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100 Research Topics in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering Research Ideas

Dr. Somasundaram R

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Table of contents

100 research ideas in chemical engineering, 100 research/project ideas in the field of chemical engineering.

Chemical engineering is all about finding new, exciting ways to make our world better. Whether you’re a scientist or just love learning, this article is your guide to 100 amazing research ideas. We’ll talk about making things cleaner, using tiny particles to do big things, and finding ways to use less and save more. iLovePhD discovers how chemical engineering can make our future brighter and greener.

1. Sustainable approaches to chemical process design:

  • Integration of renewable energy sources.
  • Minimizing waste and emissions.
  • Life cycle assessment of chemical processes.

2. Green solvents for industrial applications:

  • Development of non-toxic solvents.
  • Solvent recycling and reusability.
  • Solvent selection for specific processes.

3. Catalyst development for renewable energy production:

  • Hydrogen production catalysts.
  • Catalytic processes in biofuels.
  • Novel catalyst materials.

4. Nanomaterials for improved catalytic reactions:

  • Role of nanoparticles in catalysis.
  • Synthesis of nanoscale catalysts.
  • Catalytic applications of nanomaterials.

5. Advanced separation techniques in chemical engineering:

  • Membrane-based separations.
  • Chromatographic separations.
  • Separation of azeotropic mixtures.

6. Bioprocess engineering for biofuel production:

  • Fermentation processes.
  • Enzyme engineering for biofuels.
  • Microbial strain development.

7. Process intensification in chemical manufacturing:

  • Microreactors for intensified reactions.
  • Heat integration in processes.
  • Continuous flow chemistry.

8. Waste-to-energy technologies in chemical industries:

  • Pyrolysis of waste materials.
  • Anaerobic digestion for biogas.
  • Energy recovery from industrial byproducts.

9. Development of biodegradable polymers:

  • New biodegradable polymer materials.
  • Processing techniques for biodegradable plastics.
  • Environmental impact of biodegradable polymers.

10. Carbon capture and utilization in chemical processes:

  • CO2 capture methods.
  • Conversion of captured CO2 into valuable products.
  • Utilizing CO2 in chemical processes.

11. Optimization of heat exchangers for energy efficiency:

  • Design and modeling of heat exchangers.
  • Heat exchanger fouling and cleaning.
  • Heat exchanger materials for high-temperature applications.

12. Smart materials for controlled drug delivery:

  • Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems.
  • Design and fabrication of smart drug carriers.
  • Controlled release of pharmaceuticals.

13. Microreactors for chemical synthesis

  • Miniaturization of chemical processes.
  • Continuous flow reactions in microreactors.
  • Scaling up microreactor technology.

14. Electrochemical energy storage systems

  • Lithium-ion batteries and beyond.
  • Fuel cells for portable power.
  • Redox flow batteries for grid storage.

15. Sustainable packaging materials:

  • Biodegradable and compostable packaging.
  • Eco-friendly packaging designs.
  • Recycling and reusing packaging materials.

16. Chemical kinetics modeling and simulation:

  • Reaction rate equations and mechanisms.
  • Numerical methods for kinetic modeling.
  • Kinetics in combustion and catalysis.

17. Renewable feedstocks for chemical production:

  • Biomass as a source of renewable chemicals.
  • Feedstock selection and availability.
  • Conversion technologies for renewable feedstocks.

18. Process safety and risk assessment in chemical plants:

  • Hazard analysis and safety protocols.
  • Safety instrumentation and systems.
  • Risk assessment in chemical processes.

19. Advances in membrane technology for separations:

  • Membrane materials and structures.
  • Membrane processes in water purification.
  • Gas separation membranes.

20. Sustainable water treatment processes

  • Innovative water treatment technologies.
  • Water purification in remote areas.
  • Wastewater treatment and recycling.

21. Application of artificial intelligence in chemical engineering:

  • AI in process optimization and control.
  • Machine learning for predictive maintenance.
  • AI-driven materials discovery.

22. Green chemistry principles in pharmaceuticals:

  • Sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
  • Green solvents and reagents in drug development.
  • Eco-friendly pharmaceutical formulations.

23. Ionic liquids in chemical processes:

  • Applications of ionic liquids as solvents.
  • Separation processes using ionic liquids.
  • Design and synthesis of new ionic liquids.

24. Process optimization using data analytics:

  • Big data analytics in chemical plants.
  • Predictive analytics for process improvement.
  • Data-driven decision-making in chemical engineering.

25. Microbial fuel cells for energy generation:

  • Microbial electrochemical systems.
  • Microbial communities in fuel cells.
  • Practical applications of microbial fuel cells.

26. Advanced control strategies in chemical reactors:

  • Model predictive control in reactors.
  • Adaptive and robust control approaches.
  • Real-time optimization of chemical reactors.

27. Novel reactor designs for cleaner production:

  • Tubular reactors for continuous processing.
  • High-pressure and high-temperature reactors.
  • Reactor designs for multiphase reactions.

28. Biomass conversion to chemicals and fuels:

  • Conversion pathways for biomass.
  • Biorefineries for sustainable chemical production.
  • Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass.

29. Advances in polymer processing techniques:

  • Extrusion and injection molding innovations.
  • 3D printing of polymer materials.
  • Sustainable polymer processing.

30. Sustainable manufacturing of specialty chemicals:

  • Green synthesis of specialty chemicals.
  • Specialty chemical formulations for niche markets.
  • Environmental considerations in specialty chemical production.

31. Fluidized bed reactors for catalysis:

  • Catalytic reactions in fluidized beds.
  • Fluid dynamics and heat transfer in fluidized beds.
  • Scale-up of fluidized bed reactors.

32. Clean energy from hydrogen production:

  • Hydrogen generation from renewable sources.
  • Hydrogen storage and transportation.
  • Fuel cells and hydrogen as an energy carrier.

33. Electrospinning for nanofiber production:

  • Nanofiber materials for various applications.
  • Electrospinning techniques and equipment.
  • Nanofiber composite materials.

34. Adsorption processes for environmental remediation:

  • Adsorbent materials for pollutant removal.
  • Adsorption processes for water treatment.
  • Regeneration of adsorbents.

35. Novel sensors for process monitoring:

  • Advanced sensors for chemical analysis.
  • In-situ and online monitoring technologies.
  • Sensor networks in chemical plants.

36. 3D printing in chemical engineering applications:

  • Additive manufacturing of chemical equipment.
  • Customized 3D-printed reactor components.
  • Materials and techniques for chemical 3D printing.

37. Waste minimization in chemical industries:

  • Lean manufacturing and process optimization.
  • Circular economy principles in waste reduction.
  • Waste-to-resource strategies in chemical plants.

38. Sustainable agriculture through agrochemicals:

  • Eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides.
  • Precision agriculture and chemical inputs.
  • Biopesticides and organic farming.

39. Supercritical fluid extraction techniques:

  • Supercritical CO2 extraction in food industry.
  • Supercritical fluid extraction of natural products.
  • Supercritical fluid technology for clean extraction.

