Research

The Winter Lab in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University researches electrified processes at the food, energy, water, and climate nexus. We develop sustainable and circularized processes for conversion of CO₂ to chemicals and fuels, green nitrogen fixation to fertilizers and nitrogen-based fuels, and transformation of contaminants in wastewater into useful products while recovering fit-for-purpose water. Electron-driven processes compatible with an electrified renewable energy future utilize plasma and electrochemistry to activate chemical reactions, and we design heterogeneous catalysts and other materials to selectively control the chemical transformation pathways. Our efforts span from molecular and atomic level understanding of surface processes to reactor and systems engineering to inform rational design of efficient processes from nano- to mega-scales.

Electrified membranes for water treatment

We develop electrified water treatment membranes to expand the range of membrane functionalities and accomplish removal and valorization of recalcitrant micropollutants such as nitrate.

Electrification of CO₂ and N₂ conversion using plasma

We develop processes for electrification and circularization of CO₂ and N₂ conversion to fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers using non-thermal plasma and heterogeneous catalysts.

Funding sources

NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center on Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT)

Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC)