CLEAN ENERGY NEWS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA INSIDE
SPRING 2020
Team Efforts
Photo by RYAN WAKEFIELD/USF
FDA APPROVES MOLEKULE’S AIR PURIFIER
The FDA has approved technology invented by USF CERC Director Dr. Yogi Goswami, above left, and developed by his son Dilip’s company, Molekule, as a Class II medical device. Page 2
CERC SPOTLIGHT
A chance to get to know researcher Dave Young, left, and other members of the CERC team. Pages 2-5
ON OUR WEBSITE
Photo by RYAN WAKEFIELD/USF
Many disciplines, 1 goal: sustainability
Visiting doctoral researchers Ying Zhang and Martina Levini share their research goals and learnings. Go to cerc.eng. usf.edu
USF CERC photos by CAROL BLAIR
The Thermochromic/Electrochromic research group includes, back row from left: Abdullatif Hakami, Keon Sahebkar, Dr. Ashwini Krishnegowda, Sharan Indrakar, and Joseph Ghisu; and front row, from left, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, Dr. Lee Stefanakos, and Dr. Sesha Srinivasan.
T
he Thermochromic/
Electrochromic (TC/EC) research group is composed of faculty, undergraduate and graduate students from the University of South Florida and Florida Polytechnic University. Materials play a very important role in the thermal behavior of buildings and, as a result, their energy consumption and environmental quality. Thermochromic (TC) materials are smart materials that can change their optical properties/ color as a function of temperature. Electrochromic (EC) devices can change their color (transparency) when a small voltage is applied. These materials and devices can play a signifIcant role in energy efficiency. For building applications, it is desirable to have TC materials that change color at low temperatures (i.e. 25-35 °c, 77-95 °F). Organic Leuco dyes are inexpensive and very promising for use in such
Members of the Thermochromic research group include Dr. Ashwini Krishnegowda, left, Abdullatif Hakami and Keon Sahebkar. coatings. However, Leuco dyes suffer from degradation in ultraviolet (UV) as well as other bands of the solar energy spectrum. EC windows using organic electrolytes can also suffer degradation under UV radiation and large applied voltages (V>1.5 V). A major research task is the development of materials and devices that do not degrade and can undergo many thousands of cycles. Patents are being prepared or under review.
CERC SPOTLIGHT
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Photo by RYAN WAKEFIELD/USF
HROUGH OUR CERC SPOTLIGHT, you can learn about some of the researchers and staff at USF's Clean Energy Research Center. Today we introduce our senior research scientist, Dr. Chand Jotshi: DR. CHAND K. JOTSHI, Senior Research Scientist. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE? 10 years. BACKGROUND: I am originally from Srinagar, India. I have lived in Chandigarh (India), Gainesville, Fla., and Tampa, Fla. EDUCATION: Punjab University, Chandigarh India. DEGREE: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering; PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Research and Development in thermal energy storage and photocatalytic detoxification, teaching graduate and undergraduate classes, and environmental laboratory business development. WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH CERC? To pursue research and development in environmentally clean energy systems. WHAT ARE YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AT CERC? Work on research projects, participate in writing proposals, coordinate collaboration with industrial partners, and report writing.
FDA clears air purifier as Class II medical device A technology created at the University of South Florida by Distinguished University Professor Yogi Goswami has been implemented into the Molekule Air Pro RX, an air purification device that was recently cleared by the FDA via the 510(k) premarket notification process as a Class II Medical Device. Goswami’s family founded Molekule, and the Air Pro RX is a commercial-sized version of the air purification system, intended for medical purposes to destroy airborne viruses and bacteria and approved for use in operating rooms, emergency department waiting rooms, and isolation units. The USF-patented technology uses photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO) to capture and destroy airborne pollutants. Third-party testing conducted at an air quality lab used MS2, a proxy virus for SARS-CoV-2, and found that the PECO technology demonstrated greater than 5-log, Dr. Yogi or 99.999 percent reduction within Goswami 24 hours. A pilot study using the Molekule Air, one of Molekule’s consumer models, was conducted in 2018 at a Midwest pediatric intensive care unit in a Mercyhealth hospital. The study evaluated the effects of Molekule’s patented air purification technology, PECO, for children admitted with respiratory distress. During this pilot study, the use of PECO technology was associated with a reduction in the overall length of hospital stays, as well as reduced rates of intubation, nebulizer usage and non-invasive ventilation. Results were published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Molekule devices are now being used across Mercyhealth’s hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. “We have spent over 20 years in scientific research to develop this technology that provides incredible innovation to the space of air purification,” said Goswami. “We are excited about the latest results and look forward to bringing this innovation to frontline medical personnel as an added layer of protection in their work.” Goswami donated 25 original Molekule Air devices to USF Health, valued at more than $20,000. The devices are being used throughout Tampa Bay clinics to help combat COVID-19, especially in areas with tight quarters, such as in nurse stations, radiology reading rooms, and waiting rooms.