40. Industrial biotechnology for chemical production:

  • Microbial fermentation for chemicals.
  • Metabolic engineering of industrial strains.
  • Bioprocess optimization for chemical production.

41. Green engineering principles in process design:

  • Design for sustainability in chemical processes.
  • Process integration for resource efficiency.
  • Green metrics and assessment tools.

42. Corrosion protection in chemical plants:

  • Corrosion-resistant materials and coatings.
  • Cathodic and anodic protection techniques.
  • Monitoring and maintenance of corrosion prevention systems.

43. Crystallization processes for product purification:

  • Crystal engineering for product quality.
  • Anti-solvent crystallization and precipitation.
  • Crystallization process optimization.

44. Advances in chemical plant automation:

  • Industrial automation using PLC and SCADA.
  • IoT and Industry 4.0 in chemical manufacturing.
  • Automation for improved safety and efficiency.

45. Biomimicry in materials science:

  • Materials inspired by nature.
  • Bio-inspired materials for medical applications.
  • Biomimetic materials in aerospace and engineering.

46. Chemical recycling of plastics:

  • Technologies for plastic recycling.
  • Chemical depolymerization of plastics.
  • Closed-loop recycling systems.

47. Sustainable surfactants and detergents:

  • Environmentally friendly surfactant formulations.
  • Surfactants in household and industrial cleaning.
  • Biodegradable detergent ingredients.

48. Biocatalysis for pharmaceutical synthesis:

  • Enzymatic reactions in drug manufacturing.
  • Immobilized enzymes in pharmaceuticals.
  • Biocatalyst engineering for drug synthesis.

49. Sustainable textile dyeing processes:

  • Eco-friendly dyeing methods.
  • Natural and low-impact dyes in the textile industry.
  • Waterless and digital textile printing.

50. Thermodynamics of novel materials:

  • Thermodynamic properties of advanced materials.
  • Phase equilibria in novel materials.
  • Thermodynamics of nanomaterials.

51. Renewable energy integration in chemical plants:

  • Solar and wind energy in chemical manufacturing.
  • Energy storage solutions for renewables.
  • Grid integration and power management in chemical facilities.

52. Nanocatalysts for cleaner hydrogen production:

  • Nanomaterials for hydrogen generation.
  • Hydrogen purification using nanocatalysts.
  • Catalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.

53. Pervaporation for liquid separation:

  • Pervaporation membranes and materials.
  • Separation of azeotropic mixtures by pervaporation.
  • Applications of pervaporation in chemical processes.

54. Process safety culture in chemical industries:

  • Building a culture of safety in chemical plants.
  • Safety training and awareness programs.
  • Safety leadership and organizational behavior.

55. Waste heat recovery in chemical processes:

  • Heat exchangers and heat recovery systems.
  • Combined heat and power (CHP) in chemical plants.
  • Waste heat utilization for process heating.

56. Biodegradable packaging materials:

  • Biodegradable films and containers.
  • Bioplastics for packaging applications.
  • Degradation and compostability of packaging materials.

57. Electrochemical wastewater treatment:

  • Electrochemical oxidation and reduction processes.
  • Electrochemical reactors for wastewater treatment.
  • Removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants.

58. Process safety education and training:

  • Chemical engineering safety curriculum.
  • Hazard identification and risk assessment training.
  • Case studies and incident analysis in safety education.

59. Sustainable agrochemical formulations:

  • Formulation technologies for controlled release.
  • Biodegradable and low-residue agrochemicals.

60. Sustainable rubber and elastomers:

  • Green rubber production from natural sources.
  • Renewable rubber materials for tires.
  • Recycling and reusing rubber products.

61. Electrochemical energy conversion:

  • Electrocatalysts for energy conversion.
  • Electrochemical fuel cells and batteries.
  • Electrosynthesis of valuable chemicals.

62. Sustainable detergents and cleaning products:

  • Environmentally responsible cleaning formulations.
  • Biodegradable surfactants in detergents.
  • Sustainable packaging for cleaning products.

63. Food packaging materials with extended shelf life:

  • Active and intelligent packaging technologies.
  • Barrier properties of food packaging materials.
  • Packaging innovations for reducing food waste.

64. Green synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates:

  • Sustainable routes to key pharmaceutical building blocks.
  • Green solvents in pharmaceutical synthesis.
  • Catalytic processes for pharmaceutical intermediates.

65. Polymer-based drug delivery systems:

  • Controlled-release drug delivery using polymers.
  • Polymeric nanoparticles for drug encapsulation.
  • Implantable and injectable polymer drug delivery systems.

66. Carbon-neutral chemical processes:

  • Carbon capture and utilization in chemical manufacturing.
  • Renewable feedstocks for carbon-neutral production.
  • Energy-efficient and low-emission chemical processes.

67. Chemical sensors for environmental monitoring:

  • Environmental sensor networks for air and water quality.
  • Miniaturized sensors for on-site pollution monitoring.
  • Real-time data collection and analysis for environmental protection.

68. Sustainable nanomaterials for electronics:

  • Eco-friendly nanoelectronics materials.
  • Nanomaterials for energy-efficient devices.
  • Recycling and life cycle assessment of nanoelectronics.

69. Sustainable automotive lubricants:

  • Environmentally friendly lubricant formulations.
  • Synthetic and bio-based lubricants.
  • Lubricant additives for improved fuel efficiency.

70. Chemical engineering in space exploration:

  • Chemical processes in closed-loop life support systems.
  • Sustainable resource utilization on other planets.
  • Chemical engineering challenges in lunar and Mars missions.

71. Green chemistry in education and research:

  • Integration of green chemistry principles in curricula.
  • Green chemistry research ethics and practices.
  • Sustainable laboratory protocols and techniques.

72. Bio-based feedstocks for chemicals:

  • Plant-based feedstocks for chemical production.
  • Algae and other microorganisms as feedstock sources.
  • Bio-based chemicals in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

73. Sustainable adhesives for the construction industry:

  • Eco-friendly adhesive technologies.
  • Adhesive formulations for construction materials.
  • Adhesive recycling and disposal.

74. Sustainable nanocoatings for corrosion protection:

  • Nanocoating materials for extended corrosion resistance.
  • Nanocoatings for aerospace and marine applications.
  • Self-healing nanocoatings.

75. Chemical recycling of electronic waste:

  • Recovery of valuable metals and materials from e-waste.
  • Chemical processes for e-waste recycling.
  • Environmental and economic benefits of e-waste recycling.

76. Microfluidic devices for medical diagnostics:

  • Lab-on-a-chip platforms for point-of-care testing.
  • Microfluidic diagnostic devices for disease detection.
  • Integration of microfluidics with biosensors.

77. Renewable energy integration in chemical plants:

  • Wind and solar power in chemical manufacturing.
  • Energy storage solutions for intermittent renewables.
  • Grid interaction and power management in chemical facilities.

78. Sustainable textile finishing processes:

  • Eco-friendly textile dyeing and finishing.
  • Non-toxic and waterless textile treatments.
  • Dye-sublimation and digital printing in textiles.

79. Eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides:

  • Biopesticides for pest control.
  • Sustainable herbicide formulations.
  • Integrated pest management in agriculture.

80. Sustainable paints and coatings for buildings:

  • Low-VOC and non-toxic paint formulations.
  • Sustainable coating materials for architectural use.
  • Coating technologies for energy-efficient buildings.

81. Electrochemical wastewater treatment:

  • Advanced electrochemical oxidation processes.
  • Electro-Fenton and photoelectrochemical wastewater treatment.
  • Integration of renewable energy in electrochemical treatment.

82. Sustainable agriculture through agrochemicals:

  • Biofertilizers and their role in sustainable agriculture.
  • Eco-friendly soil conditioners for improved crop yield.
  • Precision agriculture using agrochemicals.

83. Food packaging materials with extended shelf life:

  • Edible packaging materials for perishable foods.
  • Modified atmosphere packaging for extended shelf life.
  • Nanotechnology-based packaging to prevent food spoilage.

84. Green synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates:

  • Biocatalysis in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates.
  • Green chemistry approaches in reducing waste in synthesis.
  • Sustainable sourcing of raw materials for pharmaceuticals.

85. Polymer-based drug delivery systems:

  • Polymer nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.
  • Controlled drug release using biodegradable polymers.
  • Implantable polymer devices for long-term drug delivery.

86. Carbon-neutral chemical processes:

  • Carbon capture and utilization in chemical plants.
  • Carbon-neutral chemical reactions using renewable feedstocks.
  • Electrification of chemical processes for reduced carbon emissions.

87. Chemical sensors for environmental monitoring:

  • Wireless sensor networks for real-time environmental monitoring .
  • Nano-based sensors for detecting pollutants and contaminants.
  • Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence for sensor data.

88. Sustainable nanomaterials for electronics:

  • Nanomaterials for energy-efficient electronic devices.
  • Eco-friendly nanomaterials for printed electronics.
  • Sustainable nanocomposites for electronic applications.

89. Sustainable automotive lubricants:

  • Lubricant additives for reducing friction and wear.
  • Bio-based lubricants for eco-friendly automotive applications.
  • Sustainable lubricant disposal and recycling.

90. Chemical engineering in space exploration:

  • Closed-loop life support systems for long-duration space missions.
  • Sustainable resource utilization on other celestial bodies (e.g., Mars).
  • Challenges of chemical engineering in resource-limited space environments.

91. Green chemistry in education and research:

  • Integration of green chemistry principles into K-12 education.
  • Sustainable laboratory practices and green chemistry experiments.
  • Green chemistry research ethics and collaboration.

92. Bio-based feedstocks for chemicals:

  • Conversion of agricultural waste into bio-based feedstocks.
  • Microbial fermentation for producing bio-based chemicals.
  • Sustainability and scalability of bio-based feedstock production.

93. Sustainable adhesives for the construction industry:

  • Eco-friendly adhesives for construction materials like wood and concrete.
  • Biodegradable adhesives for temporary structures.
  • Sustainable adhesive bonding in prefabricated construction.

94. Sustainable nanocoatings for corrosion protection:

  • Nanocoatings with self-healing properties.
  • Sustainable corrosion protection in marine and offshore environments.
  • Application of nanocoatings in aerospace and automotive industries.

95. Chemical recycling of electronic waste:

  • Recovery of rare earth metals from electronic waste.
  • Chemical processes for recycling printed circuit boards.
  • Sustainable approaches to e-waste management.

96. Microfluidic devices for medical diagnostics:

  • Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for rapid disease diagnosis.
  • Integration of microfluidics with diagnostic assays.
  • Point-of-care testing using microfluidic technology.

97. Renewable energy integration in chemical plants:

  • Green hydrogen production using renewable energy.
  • Energy storage solutions for renewable energy surplus.
  • Smart grids and microgrids in chemical manufacturing.

98. Sustainable textile finishing processes:

  • Sustainable dyeing techniques for textiles.
  • Environmentally responsible textile printing methods.
  • Eco-friendly finishes for functional textiles.

99. Eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides:

  • Biopesticide formulation and application methods.
  • Sustainable weed control using eco-friendly herbicides.
  • Integrated pest management for sustainable agriculture.

100. Sustainable paints and coatings for buildings:

  • Green building materials and coatings for energy efficiency.
  • Eco-friendly exterior and interior paint formulations.
  • Innovative coatings for reducing heat absorption and urban heat island effect.
  • Sustainable approaches to chemical process design.
  • Green solvents for industrial applications.
  • Catalyst development for renewable energy production.
  • Nanomaterials for improved catalytic reactions.
  • Advanced separation techniques in chemical engineering.
  • Bioprocess engineering for biofuel production.
  • Process intensification in chemical manufacturing.
  • Waste-to-energy technologies in chemical industries.
  • Development of biodegradable polymers.
  • Carbon capture and utilization in chemical processes.
  • Optimization of heat exchangers for energy efficiency.
  • Smart materials for controlled drug delivery.
  • Microreactors for chemical synthesis.
  • Electrochemical energy storage systems.
  • Sustainable packaging materials.
  • Chemical kinetics modeling and simulation.
  • Renewable feedstocks for chemical production.
  • Process safety and risk assessment in chemical plants.
  • Advances in membrane technology for separations.
  • Sustainable water treatment processes.
  • Application of artificial intelligence in chemical engineering.
  • Green chemistry principles in pharmaceuticals.
  • Ionic liquids in chemical processes.
  • Process optimization using data analytics.
  • Microbial fuel cells for energy generation.
  • Advanced control strategies in chemical reactors.
  • Novel reactor designs for cleaner production.
  • Biomass conversion to chemicals and fuels.
  • Advances in polymer processing techniques.
  • Sustainable manufacturing of specialty chemicals.
  • Fluidized bed reactors for catalysis.
  • Clean energy from hydrogen production.
  • Electrospinning for nanofiber production.
  • Adsorption processes for environmental remediation.
  • Novel sensors for process monitoring.
  • 3D printing in chemical engineering applications.
  • Waste minimization in chemical industries.
  • Sustainable agriculture through agrochemicals.
  • Supercritical fluid extraction techniques.
  • Industrial biotechnology for chemical production.
  • Green engineering principles in process design.
  • Corrosion protection in chemical plants.
  • Crystallization processes for product purification.
  • Advances in chemical plant automation.
  • Biomimicry in materials science.
  • Chemical recycling of plastics.
  • Sustainable surfactants and detergents.
  • Biocatalysis for pharmaceutical synthesis.
  • Sustainable textile dyeing processes.
  • Thermodynamics of novel materials.
  • Renewable energy integration in chemical plants.
  • Nanocatalysts for cleaner hydrogen production.
  • Pervaporation for liquid separation.
  • Process safety culture in chemical industries.
  • Waste heat recovery in chemical processes.
  • Biodegradable packaging materials.
  • Electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
  • Sustainable construction materials.
  • Supramolecular chemistry in drug design.
  • Advances in polymer nanocomposites.
  • Microfluidics for lab-on-a-chip applications.
  • Sustainable lubricants and additives.
  • Water purification using advanced oxidation processes.
  • Flow chemistry for continuous production.
  • Environmental impact assessment in chemical processes.
  • Pharmaceutical process development.
  • Sustainable food processing technologies.
  • Chemical analysis of emerging contaminants.
  • Green synthesis of nanoparticles.
  • Reaction engineering in microreactors.
  • Biodegradable hydraulic fluids.
  • Sustainable cosmetics and personal care products.
  • Carbon nanotubes in materials science.
  • Industrial waste recycling technologies.
  • Sustainable adhesives and coatings.
  • Microbial bioplastics production.
  • Electrochemical wastewater treatment.
  • Process safety education and training.
  • Sustainable agrochemical formulations.
  • Sustainable rubber and elastomers.
  • Electrochemical energy conversion.
  • Sustainable detergents and cleaning products.
  • Food packaging materials with extended shelf life.
  • Green synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates.
  • Polymer-based drug delivery systems.
  • Carbon-neutral chemical processes.
  • Chemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
  • Sustainable nanomaterials for electronics.
  • Sustainable automotive lubricants.
  • Chemical engineering in space exploration.
  • Green chemistry in education and research.
  • Bio-based feedstocks for chemicals.
  • Sustainable adhesives for the construction industry.
  • Sustainable nanocoatings for corrosion protection.
  • Chemical recycling of electronic waste.
  • Microfluidic devices for medical diagnostics.
  • Sustainable textile finishing processes.
  • Sustainable paints and coatings for buildings.

Hope, this article will help you know about the emerging research ideas in chemical engineering research.

  • 3D Printing
  • adsorption processes
  • AI in chemical engineering
  • automotive lubricants
  • bio-based feedstocks
  • Biocatalysis
  • biodegradable packaging
  • biodegradable polymers
  • biomass conversion
  • carbon capture
  • Chemical Engineering
  • chemical engineering in space
  • chemical kinetics
  • chemical plant automation
  • chemical recycling
  • chemical sensors
  • clean energy
  • corrosion protection
  • crystallization processes
  • data analytics
  • e-waste recycling
  • eco-friendly pesticides
  • electrochemical energy
  • electrochemical wastewater treatment
  • electrospinning
  • fluidized bed reactors
  • green chemistry
  • green chemistry education
  • green engineering
  • Green solvents
  • heat exchangers
  • hydrogen production
  • industrial biotechnology
  • ionic liquids
  • membrane technology
  • microbial fuel cells
  • microfluidic devices
  • microreactors
  • nanocatalysts
  • nanocoatings
  • nanomaterials
  • pervaporation
  • polymer processing
  • process optimization
  • process safety
  • process safety culture
  • reactor design
  • renewable energy integration
  • renewable feedstocks
  • Research Ideas
  • safety education
  • smart materials
  • supercritical fluid extraction
  • sustainable adhesives
  • sustainable agriculture
  • sustainable agrochemicals
  • sustainable manufacturing
  • sustainable packaging
  • sustainable paints
  • sustainable processes
  • sustainable rubber
  • sustainable surfactants
  • sustainable textile finishing
  • sustainable textiles
  • thermodynamics
  • waste heat recovery
  • waste minimization
  • waste reduction
  • water treatment

Dr. Somasundaram R

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Chemical Engineering Research Paper Topics

Chemical engineering is an important research area in the field.

Thermal Properties of Paper

You can write about a wealth of topics in a chemical-engineering research paper, ranging from thermodynamics or heat and mass transfer, to the mathematics involved in the field. To narrow your paper to a specific topic, frame your paper in a general topic category.

Conceptual Designs

A research paper on conceptual designs of chemical processes might investigate the process for manufacturing a new drug or a redesign of an existing process. This research paper can discuss using technologies for such things as a certain process, and the types of physical reactions and chemical reactions involved. If you’ve carried out experiments on the designs you plan to discuss, write it as an experimental paper. If not, write it as a theoretical paper and mention that your theories and new designs should be tested for validity.

Current Theories

Discus current theories in the field. If you find a theory or process in chemical engineering interesting, write this type of paper to discuss it in more detail. Current theory papers might investigate the origins, applications, strengths and weaknesses of one theory. Compare and contrast two or more theories, and decide within your paper which theory you find stronger or more relevant.

Theoretical/Experimental Considerations

A paper on theoretical/experimental considerations differs from a paper on current theories in the minutiae of the details discussed. While a paper on current theories is typically broad and includes information on all aspects of a certain theory, a paper on theoretical/experimental considerations focuses on such details as sampling and measurement techniques.

Practical Applications

Focusing on practical applications in chemical engineering is a paper topic which many professors approve. Discuss ways to apply theories and concepts to real-life situations. This type of paper usually includes a thorough literature review of existing applications of theories and concepts.

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  • “Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers;” Carl R. Branan; 2005
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Chemical Engineering Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 5th, 2023 , Revised On August 18, 2023

Introduction

We all know that writing a Chemical Engineering dissertation is a challenging, burdensome, and hefty task because this branch of engineering encompasses a vast array of knowledge from different science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Choosing an appropriate and suitable topic for your chemical engineering dissertation can turn out to be tricky since this subject involves several subtopics spanning from the application of thermodynamics to product purification techniques used in various industries such as the pharmaceutical industry and food industry.

As a result, it becomes challenging to put forward a chemical engineering dissertation that meets the required quality standard and scores the desired marks.

To help you get started with brainstorming for chemical engineering topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your chemical engineering dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD qualified  writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your own dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question , aim and objectives,  literature review , along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

2022 Chemical Engineering Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: significance of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery and how has the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials transformed the uk pharmaceutical sector.

Research Aim: The aim of the study is to focus on the importance of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery and the transformation of the UK pharmaceutical sector with the incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials

Objectives:

  • To shed light on the concept of carbon-based nanomaterials and their importance in drug delivery
  • To understand the transformation of the UK pharmaceutical sector with the use of carbon-based nanomaterials
  • To recommend solutions in order to mitigate challenges related to the use of carbon-based nanomaterials

Topic 2: An investigation into the different applications and challenges of using lithium iron phosphate battery in EV, a case study of Tesla

Research Aim: The aim of this research study is to investigate the different applications and challenges of using lithium iron phosphate batteries in EVs. The case study of Tesla is considered.

  • To understand the concept of lithium iron phosphate battery
  • To explore the significance of lithium iron phosphate batteries in electric vehicles
  • To examine the different benefits of using lithium iron phosphate batteries in Tesla
  • To analyse the different challenges of using lithium iron phosphate battery in Tesla

Topic 3: How is the UK manufacturing industry getting smart with the integration of nanomaterials?

Research Aim: The research aim focuses on integrating nanomaterials in the UK manufacturing sector and thus making it smart.

  • To analyse the concept of nanomaterials
  • To explore the importance of nanomaterials in consumer products
  • To shed light on how the UK manufacturing sector is becoming smart with the use of nanomaterials

Topic 4: An examination of different technologies adopted in the UK chemical sector to treat industrial waste water.

