{"id":2595,"date":"2025-02-09T09:20:21","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T14:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/?page_id=2595"},"modified":"2025-10-14T12:14:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T17:14:37","slug":"research-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/research\/research-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Our research is founded on the principles of electrochemical engineering. While the topics may seem very diverse, ranging from neural stimulation, corrosion prediction, glucose sensors, segmentally constructed bridges, electrokinetic separation, batteries, fuel cells, and models for cathodic protection, these projects are connected by application of electrochemical engineering fundamentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2022-2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-1024x768.png\" alt=\"schematic representation of a NeuroNexus ultramicroelectrode device\" class=\"wp-image-2273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-2048x1536.png 2048w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/G2_Electrode_Array_final_Page_1-800x600.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Engineering the neuronal response to electrical microstimulation<br>Sponsor: NIH<br>MPI: Kevin Otto (Purdue) and Mark Orazem <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a collaboration of researchers from the University of Florida, Purdue University, Duke University, University of Texas at Dallas, and Neuronexus. My current PhD students on the project include Cynthia Eluagu (working with undergraduate Daniel Avalos), Bernard Biney, and Kelsey Sinclair (working with undergraduate Conan H. Humphries). We are exploring the electrochemical properties of ultramicroelectrode arrays used for neural stimulation. We use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and finite-element (COMSOL) simulations.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2020-2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture7-1024x600.png\" alt=\"schematic representation of a NWMO proposed underground repository for nuclear waste\" class=\"wp-image-2281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture7-1024x600.png 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture7-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture7-768x450.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture7.png 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Finite-element modelling of localized corrosion of copper under an Evans droplet<br>Sponsor: Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), Canada<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our group is collaborating with Scott Briggs from NWMO. My current PhD student on the project is Yunhan Chuai working with undergraduate Brooke Erickson. Our goal is to explore the potential for localized corrosion of copper-clad steel containers in the environment associated with a deep geological repository. We use finite-element (COMSOL) simulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1990-present<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8-1024x581.jpg\" alt=\"key words for impedance spectroscopy including measurement model, ohmic impedance, impedometric sensing, graphical methods, and software.\" class=\"wp-image-2283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8-1024x581.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8-1536x871.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture8.jpg 1768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Fundamental study of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy<br>Sponsor: none<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our work in this area has spanned more than three decades and dozens of students. Our contributions include the measurement model to quantify the error structure of impedance measurements, a novel method to extract physically meaningful information from impedance data affected by frequency dispersion, and a model that shows the influence of coupled faradaic and charging processes on impedance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2018-2022<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture6-1024x680.png\" alt=\"Image of a Medtronic glucose monitor and insulin pump.\" class=\"wp-image-2279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture6-1024x680.png 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture6-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture6-768x510.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture6.png 1267w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Numerical and experimental studies of the impedance and transient response of glucose sensors used to manage diabetes<br>Sponsor: Medtronic Diabetes<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We developed a fundamental finite-difference model for the impedance and transient responses for subcutaneous electrochemical glucose sensors. We used  numerical simulations and in-vitro electrochemical measurements with Medtronic sensors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2012-2017<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"759\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture1-1024x759.jpg\" alt=\"photograph of the Ringling Causeway Bridge in Florida\" class=\"wp-image-2285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture1-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture1-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture1-768x569.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture1.jpg 1247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Indirect impedance for detecting corrosion of post-tensioned tendons in segmentally constructed bridges.<br>Sponsor: Florida Department of Transportation<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We developed a method to use indirect impedance spectroscopy to detect corrosion of steel cables in post-tensioned tendons. This work resulted in one patent. We used finite-element (COMSOL) simulations and electrochemical measurements on disk electrodes and on tendons extracted from a Florida bridge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2008-2016<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"photograph of a drag line used for phosphate mining\" class=\"wp-image-2287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture2.jpg 1247w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Electrokinetic dewatering of phosphatic clay suspensions produced by beneficiation of phosphate ore.<br>Sponsor: Mosaic<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We developed a continuous method for electrokinetic separation of clay from water in an effluent stream associated with phosphate mining operations. This work resulted in three patents. Our project encompassed construction of six prototypes, each representing an improvement in efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2010-2012<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture3-1024x456.png\" alt=\"photograph of coin cell batteries.\" class=\"wp-image-2289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture3-1024x456.png 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture3-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture3-768x342.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Picture3.png 1288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Impedance investigation of lithium batteries.<br>Sponsor: Sandia National Laboratories<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In collaboration with Sandia, we studied the impedance response of commercial Li|CoO<sub>2<\/sub> coin cells. Our interpretation model employed the concept of anomalous diffusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2004-2008<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"709\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/PEM-EIS.png\" alt=\"Nyquist plot for impedance spectra collected for a PEM fuel cell\" class=\"wp-image-2275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/PEM-EIS.png 709w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/PEM-EIS-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Impedance measurements for PEM fuel cells.<br>Sponsor: NASA<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We studied the impedance PEM fuel cells. We attributed the low frequency inductive loop to formation of oxides on the Pt catalyst. Our work included surface analysis techniques along with impedance measurements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1991-2002<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516-1024x614.png\" alt=\"image generated by a computer program for the potential distribution above an underground pipeline\" class=\"wp-image-2629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516-1536x922.png 1536w, https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-10-112516.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Development of models for cathodic protection of pipelines and storage tanks.<br>Sponsor: Alyseka, American Gas Association, Pipeline Research Committee, International<br>PI: Mark Orazem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We developed boundary-element models for cathodic protection of pipeline networks and tank bottoms. Our work was employed by ARCO for the Trans-Alaska pipeline and for new construction is the South China Sea.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our research is founded on the principles of electrochemical engineering. While the topics may seem very diverse, ranging from neural stimulation, corrosion prediction, glucose sensors, segmentally constructed bridges, electrokinetic separation, batteries, fuel cells, and models for cathodic protection, these projects are connected by application of electrochemical engineering fundamentals. 2022-2026 Engineering the neuronal response to electrical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1171,"featured_media":0,"parent":22,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-section-nav.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-2595","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2595"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2931,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2595\/revisions\/2931"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/faculty.eng.ufl.edu\/orazem\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}