Molekule announces C round of funding Tampa Bay Business Journal
Molekule, a tech startup born out of University of South Florida research, has closed another multimillion-dollar investment round. The San Francisco-based company with a focus on clean technology recently announced it raised $58 million. “The air purifier market is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world right now, and there is an incredible need for companies like Molekule to bring innovation to the space,” Samantha Wang, founding general partner at RPS Ventures, said in a statement. “We look forward to leveraging RPS’ deep relationships globally to support the company’s growth and usher in a new era of clean air across the world.” The company previously raised a $10.1 million Series A in July 2017, followed by a $25 million Series B round in November 2018. Molekule CEO Dilip Goswami told Forbes.com: “With 58 million in additional funding, we have nearly 100 million in total funding. It’s quite the feat for a company that was just founded in 2015. It tells us the market is ready to move on from conventional air purification.’’ Molekule’s chief scientist Yogi Goswami, who also is also Dilip’s father and director of USF CERC, says the latest round of funding will be used to focus on technology innovation and product expansion. The company recently launched on Amazon. The Series C round was led by Palo Alto, Calif.-based RPS Ventures, joined by IAC and Founder’s Circle Capital. Foundry Group, Crosslink Capital, Uncork Capital and TransLink Capital had previously all invested in Molekule and returned to back the latest funding round. --Information from Forbes.com was used in this report.
CERC SPOTLIGHT
USF TEAM NAMED SOLAR DISTRICT CUP FINALIST: Congratulations to CERC researchers Diego Guillen, left, and Mohammed Alhussain, right, and other members of the USF International Solar Energy Society team. (Maria Morales and Andres Leotaud are also shown here.)Their team was named a finalist in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar District Cup. The competition challenges multidisciplinary student teams to design and model a cost-effective solar energy system for a campus or urban district. Students engage in engineering, urban planning, finance, and related disciplines to reimagine how energy is generated, managed, and used in a district. ON THE WEB: To learn more about the USF student chapter, go to our facebook USF International Solar Energy Society page @isespoweratusf.
Photo by RYAN WAKEFIELD/USF
MEET TIM MEAD: A Research Engineering Technologist, Tim has worked at CERC since April 2019. He shared a little about himself: BACKGROUND: Originally from the town of Owego in upstate New York, I have lived in Ohio, Michigan, Tallahassee and Lutz. PROFESSIONAL HISTORY: I have worked as a machinist and in facilities, automation, and process manufacturing engineering. I have worked in assembly and as a technical writer. I have also flipped homes. WHAT ARE YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AT CERC? My key responsibilities in this position are taking care of the solar field and working as lab manager and machinist/technical expert. WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH CERC? “My interest in CERC was to go back to my roots as a machinist and the challenge of something new/different every day, and the opportunity to work with students.”
MEET AMAURY PEDRO BETANCOURT III, P.E.: This doctoral researcher at USF’s Clean Energy Research Center is also a full-time employee of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. AGE: 33 BACKGROUND: Miami, Fla. (Family is Cuban.) EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Florida in 2008, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Florida International University in 2011 KEY RESEARCH INTEREST: Photocatalysis and light-sensitive materials WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS AREA? The more you learn about fundamental sub-atomic particles, and the role light plays in life, the more you realize how little we know about everything and how many deep, fundamental questions are unanswered. WHAT RESEARCH ARE YOU CONDUCTING AT CERC? Improving photocatalytic materials for breaking down pollutants in indoor/outdoor air. ULTIMATE GOALS: Have my own business related to environmental cleanup or clean energy. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? My family and friends.
CERC Family Photos from Afar
CERC SPOTLIGHT
Photo by by ANKIT KOTHARI/USF CERC student volunteer
Dave Young, who has worked in the Air Force and has four degrees, is working on a research doctorate in engineering science.
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lean Energy Research Center researcher Ibraham Azad sent CERC this photo from High Point, N.C., of him wearing a CERC shirt and holding his son, Nameir, who is also representing USF by holding Rocky the Bull.
F
ormer visiting doctoral scholar Ying Zhang sent in this photo from Tianjin University in China as she wore her CERC shirt and held up some of her favorite gifts to remember her time here at USF CERC. As we worried about her during the beginning of the global coronavirus health crisis, she let us know that she was doing well.