Research Aim: The research aims to explain different technologies adopted in the UK chemical sector to treat industrial waste water.

  • To understand different sources of industrial waste that lead to water pollution
  • To analyse the current scenario of water pollution by the UK chemical sector and the laws formed to regulate this pollution
  • To examine different technologies used by the UK chemical sector to minimise water pollution and treat industrial waste water

Topic 5: Exploring the benefits and challenges of incorporating thermophotovoltaics in UK residential areas.

Research Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the benefits and challenges of incorporating thermophotovoltaics in UK residential areas.

  • To understand the current state of electricity consumption in UK residential areas
  • To discuss the concept of thermophotovoltaics and explore the benefits of using this device in UK residential areas
  • To determine the challenges of using this device in UK residential areas

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Topic 1: improving supercapacitors: designing conformal nanoporous polyaniline..

Research Aim: This research aims to engineer conformal nanoporous polyaniline through the process of oxidative chemical vapour deposition and to note its potential use in the improvement of supercapacitors. The study will look into the various advantages of the oxidative chemical vapour process in the formation and integration of conducting polymers over the conventional solution-based methods. It will also address and look into the potential use of the nanoporous polyaniline in increasing a supercapacitor’s energy storage ability and power density.

Topic 2: Complete Engineering of Metal-Free Carbon-Based Electrocatalysts.

Research Aim: The focus of this research is to both electronically and structurally engineer a Carbon-based and metal-free electrocatalyst that can be employed in the splitting of water. Such electrocatalysts will be able to substitute the conventional catalyst used, Platinum, for this process. We will observe if it proves to be a cheaper material that offers clean and sustainable energy conversion reactions. In this attempt, the study will also electronically and structurally construct a Carbon-based electrocatalyst to improve its catalytic performance in any reaction it is used in.

Topic 3: Heterostructure Engineering of BiOBrxI1-x/BiOBr for efficient Molecular Oxygen Activation and Organic Pollutant Degradation.

Research Aim: This research will look into the formation of a heterojunction structure of BiOBrxI1-x/BiOBr into a photocatalyst. This photocatalyst will have the ability to degrade some organic pollutants and oilfield wastes in an ideal and efficient manner to reduce pollution and release air pollutants. This will further provoke the idea of enhanced molecular oxygen activation capacity of bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts for the same reason.

Topic 4: The Control of Key Bio functions by The Chemical Synthesis of Glycosaminoglycan-mimetic Polymer.

Research Aim: The research will look at the different advantages of chemically synthesising glycosaminoglycan-mimetic polymer over naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. The study will also highlight the critical importance of this synthetic polymer over its naturally occurring counterpart in the controlling of essential bio functions in an organism.

Topic 5: The Catalytic Applications of Chemically Designed Palladium-Based Nanoarchitectures.

Research Aim: This research will look into the future development of chemically designed Palladium based catalysts. The study will also be looking into their various applications. This research will also discuss the use of the different types of palladium-based nano architectures, which include alloys, intermetallic compounds, etc., against the limitations of pure palladium in the reactions it is used in.

Topic 6: To Achieve an Efficiency of That Over 15% in Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

Research Aim: This research will focus on achieving an efficiency of 15% or more in an organic photovoltaic cell using a copolymer design. This is because ternary blending and copolymerisation strategies have been noted to boost photovoltaic performance in photovoltaic organic solar cells by a certain degree. It will also discuss the applications of this enhanced photovoltaic cell in practical production and use soon.

Topic 7: To Achieve Efficient Hydrogen Production Through Chemically Activated Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2).

Research Aim: This research will look into the application of Molybdenum disulfide as a promising catalyst for the process called the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). We will discuss the two-dimensional layered structure of MoS2 and why it is a suitable replacement for the already used catalyst Platinum (Pt). The research will also explain the formation of this catalyst (MoS2) and how it becomes chemically activated. The paper will also compare and contrast the catalytical abilities of both Pt and the chemically activated Molybdenum disulfide. Related: How you can write a Quality Dissertation

Chemical Dissertation Topics 2021

Topic 1: organic redox and electrolyte development for semi-organic dry cell and flow battery production development..

Research Aim: Electrochemical technology advancement could optimize renewable energy for value-added chemical processing. This research will use organic redox species-rich electrical chemistry to generate new dry cell and flow batteries.

Topic 2: Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the relationship between Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

Topic 3: Influence of Chemicals on Environment

Research Aim: This research aims to measure the influence of Chemicals on Environmental Management

Topic 4: How is industrial chemistry revolutionising?

Research Aim: This research aims to identify how industrial chemistry is revolutionising

Topic 5: Method of Preparing Hydrogen by Using Solar Energy

Research Aim: This research aims to focus on the method of preparing hydrogen by using solar energy

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Material Production Dissertation Topics

Topic 8: engineering enterprise systems impact on the project design of oxygen scavenging nanoparticles.

Research Aim: The research will analyse how the implementation of an engineering enterprise system influences the design cycle of material production. The study will use material production projects related to oxygen scavenging nanoparticles as the case with which research will be conducted. The study aims to understand how enterprise systems can be implemented in material production to reduce costs and ensure the project is completed on time. The quality of the material is not compromised.

Topic 9: The Efficient Detoxification of Toxic Metals and Dyes Under visible Light Illumination.

Research Aim: This research will discuss the heterojunction of Fe2O3 on BOC (Bismuth carbonate) to increase the efficiency of detoxifying toxic metals and dyes by visible light illumination. It will also explain the effect of Fe2O3 heterojunction on the photocatalytic impact, solar harvesting ability, and enhanced charge carrier ability of BOC.

Topic 10: The Deformation of Geopolymers Based From Metakaolin Through Chemical Procedures.

Research Aim: This research will look into the chemical deformation process individually and the effect of these deformations on the volume stability in binder materials. It will focus on the impact of deformation in metakaolin based geopolymers as they experience three stages of deformation due to chemical procedures.

Topic 11: Improving The Mechanical Properties Of Oil-impregnated Casting Nylon Monomers Through Chemically Functionalized SiO2.

Research Aim: The research will discuss the effect of chemically functionalizing SiO2 in an attempt to observe any changes in oil-impregnated monomers of casting nylon. It will explain the changes observed in the casting nylons tensile strength, elastic modulus, notched impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus.

Topic 12: Increasing The Electrocatalytic Effect of 2H-WS2 By Defect Engineering For The Process Of Hydrogen Evolution.

Research Aim: The research will attempt to increase the electrocatalytic effect of 2H-WS2 to increase the active sites found on the compound to achieve an efficient method to evolve hydrogen gas from evolution reactions. The electrocatalyst is evaluated both theoretically and experimentally for better results.

Chemical Engineering Techniques and Processes Dissertation Topics

Topic 13: the control of water kinematics in a water solution of low deuterium concentration..

Research Aim: The research will study the effects of the change in deuterium concentration in water. The study will compare the kinematics of deuterium depleted water, the average concentration of deuterium, and that of hard water (D2O).

