03/24/2026
By Danielle Fretwell

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Energy Engineering - Renewable, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation defense by Shabdiki Chaurasia on: "Flow Assisted Electrochemical Systems for Redox Mediated Water Electrolysis and Industrial Decarbonization."

Candidate Name: Shabdiki Chaurasia
Degree: Doctoral
Defense Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Perry Hall 315

Committee:

  • Advisor: Ertan Agar, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Michael B. Ross, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Fuqiang Liu, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Juan Pablo Trelles, Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Brief Abstract:
This doctoral dissertation explores flow-based electrochemical systems for chemical manufacturing by virtue of green H2 gas and calcium hydroxide generation. These chemicals shall contribute towards transportation and industrial decarbonization. Manganese-vanadium redox flow batteries (Mn/V RFBs) were investigated as dual-function devices for energy storage and redox-mediated water electrolysis. The Mn3+/Mn2+ redox couple (~1.51 V vs SHE), was used for indirect H2 gas generation. A major challenge is spontaneous Mn3+ disproportionation into MnO2, which was mitigated through additives. Electrochemical techniques including ultramicroelectrode voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, alongside gas chromatography were employed to assess electrolyte stability and optimize H2 gas evolution conditions. In parallel, room temperature electrolysis was studied to obtain calcium hydroxide (a key ingredient of Portland cement) from calcium carbonate and other neutral salts as an alternative to traditional cement clinker production responsible for ~8% of global CO2 emissions. Emphasis was placed on membrane stability and flow cell design conditions to improve performance. These efforts have enabled the development of novel flow-based electrochemical processes to support the H2 gas economy and decarbonization in chemical manufacturing.