Meet Lily
- Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Year in Graduate School: Fourth Year
- Degree and Expected Graduation Date: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), December 2026
- Hometown: Guilin, China
- LinkedIn: Mingrui (Lily) Gong
Research Focus
What is the overall problem your thesis will help to address?
Carbon nanotubes are lightweight nanomaterials with exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. By understanding and optimizing their synthesis, my research aims to transform methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into valuable solid nanomaterials while generating clean hydrogen fuel as a byproduct.
What are you specifically investigating?
My research focuses on the Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition (FCCVD) method, a promising approach to synthesize high-quality carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at scale. I am working on:
- Identifying sources of variability to enhance process control and ensure consistent productivity.
- Exploring the complex parameter space of fluid dynamics and chemical reactions to deepen our understanding of CNT synthesis and improve FCCVD efficiency.
Research Outputs and Impact
What are some products from your research so far?
I developed a process control system for the catalyst delivery system used in FCCVD, which was showcased at the 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting and NT’24, an international conference on nanotube science and applications.
What funding supports your work?
I acknowledge the ARPA-E OPEN 2018 Project Award (Number: DEAR0001015).
Sustainability and Future Directions
What is the most pressing sustainability challenge the world is facing?
I believe the most pressing challenge is combating climate change by transitioning to a society that produces minimal carbon dioxide while maintaining our current quality of life.
How does your research contribute to sustainability?
High-quality carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are essential for improving energy efficiency in transportation and electrical systems. My work addresses inefficiencies in CNT synthesis, paving the way for large-scale applications in lightweight transportation components and energy-efficient systems. By enhancing CNT production, I aim to reduce material and energy waste, supporting sustainable energy and transportation solutions.
Career Aspirations
What are your career aspirations post-graduation?
I hope to apply my skills and knowledge in the industry, focusing on transforming laboratory research into industrial-scale products. My goal is to understand the challenges, policies, and practical considerations necessary for scaling discoveries while making meaningful contributions to both science and society.