Topic 14: To Assess the Temporal Control Photo-Mediated Controlled Radical Polymerization Reactions.

Research Aim: The research will examine the effect of light control over some photo-mediated polymerisation reactions. It will also observe the changes in the polymer when the light is on and when it is off.

Topic 15: The Influence of Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-design for Green Chemical Engineering.

Research Aim: The research will analyse how the implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-design concepts in a chemical engineering company solves design issues from a technical, social, economic, and environmental viewpoint. The research will use empirical data to conduct the study, performing a survey of chemical engineers from various companies throughout the UK.

Topic 16: Using Techniques of Structural Engineering To Design Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Research Aim: In this research, various techniques of structural engineering are implemented to obtain a flexible lithium-ion battery, which can be used in such electronic devices which can function even in extreme deformations such as flexible displays, flexible tools, and any wearable devices. It will analyse the battery based on the structural design at both component and device levels.

Topic 17: Applying Chemical Looping Technology On Cerium-Iron Mixed Oxides for Production of Hydrogen and Syngas.

Research Aim: This research will prepare impure hydrogen gas by the looping method to generate syngas. At the same time, a mix of cerium and iron oxides is prepared to form oxygen carriers. It will apply different techniques to obtain more efficient methods for the formation of hydrogen gas and CeO2.Fe2O3 to for syngas.

Topic 18: Designing Fracture Resistant Lithium Metal Anodes with Bulk Nanostructured Materials.

Research Aim: The research will attempt to use bulk nanostructured materials on lithium metal anodes to form such anodes with the stress exerted by a passing electrical flow that is equally distributed to avoid fracturing. This method will allow creating fracture-resistant lithium metal anodes in high rate electric cycles with a larger capacity.

Topic 19: To Obtain Efficient Photo-Chemical Splitting of Water by Surface Engineering Of Nanomaterials.

Research Aim: The research discusses the effects of various surface engineering techniques in the process of water splitting. Surface engineering alters the surface layer of the electrolyte in an attempt to add a significant change in the production of hydrogen gas during water splitting. It will also discuss the challenges faced by surface engineering and potential opportunities in applying this method in future uses.

More Dissertation Topics on Chemical Engineering

Topic 20: assessing the competencies of personal skills in chemical engineers..

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact of chemical engineers’ transferable skills or personal skills using PLS-SEM. The study will examine the variables of communications, teamwork, IT skills, self-learning, numeracy, and problem-solving to understand chemical engineers’ competencies better.

Topic 21: The Impact of Communication Skills on Team-Individual Conflict of Chemical Engineers.

Research Aim: The research will examine, using qualitative methodologies, the impact of technical workshops that focus on speaking and writing on team-individual conflicts of chemical engineers in various UK industries. The research aims to understand how specific communications skills focusing on technical ability affect conflict situations in industrial environments.

Topic 22: Using Social Network Analysis to Assess Management in Chemical Enterprises.

Research Aim: The research uses social network analysis (SNA) to analyse the management systems of chemical enterprises. The data will be collected through a psychometric questionnaire to assess variables of communication, governance, work environment, and other management components. The research aims to comprehend how these variables interact to ensure the appropriate management of chemical enterprises.

Topic 23: The Impact of Process Systems Engineering on Sustainable Chemical Engineering.

Research Aim: The research will analyse the impact of process system engineering (PSE) on achieving sustainable chemical engineering. The study will focus on metrics, product design, process design, and process dynamics to better understand if it aids industries to become more sustainable. The research methodology will be mixed methods based on collecting data from questionnaires and interviews.

Topic 24: To Observe the Effect of Water-Splitting in Acidic Environment By Using Transition-Metal-Doped Rulr Biofunctional Nanocrystals.

Research Aim: This research will use the Ruler alloy as an electrocatalyst due to its bio-functionality and efficiency in oxygen-evolving and hydrogen evolving reactions. These observations will be taken in an acidic environment due to the necessity of developing the proton exchange membrane for producing clean hydrogen fuel.

Topic 25: Using The Mono-Doping and Co-Doping Processes to Obtain Efficient Metal-Free Electrocatalysts From N-Doped Carbon Nanomaterial

Research Aim: This research discusses the recent advancements in producing N-doped carbon electrocatalysts prepared by mono-, co-, and N-doping processes with other heteroatoms. It will also discuss the possibilities of developing a more sustainable electrocatalyst.

Topic 26: Synthesising Ultra-High Surface Area Porous Carbon by The Use Of Fungi- A Literature Review

Research Aim: The research will attempt to use a systematic literature review methodology to organise and discuss the characteristic degradation of fungi to isolate suitable and tailored microstructures which benefit a subsequent amount of carbonization and chemical activation.

Topic 27: Using Various Biogas and Manure Types To Synthesise A Biogas Supply Network.

Research Aim: This research will attempt to form a supply of biogas to generate electricity over a monthly time period. We will develop a generic mixture of manure and vegetative materials to build a biogas mixture for this purpose. It will then note the amounts of material used for the mix and note the changes to the number of electricity formations if we change the ratio of the original mix.

Topic 28: The Role of Surface Hydroxyls On the Activity And Stability Of Electrochemical Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide.

The research will observe the effect of surface hydroxyls on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. It will explain why the reduction of carbon dioxide is susceptible to react with the proper amount of surface hydroxyls through hydrogen bonding, which causes self-reduction. Not Sure Which Dissertation Topic to Choose?   Use Our Topic Planning Service  GET A FREE QUOTE NOW Related:   Civil Engineering Dissertation

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Important Notes:

As a chemical engineering student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing chemical engineering theories and processes – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of chemical engineering is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like  civil engineering ,  construction , engineering , mechanical engineering , and more. That is why it is imperative to create a chemical engineering dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best chemical engineering dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample chemical engineering dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Chemical Engineering Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

  • A Title Page
  • Acknowledgements
  • Declaration
  • Abstract: A summary of the research completed
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
  • Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of the research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down of the topic, and key terms can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
  • Methodology: The  data collection  and  analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and  data analysis strategy .
  • Findings and Analysis: Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts, and  tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
  • Discussion and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
  • References:  This should be completed in accordance with your University’s requirements
  • Bibliography
  • Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the  dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to find dissertation topics about chemical engineering.

To find chemical engineering dissertation topics:

  • Research recent advancements.
  • Identify industry challenges.
  • Explore environmental concerns.
  • Consider process optimization.
  • Examine sustainable practices.
  • Discuss with professors or experts for insights.

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Suggestions for research topics and resources

Note that while on work term you have full access to the University of Waterloo library electronic resources. For off-campus access to resources that require a subscription you may have to sign-in to the library proxy server .

For chemical engineering-related resources, a good starting point has been set-up by the library. The Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology is an excellent place to start for many topics, and is a massive resource dedicated to chemical engineering topics.

