mechanical engineering

Q&A: UW researchers develop a reactor that can destroy ‘forever chemicals’

“Forever chemicals,” named for their ability to persist in water and soil, are a class of molecules that are ever-present in our daily lives, including food packaging and household cleaning products. Because these chemicals don’t break down, they end up in our water and food, and they can lead to health effects, such as cancer or decreased fertility. Now a team of researchers at the University of Washington has created a new way to tackle these chemicals — a technology that could help treat industrial waste, destroy concentrated forever chemicals that already exist in the environment and deal with old stocks, such as the forever chemicals in fire-fighting foam.

A new framework for manufacturing next-gen materials

UW researchers have developed a novel method of synthesizing metal-organic frameworks that is fast, cheap, and sustainable.

Mechanical engineering on the nanoscale

Mechanical engineering faculty in NanoES are developing new materials, systems and devices for environmental monitoring and health care.

Research Impact: Developing a clean, scalable approach to synthesizing advanced materials

Elizabeth Rasmussen, a mechanical engineering graduate student in the lab of NanoES faculty member Igor Novosselov, was recently profiled by the UW mechanical engineering department. Rasmussen is developing a clean, scalable approach to synthesizing advanced materials, setting the stage for innovation in batteries, targeted drug delivery and more. MOtiF Materials, a team led by Rasmussen and whose technology is based on Rasmussen’s graduate work, won the $15,000 grand prize at the 2019 Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge back in April.

An Itty-Bitty Robot That Lifts Off Like a Sci-Fi Spaceship

WIRED magazine features early-stage research from the labs of Igor Novosselov and Sawyer Fuller, both professors of mechanical engineering at UW, describing the use of ion propulsion to power tiny robots.