1. Course Description
This course explores the fundamental principles of Mass Transfer, the backbone of chemical engineering, and its application to industrial separation unit operations. We will focus on designing and analyzing processes such as distillation, extraction, and absorption. A special emphasis is placed on modern challenges, including Battery Recycling and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) from the atmosphere and oceans, leveraging the organic connection between transport phenomena and process design as presented in the Geankoplis textbook.

• Main Textbook: Christie John Geankoplis, Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles, 5th Edition.

2. Learning Objectives
• Understand the fundamental principles of mass transfer and the concept of diffusion coefficients.
• Design distillation columns and extraction processes using the Equilibrium Stage concept.
• Master the Kremser Equation and the principles of gas absorption/stripping.
• Apply advanced theories of Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) to real-world industrial processes.
• Build a foundation in membrane separation, which is increasingly vital in modern polymer and bio-industries.
• Analyze emerging technologies: Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Ocean Carbon Capture using advanced separation principles.

Transport Phenomena

1 Introduction: Definitions of separation processes & Thermodynamic foundations
2 Mass Transfer I: Principles of molecular diffusion and convective mass transfer
3 Mass Transfer II: Estimation of diffusion coefficients & Mass transfer coefficients
4 Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium: VLE relationships and non-ideal solutions (Activity Coefficients)
5 Distillation I: Batch distillation, Flash distillation, and McCabe-Thiele Method
6 Distillation II: Column efficiency, Reflux ratio optimization, Multicomponent distillation
7 Absorption & Stripping: Gas absorption equilibria and Packed Tower design
8 Midterm Exam (Covers Weeks 1–7)
9 Mass Transfer in Columns: HTU/NTU concepts and column design via Kremser Equation
10 Liquid-Liquid Extraction I: Principles of LLE, solvent selection, and Triangular Diagrams
11 Liquid-Liquid Extraction II: Countercurrent multistage design & Battery Recycling Case Study
12 Leaching & Crystallization: Principles of leaching and mechanisms of crystal growth
13 Membrane Separation: Polymer membranes (RO, UF, NF) and selectivity
14 Adsorption & Ion Exchange: Isotherms; Direct Air Capture (DAC) using solid sorbents
15 Emerging Technologies Ocean Carbon Removal (Electrochemical/Membrane) & Nanoparticles
16 Final Exam (Focus on Weeks 9–15)

• The syllabus is subject to change depending on the progress of the class.
• Carbon Neutrality Focus: In Weeks 14 and 15, we will specifically discuss the separation challenges in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). This includes:
o Direct Air Capture (DAC): Adsorption/Absorption kinetics for ultra-low concentration CO2.
o Ocean Capture: Utilizing membrane electrolysis and chemical precipitation to mitigate ocean acidification and capture carbon.
• Resource Circularity: The LLE section will feature in-depth case studies on Lithium/Nickel recovery from spent batteries, aligning with current industrial trends in sustainable chemical engineering.