) can be used to shift this large share from peak hours to off-peak hours and consequently, reduce the required capacity of battery storage. This project investigates the feasibility of combining heat pumps with cost-effective and space-use neutral water-based TES tanks that are buried in the ground. Annual simulations for a residential building are conducted to assess system performance, peak-hour thermal load shifting, and potential cost savings. The study compares the performance of above-ground versus buried-in-the-ground TES tanks for a range of tank sizes and insulation levels. Initial results from Stillwater indicate that a 900-gal tank can shift nearly 100% of peak cooling loads and 90% of peak heating loads. Under the current time-of-use utility rate structure, electricity costs for cooling can be reduced by 60%. For the heating season, no current timeof-use electricity rate structure is available in Stillwater, and, therefore, TES does not provide electricity cost savings in the heating season.
Enabling Thermal Energy Storage to Accommodate Wind Energy- TriCoilTM as Cost Effective Means for Residential System Integration
Zayed Mostafa Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Khaled Alghamdi, Christian Bach, and Jeffrey Spitler, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, OSU
Abstract
Water based thermal energy storage (WTES) is a green alternative to battery storage to ensure reliable electricity grid operation as the fraction of renewable energy in the US increases. TES can distribute a large portion of peak hour load to off-peak hours. The advantages are twofold- reducing sudden pressure on the grid during peak hours and increasing renewable energy usage. This study evaluates TriCoilTM, a novel three-fluid heat exchanger, for cost effective integration of diurnal timespan WTES with conventional air conditioning (AC) or heat pump (HP) systems. We developed a validated steady state system model with two control scheme options- rule-based control and model predictive control. Parametric studies with different storage tank sizes have been conducted to assess system performance compared to a reference system in terms of load shifting ability and electricity cost savings. A TES size of 700 gallons and 6 hours charging period with a water temperature setpoint of 280 K for charging reduced costs by about 24% and shifted 80% of on-peak consumption to off-peak periods. We further developed a quasi-state model to assess WTES integrated system’s ability to maintain thermal comfort for occupants during summer season. Seasonal simulations (June-September) in Stillwater, OK and Phoenix, AZ reveal that the system can maintain indoor temperature within thermostat deadband (22.523.5 °C) and indoor humidity below 60%.
Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Integrated Microbial and Hydrothermolysis Processes
Oluwatobi Quadri
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University
Babu Fathepure, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, OSU
Hasan Atiyeh and Manoj Gyawali, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, OSU
Abstract
Growing energy demands and the environmental impact of fossil fuels have intensified the search for renewable alternatives, such as ethanol and butanol from inedible lignocellulosic biomass (LCB). LCBs are mostly comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Lignin is a complex recalcitrant structure that prevents efficient bioconversion of cellulose and hemicellulose to biofuels. This study investigates degradation of lignin in switchgrass using a microbial system followed by hydrothermolysis process for rapid and cost-effective conversion of switchgrass into biofuels. The microbial pretreatment involved using four bacterial strains—Pseudomonas sp. YS-1p, Arthrobacter sp. RT-1, Neorhizobium sp., YS-3 and Mesorhizobium YS-4 and two fungal species—Phanerochaete chrysosporium RP78 and Myceliophthora thermophila M77. Flasks with 100mL of mineral salts medium (MSM) and 2% (w/v) switchgrass were inoculated with 10⁵CFU/ mL of each bacterium and 10⁵ spores/mL of each fungal species. The flasks were incubated at 37°C for 42 days. Weekly assays of cell supernatant showed increasing ligninolytic enzyme activities, notably laccase. After 42 days, the flasks content was centrifuged, the solids were dried to constant weight and subjected to sulfuric acid digestion for compositional analysis using NREL method. The analyses revealed an increase in glucan and xylan by 33% and 21%, respectively, compared to uninoculated controls indicating effective hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose. We observed a 12% weight loss in biomass in microbe-treated switchgrass compared to 9% in controls, indicating enhanced digestibility of switchgrass. Hydrothermolysis at 150°C preserved 22% xylan in the biomass, while treatment at 200°C reduced xylan content to 3%, reflecting complete solubilization at elevated temperatures. Glucan release was markedly higher at 200°C, accompanied by a significant increase in soluble lignin. Preliminary data from hydrothermolysed microbe-treated switchgrass suggests improved saccharification. This integrated microbial and hydrothermal approach offers a scalable, efficient method for lignin degradation, facilitating greater accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for biofuel production.
