U.S. industry produces approximately 1/3 of the CO₂ released in the U.S. and manufacturing improvements could lead to large reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. We have developed novel methods to deliver solutions of vegetable-oil in supercritical carbon dioxide as an alternative to the standard oil-in-water emulsions used widely by the metalworking industry. These mixtures are made from renewable or waste streams of other processes and they are less harmful to workers because they reduce the exposure to toxic chemicals and bacteria. Additionally, these novel materials improve performance as measured by lower tool-wear rates and machining forces so they have received extensive industry and academic coverage. The method is patent pending. Future work includes development of a general finite element model that describes the mechanism by which CO₂-based metalworking fluids function as well as surface chemistry characterization of the cutting zone.

Dependence on inexpensive and readily available coal reserves for electricity production suggests that sequestration technology must be pursued to mitigate the carbon emissions until alternatives can be developed. Separation and sequestration unit operations exist for CO₂ but few are economically viable or field-tested even though both will likely be employed widely in the near-term. A detailed understanding of the geology and chemical kinetics of carbon dioxide storage in unusable saline aquifers is important to effectively understand how these processes will influence water resources.

Over the past several years, biologically-derived liquid fuels capable of powering conventional automobile engines, such as ethanol and biodiesel, have emerged as economically-viable alternatives to petroleum fuels with two notable benefits: 1) they sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide when the feedstock plant is grown; and, 2) they can be produced domestically to mitigate US dependence on foreign oil. Certain photosynthetic microorganisms can be used to produce biofuel feedstocks from CO₂ and sunlight with lower input of nonrenewable energy compared to higher plants. The goal of this collaborative research project with Dr. Lisa Colosi is to develop the knowledge needed to use microorganisms in self-contained systems capable of producing fuel-grade fatty acids with simultaneous sequestration of waste carbon dioxide. CO₂ will also be studied as an efficient solvent for fatty acid extraction.