If your work term situation does not result in a suitable topic for a report, consider the following suggestions:

  • Your work term may suggest a topic (some problem or opportunity) that is interesting to you, but not so much for your employer.
  • A previous work term may have involved some topic that you would like to pursue in more depth now.
  • Is there some technology problem or opportunity that you’re interested in for future jobs or careers? This would be a way of developing some knowledge-base for the future.
  • Browse through some of the chemical engineering trade journals. You might find some interesting topics to pursue further. University of Waterloo has a subscription to Chemical & Engineering News (see above for proxy server info). Other trade journals include Chemical Engineering , and Chemical Engineering Progress (note that these require subscriptions for full access).
  • Ask an employer, colleague, etc., for some ideas. People often have ideas that they've wondered about, but haven't had time to follow-up.

Contact the chemical engineering undergraduate office. We can help you sort out some ideas.

Chemical Engineering

  • Getting Started
  • Encyclopedias and Other Introductory Resources
  • Facts, Formulas & Other Data
  • Industry Information
  • Processes & Plant Design
  • Technical Reports
  • How to Find a Known Item
  • How to Find Property Data
  • How to Research a Topic

PICO: How to formulate your research question

Researching an engineering topic: introduction, researching an engineering topic, part 1: pick a good topic, researching an engineering topic, part 2: get organized - it saves time, researching an engineering topic, part 3: build a strong foundation, researching an engineering topic, part 4: where to look, researching an engineering topic, part 5: search strategies (using pico and keywords), researching an engineering topic, part 6: style manuals and citation guides.

  • How to Do A Literature Review This link opens in a new window
  • How to Keep Your Research Current
  • General Library Tutorials
  • Citation Management
  • Writing Assistance
  • Poster Design Tips
  • Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery This link opens in a new window

P = the product, process, problem or population to be studied

I = the improvement, investigation, inquiry, or intervention you plan to use on [P]

C = the comparison to either a current practice or opposing viewpoint 

O = the measurable outcome

Research Question Format:  For [P] will [I] or [C] provide [O] ?

Example:  In PV cells [P] does Gallium [I] or Silicon [C] provide more efficient electrical production  [O]?  

The ASU Library purchases access to the types of information that your instructors want you to use and what you'll be expected to use when you become a professional engineer.    To find this information you'll need to know where to look and what to look for.    Here's how to do it ...

  • Pick a Good Topic
  • Get Organized
  • Build a Strong Foundation
  • Where to Look
  • Search Strategies (Using PICO and Keywords)
  • Style Manuals and Citation Guides

Need More Help?

Has your instructor given you the option to pick your own research topic?  

A good topic: 

  • Is interesting.  The more you enjoy the topic, the more pleasant the work will be; you may find that it's not really work at all.  
  • If whole books have been written about the topic, it's too broad for a short paper or talk; narrow the scope by looking for a specific issue within that topic.  Instead of writing about bridges in general, how about writing on "bridge failures in the United States" or about a well known bridge?   
  • On the other hand, if very little has been published on the topic, it's too narrow; try broadening the topic by taking a step (or two) back.  So, instead of studying "suspension bridge failures in Phoenix", what about "bridge failures in Arizona"?    
  • Is something on which you can do an analysis and make a recommendation. Writing a paper or giving a talk is more than just paraphrasing what you found when researching your topic.  You'll need to draw conclusions that are supported by your research.   If your paper is about the Interstate-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota, don't just give a timeline of what happened.  You should address such issues as what has been learned and what still needs to be studied.   

Having trouble coming up with a good topic?  Try these engineering sites to get ideas:

  • Grand Challenges for Engineering
  • WTOP Radio Archives
  • CNN Tech News
  • BBC Tech News

If your paper or talk is relatively short and only requires a few supporting pieces of documentation, you can probably keep a record of your searchs and your book and journal articles citations written down on paper such as in a notebook.  Be sure to keep complete "citations" for everything you read - check those citations before you return the book to the library or before you leave the photocopy/printer with your article.  

For books a complete citation includes the:

  • book title,
  • publisher of the book, 
  • place where the publisher is headquartered, and
  • date of publication.
  • If you will be citing only portions of the book, be sure to keep track of the page numbers.

For journal articles a complete citation includes the:

  • author(s) of the article,
  • title of the article,
  • title of the journal,
  • volume number,
  • issue number,
  • pages the article appeared on, and
  • doi:10.1016/j.espr.2011.08.016
  • doi/10.1063/1.3457141

The books and and journal articles you'll be using in college are written for people who are already knowledgeable about the subject.  Just as every structure needs a good foundation, you'll need to learn the basics about a topic so you'll be able to understand what your research finds. 

Start by asking yourself the broad, traditional questions: who, what, where, when, how and why? 

  • Who and/or What involve the product, process, problem or population . In engineering, a human population usually comes into play only in biomedical research.   
  • How and/or Why involve the improvement, investigation, or intervention you intend to apply to the Who and/or What.  
  • When and/or Where involve special conditions that may effect the other questions; when or where may not be present in every research question. 

Next read to:

  • Build your knowledge base,
  • Identify trending facts, issues, cutting edge research, and 
  • Lay the foundation for asking a focused research question. 

You can get an introduction to just about any engineering concept via encyclopedias and handbooks; use the Encyclopedias and Handbooks & Manuals links under Resources tab above to find suggested resources. 

As an undergraduate, you'll use primarily two types of resources:

  • Books for a broad treatment of a topic or a long in-depth treatment of a sub-field of that topic, and
  • Journal Articles for an in-depth but short treatment of a specific aspect of a topic.

For Books use the Library One Search database. After searching your topic, use the Content Type option in the left-hand column to limit the results set to only Book/ eBooks . 

For Journal Articles use two different databases: 

  • Library One Search   After searching your topic, use the  Content Type  option in the right-hand column to limit the results set to only  Journal Articles ; you may also use the Refine Your Search: Scholarly & Peer Review  option at the top of the left-hand column.   
  • EI Compendex/Inspec EI Compendex indexes the engineering literature back into the 1880s; Inspec indexes the physics, electrical engineering, and computer science literature.  Using this link allows you to search both databases at the same time.  Once you have a results set, use the Document Type category in the left-hand column to limit to Journal Articles .  

Most research at this level will require that you use more than one resource as each resource will cover different parts of the literature.  (Even Google can't find everything.)  Also, you may find that you have to try several times before you find the best combination of words for searching that resource.  What words you use for searching and how you ask the computer to combine them will directly affect your results, so it pays to use different word combinations and strategies. 

So how do you know what are the best words for your search?  Well, that depends on what you're looking for! 

First, you need to focus on what your research question is.  The research question consists of 4 elements:  

  • P is the product, process, problem or population to be studied
  • I is the improvement, investigation, inquiry, or intervention you plan to use on [P]
  • C is the comparison to either a current practice or opposing viewpoint 
  • O is the measurable outcome

A general research question format may look like this:   For [ P ] will [ I ] or [ C ] provide [ O ] ?

In  PV cells  [P] does  Gallium  [I] or Silicon  [C] provide more  efficient electrical production   [O]?  

When you search databases, you'll use the [P] AND [I]  concepts from your Research Question.  The [C] and [I] concepts will help you determine which are the best entries as you browse your results set.  