Molecular Docking of Host-derived Small Molecule Bioproducts for Plant Disease Management
Usman Rabiu
Entomology
and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University
Mustafa O. Jibrin, Entomology and Plant Pathology, OSU
Abstract
Plant diseases cause devastating economic losses in agriculture and impact global food security, necessitating innovative management strategies. Plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, establish infections by secreting effectors proteins to manipulate host systems. Plants counteract this through sophisticated molecular interactions. This study provides a computational framework to identify host-derived small molecules that counteract pathogen effectors. Using the bacterial spot of tomato and pepper disease complex system, the docking of host-derived small molecule was evaluated Candidate small molecule ligands from tomato and pepper hosts were initially obtained from the USDA Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical database (https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/). Thereafter the 3D SDF format of each ligand was obtained from PubChem database. The protein structures of effectors were similarly obtained from protein data bank where available, otherwise, the protein sequence of each effectors were retrieved from Uniprot, and homology modeling of the proteins was performed using Swiss-Model to predict protein structure using AlphaFold method. In total, 310 host-derived small molecule ligands were subsequently docked against 11 core type III secretion system (T3SS) effector proteins using PyRx software. Finally, ADME/T analysis was carried out to assess their pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity profiles. Out of the 310 host-derived small molecules, docking simulations against the 11 core effector proteins identified 56 ligands as candidates with good binding scores, exhibiting binding affinities ranging from -7.2 to -20.5 kcal/mol. ADME/T analysis identified several candidates such as Rutin , Quercetin , and Kaempferol, which complied with drug-likeness criteria (Lipinski’s Rule of Five) and exhibited favorable pharmacokinetics, making them potential candidates for targeted disease control. This study identifies host-derived small molecules that dock to pathogen effectors, suggesting their potential as promising bioproduct candidates for plant disease control. Our framework lays a background in leveraging host-derived molecules to manage plant pathogens in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Poster Abstract | 18
Environmental and Biomass Benefits of Non-Fertilizer Switchgrass Cultivation on Marginal Grasslands
Sophie Roberts
Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University
Daniel Morales, Ben Ferguson, and Chris Zou, Natural Resource Ecology and Management, OSU
Abstract
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a perennial grass native to the southern Great Plains, has been identified as a promising low-input biofuel feedstock. In this study, we evaluated the environmental and productivity benefits of an unfertilized switchgrass cultivar against native prairie vegetation in marginal grasslands. Using a paired experimental watershed approach, we quantified changes in runoff, sediment yield, and biomass production during and after the transition to switchgrass cultivation in north-central Oklahoma. The results demonstrated that switchgrass biomass production was approximately 50% higher than prairie grass systems without compromising hydrological function. Runoff coefficients remained consistent across land use types. The greater water-use efficiency of switchgrass enabled it to produce more biomass than the prairie without utilizing additional water or substantially altering water quantity entering downstream water bodies. Sediment yields during the switchgrass establishment phase initially increased due to site preparation activities, such as herbicide application and notill planting, but declined by 48% relative to baseline levels once the switchgrass was established. Importantly, the switchgrass system reduced soil erosion, contributing to improved water quality by limiting sedimentation in surface runoff. These findings highlight low input switchgrass cultivation as a sustainable strategy for bioenergy production in marginal grasslands. By reducing sediment loads and preserving runoff, switchgrass systems can address energy demands with significant co-benefits for water resource conservation and soil stability. Our results emphasize the potential of switchgrass to serve as an environmentally friendly land use for marginal lands in the Great Plains.
Carbon-Carbon Coupling Reactions of Biomass-Derived Oxygenates to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Precursors
Vinayak Srivastava
Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Mohd Tauhid Khan, Noor Atiyeh, and Hong Je Cho, Chemical
Engineering, OSU
Abstract
Rapid expansion of the aviation industry drives an increasing demand for fuels, primarily sourced from petroleum, leading to more than 5% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions. Due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources, developing sustainable routes for producing renewable energy while mitigating these environmental issues has attracted significant attention. In this regard, biomass has proved to carbon neutral sources that can replace petroleum feedstocks, and holds strong potential for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In particular, furfural (Fur) and cyclopentanone (CPO) that are derived from lignocellulosic biomass can undergo carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling reactions over zeolite catalysts to produce C10 and C15 jet fuel precursors. However, after reactions C10 compounds are majorly produced, and the yield of C15 products is low (< ~5 %), due to restricted pore size (< 0.8 nm) of zeolites. Another challenge is that as the reaction proceeds, forming C10 and C15 products is limited because of solubility issues of the products in typical water or alcohol-based solvents during reactions. Thus, we address these challenges by introducing large pores (> 2 nm) into zeolite catalysts without using any solvents. In the poster presentation, we will discuss how different porous structures of zeolites affect the product yield and distribution in C-C coupling reactions of Fur and CPO. Furthermore, by employing Fur and CPO as both reactants and solvents the impact of solventless conditions on reaction performance will be discussed. This work will bring us closer to creating SAF through deeper understanding C-C coupling reactions of biomass-derived oxygenates, thereby supporting the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Poster Abstract | 20