Many careers, much to learn BACKGROUND: Dave comes to clean energy research after serving in multiple career fields while in the military. He entered the United States Air Force Academy after growing up in Ohio and Michigan, and has enjoyed the change in environments over the years. Some work areas include the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, Greenland, and Washington D.C. His varied experience includes flying jets, commanding security forces, arms control missions, a multitude of engineering positions, and Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments. He says, “After a while, your job picks you” -evidenced by the majority of his time spent in engineering and construction oversight in support of air and space operations. Even engineering had intense times: While working at Cape Canaveral, for example, he witnessed rocket explosions. Now a researcher and teaching assistant for distinguished professor and CERC Director Dr. Yogi Goswami, Dave says he was encouraged by Dr. Goswami to continue his studies, even though he already has four degrees. “I didn’t plan on getting a PhD,” David says, “but it happened. … Every time Dr. Goswami talks, I learn something.” EDUCATION: With four degrees – bachelor’s degrees in general engineering and civil and environmental engineering plus master’s degrees
in business as well as civil and environmental engineering, Dave is now working on his research doctorate in engineering science. “I’m not your typical student … It’s fun to learn new things every day.” WHAT RESEARCH ARE YOU CONDUCTING AT CERC? His research/experimentation involves enhancing passive radiative cooling emitters through nanotechnology. The cooling process works by absorbing electromagnetic radiation (infrared heat) on Earth then emitting it back out to space. One application is cooling buildings without air conditioning. He and Dr. Goswami have also filed for a patent related to solar research involving a plan to build a photovoltaic power plant on clay settling pond areas left after phosphate mining. WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS AREA? Dave has seen extreme climate fluctuations during his extensive travels, and he is concerned about our resources. “I went from a hot desert (122 degrees Fahrenheit) to the worst snowstorm in Greenland in 30 years (-60 degrees Fahrenheit with 190 mph winds). Clean energy is the way to go to mitigate global climate change. Also, everyone competes over resources. If we can have clean energy resources for everyone, it will help everybody.” --USF students Faith Coffey and Ankit Kothari contributed to this report.
CERC SPOTLIGHT
CERC researchers and staff look at the filtering pools at the Tampa Bay Water desalination plant.
Team visits desalination plant
From left are Dr. Chand Jotshi, Tim Mead, Carol Blair, Martina Leveni, Dr. Yogi Goswami, Diego Guillen, and Mohammed Alhussain.
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group of USF Clean Energy Research Center researchers and staff visited Tampa Bay Water’s desalination plant in Gibsonton, Fla. Inspired by CERC researcher Martina Leveni’s work on solar desalination, the group took a tour together to learn about the facility.
The long black cylinders contain membranes used for reverse osmosis.
CERC AFFILIATE FACULTY Venkat Bhethanabotla, Ph.D., Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Prasanta Kumar Biswas, Ph.D., Courtesy Professor, Electrical Engineering Jeffrey Cunningham, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Jamie Chilton, Ph.D., Instructor, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Tapas Das, Ph.D., Professor, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Sarina Ergas, Ph.D., Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Lingling Fan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering Chris Ferekides, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering Andrew Hoff, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering Robert E. Hooker, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Business Babu Joseph, Ph.D., Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Burton Krakow, Ph.D., Retired Research Associate John Kuhn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Ashok Kumar, Ph.D., Professor, Mechanical Engineering Zhuo Lu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering Zhixin Miao, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering Don Morel, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering Wilfrido Moreno, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering Ajit Mujumdar, Ph.D., Instructor, Mechanical Engineering Mahshid Rahnamay Naeini, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering George Nolas, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor, Physics George Philippidis, Ph.D., Professor, Patel College for Global Sustainability Humberto Rodriguez Gutierrez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physics Stanley Russell, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Architecture Rudy Schlaf, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering Paul Schnitzler, Ph.D., Retired Instructor II, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Arthur Snider, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Electrical Engineering. Sesha Srinivasan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Physics, Florida Polytechnic University Mark Stewart, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Geosciences Arash Takshi, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering Yasin Yilmaz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering Yu Zhang, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
MEET CERC’S DIRECTORS DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR GOSWAMI IS AN EXPERT IN SOLAR
Dr. Yogi Goswami is a Distinguished University Professor and Director of the Clean Energy Research Center at USF, as well as Editor-in-Chief of the Solar Energy journal. A member of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, he has more than 40 years of experience in education, research, entrepreneurship, leadership and policy development. Dr. Goswami is also co-founder and Chief Science & Technology Advisor of Molekule, Inc., a company that successfully commercialized his Photoelectrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology for air purification at the molecular level. Contact: goswami@usf.edu
STEFANAKOS LEADS R&D ON RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH Dr. Elias K. Stefanakos is a Director of the Clean Energy Research Center and focuses on research and development related to renewable energy sources and systems, such as concentrated solar power systems, hydrogen production, photovoltaic energy, solar charging stations, and battery testing. Contact: estefana@usf.edu
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST JOTSHI LEADS KEY RESEARCH
Dr. Chand Jotshi has been senior research scientist at the Clean Energy Research Center since 2010. His expertise is in chemical engineering and clean energy systems. Contact: chand1@usf.edu
CERC STAFF TIM MEAD, Lab Manager and Engineer Contact: timead@usf.edu CAROL BLAIR, Publications Editor and Administrative Assistant Contact: carol11@usf.edu
Clean energy is green energy Florida has no substantial indigenous supply of fossil fuels but we do have solar and biomass resources. The Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) at the University of South Florida pursues research and development of new and environmentally clean energy systems. See our website for a complete listing of our research, patents and publications:
cerc.eng.usf.edu
KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS • Environmentally clean energy systems • Solar thermal power • Photovoltaics • Concentrating solar power • Energy storage (phase change materials, thermal storage, batteries, supercapacitors) • Photocatalytic
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detoxification/ disinfection technologies Hydrogen production and solid state storage New efficient thermodynamic cycles Solar energy conversion via rectifying antennae Biomass conversion/biofuels