Ohio University electrochemical engineering students and faculty members will soon have the opportunity to conduct research with a new partnership.
The Center for Electrochemical Engineering Research at OU’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology, housed at 182 Mill St., received a grant through the National Science Foundation to establish the Center for Electrochemical Processes and Technology, also known as CEProTECH.
The full grant amount wasn’t available as of press time.
In partnership with Washington University-St.Louis, the center will focus on electrochemical alternatives to conventional chemical and biological processes to enhance production, according to a university news release.
The 20,000-square-foot facility houses more than $7 million in equipment and infrastructure.
“This is awarding us to really become one of the top research sites in electrochemical research,” said Lisa Rooney, CEProTECH Industry liaison.
Funds received will also be used for administrative costs, such as providing salaries for individuals associated with the center, Rooney said.
Gerardine Botte, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering who is leading the center, has already completed research in the field.
One of her inventions, known as “pee-to-power,” uses electrochemical technology to convert human waste water to hydrogen for use in fuel cells.
There are currently six companies involved with the project, all of who will contribute $50,000 to the project.
The center will be funded for five years, but officials hope to keep it in operation for a total of 15 years, with support from the National Science Foundation.
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This story originally ran in print under the headline, "Ohio secures research center."