Carbon-Carbon Coupling
Reactions of Biomass-Derived Oxygenates to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Precursors
Jimmie Weaver Chemistry, Oklahoma State University
Tim Schoch, Chemistry, OSU
Abstract
Traditional synthesis is exergonic in nature, but to achieve a sustainable future we must learn to perform endergonic chemistry with similar skills. Herein, we report a facet of our efforts to achieve this goal. Current methods of urethane preparation from amines invariably involve high energy, and often toxic or cumbersome molecules to make the process exergonic. CO₂ aminoalkylation using olefins and amines represents an attractive albeit endergonic alternative. We report a moisture-tolerant method that uses visible light energy to drive this endergonic process (+25 kcal/mol at STP) using sensitized arylcyclohexenes. They convert much of the photon’s energy to strain upon olefin isomerization. This strain energy greatly enhances alkene basicity, allowing for sequential protonation by and interception of ammonium carbamates. Following optimization steps and amine scope evaluation, an example product arylcyclohexyl urethane underwent transcarbamoylation with some demonstrative alcohols to form more general urethanes with concomitant regeneration of the arylcyclohexene. This represents the closing of the energetic cycleproducing H₂O as the stoichiometric by-product.
Poster Abstract | 21
Influence of Surfactant Dynamics on Interfacial Tension and Viscoelastic Behavior in Produced Water-Cyclohexane Interfaces
Alireza Zahedi
Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University
Saeed Azizi and Clint Aichele, Chemical Engineering, OSU
Mark Krzmarzick, Civil and Environmental Engineering, OSU
Abstract
Understanding interfacial tension and viscoelastic properties at fluid interfaces is critical for optimizing processes like oil-water separation and emulsion stability control. This study investigates the interfacial behavior of water-cyclohexane and synthesized produced water (PW)-cyclohexane systems in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a common surfactant. Interfacial tension and dilatational rheological properties were measured using the pendant drop method under various oscillatory frequencies (0.1–0.5 Hz) and SDS concentrations (0.001–1 g/L). In the presence of synthesized PW, which contains dissolved salts and organic compounds, the interfacial tension with cyclohexane was inherently lower than in pure water-cyclohexane systems. Adding SDS to PW further reduced interfacial tension, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 0.1 g/L, significantly lower than in pure water. Furthermore, the dilatational properties of the PW-cyclohexane interface displayed substantial changes with increasing SDS concentration, indicating enhanced interfacial viscoelasticity. Peak moduli were observed at an SDS concentration of 0.01 g/L, consistent with the water-cyclohexane system, suggesting a similar optimal surfactant concentration. These findings highlight the importance of surfactant concentration and aqueous phase composition in modulating interfacial tension and viscoelasticity. The results have significant implications for industrial applications such as enhanced oil recovery and wastewater treatment, providing a framework for optimizing interfacial systems under varying environmental and chemical conditions.
Follow-Up Opportunities • Follow-Up Questions Interesting People I Met Today
Notes
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Interesting People I Met Today
Sun Grant Program
Sun Grant was first authorized in January 2004 in section 9011 as an amendment to Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 USC 8109) and was reauthorized in the 2008, 2014, and 2018 Farm Bills as the USDA Sun Grant Program. Additionally, Sun Grant is authorized as section 5201(m) under provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005 [SAFETEA-LU (23 USC 118)]. These authorizations culminated the planning and development since 2001 by Land-Grant universities and the Congress.
With a national office located in Washington, DC, there are five regional centers across the U.S., including the Northeast Center at Penn State University (originally Cornell University until 2014), Southeast Center at University of Tennessee, South Central Center at Oklahoma State University, North Central Center at South Dakota State University, and Western Center at Oregon State University. In 2010, a Western Region Subcenter was established at the University of Hawaii as authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill. The regional concept allows each center to focus on the priority areas and feedstocks unique to their respective area.
There are five regional sun grant centers across the United States, including the Northeast, Southeast, South Central, North Central, and Western Center.
South Central Sun Grant Center at Oklahoma State University
About
The South Central Center in the region is directed under the supervision of Oklahoma State University’s Director, Dr. Scott Senseman, and Associate Director, Dr. Mari Chinn. The South Central region consists of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Contacts
Dr. Scott Senseman Director Dr Mari Chinn Associate Director
Awarding Information
The Sun Grant Program awards competitive and center Awards to regional land-grant university employed principle investigators (PIs) and their collaborators. Projects must fit into a set of regional priorities created by the center to be eligible for funding.