  • Start with the words you use to describe  [P] AND [I] and enter these in the database's search box(es)  
  • Look for other terminology the authors are using in their titles and abstracts (summaries) to describe the same topic.  
  • If available, look in the left or right columns on the results screen for subject faceting (sometimes called "refine options")  to see what wording is appearing most frequently.  
  • After you have found these other terms for your topic, redo your search using these new words; you'll retrieve more books/articles that are on your topic. 

Keep in mind that literature research is a not a linear process; it's not "search, read, write, turn it in".  You won't find all the good articles in your first try; you need to explore using different terminology that an author might use for your topic.  The search strategy is more of a cyclic "search, read, refocus, search again ..." as many times as is necessary before you'll find enough good articles that you will reference in your paper. 

Both style manuals and citation guides explain how to format bibliographies; a bibliography is the list of books and journal articles you cited in your paper or talk.  Your instructor will tell you in what style or format s/he wants your bibliography.   In college, the two most popular styles are MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) and of those two, APA style works well for most engineering areas. The field of engineering as a whole does not have a preferred style but some sub-fields do (ex. IEEE Style is a common style in Electrical Engineering).   

For more information about APA style, see the library guide Citation Styles .

If your instructor specifies a different style, see the Advanced Guide for that engineering area to find links to guides for that format.

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Chemical Engineering Communication Lab

Written Thesis Proposal

Introduction.

The goal of this article is to help you to streamline your writing process and help convey your ideas in a concise, coherent, and clear way. The purpose of your proposal is to introduce, motivate, and justify the need for your research contributions. You want to communicate to your audience what your research will do ( vision ), why it is needed ( motivation ), how you will do it ( feasibility ).

Return to ToC

Before you start writing your proposal

A thesis proposal is different than most documents you have written. In a journal article, your narrative can be post-constructed based on your final data, whereas in a thesis proposal, you are envisioning a scientific story and anticipating your impact and results. Because of this, it requires a different approach to unravel your narration. Before you begin your actual writing process, it is a good idea to have (a) a perspective of the background and significance of your research, (b) a set of aims that you want to explore, and (c) a plan to approach your aims. However, the formation of your thesis proposal is often a nonlinear process. Going back and forth to revise your ideas and plans is not uncommon. In fact, this is a segue to approaching your very own thesis proposal, although a lot of time it feels quite the opposite.

Refer to “Where do I begin” article when in doubt. If you have a vague or little idea of the purpose and motivation of your work, one way is to remind yourself the aspects of the project that got you excited initially. You could refer to the “Where do I begin?” article to explore other ways of identifying the significance of your project.

Begin with an outline. It might be daunting to think about finishing a complete and coherent thesis proposal. Alternatively, if you choose to start with an outline first, you are going to have a stronger strategic perspective of the structure and content of your thesis proposal. An outline can serve as the skeleton of your proposal, where you can express the vision of your work, goals that you set for yourself to accomplish your thesis, your current status, and your future plan to explore the rest. If you don’t like the idea of an outline, you could remind yourself what strategy worked best for you in the past and adapt it to fit your needs.

Structure Diagram

Structure Diagram

Structure your thesis proposal

While some variation is acceptable, don’t stray too far from the following structure (supported by the Graduate Student Handbook). See also the Structure Diagram above.

  • Cover Page. The cover page contains any relevant contact information for the committee and your project title. Try to make it look clean and professional.
  • Specific Aims . The specific aims are the overview of the problem(s) that you plan to solve. Consider this as your one-minute elevator pitch on your vision for your research. It should succinctly (< 1 page) state your vision (the What), emphasize the purpose of your work (the Why), and provide a high-level summary of your research plans (the How).
  • You don’t need to review everything! The point of the background is not to educate your audience, but rather to provide them with the tools needed to understand your proposal. A common pitfall is to explain all the research that you did to understand your topic and to demonstrate that you really know your information. Instead, provide enough evidence to show that you have done your reading. Cut out extraneous information. Be succinct.
  • Start by motivating your project. Your background begins by addressing the motivation for your project. If you are having a hard time brainstorming the beginning of your background, try to organize your thoughts by writing down a list of bullet points about your research visions and the gap between current literature and your vision. They do not need to be in any order as they only serve to your needs. If you are unsure of how to motivate your audience, you can refer to the introductions of the key literatures where your proposal is based on, and see how your proposal fits in or extends their envisioned pictures. Another exercise to consider is to imagine: “What might happen if your work is successful?”  This will motivate your audience to understand your intent. Specifically, detailed contributions to help advance your field more manageable to undertake than vague high-level outcomes. For example, “Development of the proposed model will enable high-fidelity simulation of shear-induced crystallization” is a more specific and convincing motivation, compared to, “The field of crystallization modeling must be revolutionized in order to move forward.”

Hourglass Model

  • Break down aims into tractable goals. The goal of your research plan is to explain your plans to approach the problem that you have identified. Here, you are extending your specific aims into a set of actionable plans. You can break down your aims into smaller, more tractable goals whose union can answer the lager scientific question you proposed. These smaller aims, or sub-aims, can appear in the form of individual sub-sections under each of your research aims.
  • Reiterate your motivations. While you have already explained the purpose of your work in previous sections, it is still a good practice to reiterate them in the context of each sub-aim that you are proposing. This will inform your audience the motivation of each sub-aim and help them stay engaged.
  • Describe a timely, actionable plan. Sometimes you might be tempted to write down every area that needs improvement. It is great to identify them; at the same time, you also need to decide on what set of tasks can you complete timely to make a measurable impact during your PhD. A timely plan now can save a lot of work a few years down the road.  Plan some specific reflection points when you’ll revisit the scope of your project and evaluate if changes are needed.  Some pre-determined “off-ramps” and “retooling” ideas will be very helpful as well, e.g., “Development of the model will rely on the experimental data of Reynold’s, however, modifications of existing correlations based on the validated data of von Karman can be useful as well.”
  • Point your data to your plans. The preliminary data you have, data that others in your lab have collected, or even literature data can serve as initial steps you have taken. Your committee should not judge you based on how much or how perfect your data is. More important is to relate how your data have informed you to decide on your plans. Decide upon what data to include and point them towards your future plans.
  • Name your backup plans. Make sure to consider back-up plans if everything doesn’t go as planned, because often it won’t. Try to consider which part of your plans are likely to fail and its consequence on the project trajectory. In addition, think about what alternative plans you can consider to “retune” your project. It is unlikely to predict exactly what hurdles you will encounter; however, thinking about alternatives early on will help you feel much better when you do.
  • Safety. Provide a description of any relevant safety concerns with your project and how you will address them. This can include general and project-specific lab safety, PPE, and even workspace ergonomics and staying physical healthy if you are spending long days sitting at a desk or bending your back for a long time at your experimental workbench.
  • Create the details of your timeline. The timeline can be broken down in the units of semester. Think about your plans to distribute your time in each sub-aims, and balance your research with classes, TA, and practice school. A common way to construct a timeline is called the Gantt Chart. There are templates that are available online where you can tailor them to fit your needs.
  • References. This is a standard section listing references in the appropriate format, such as ACS format. The reference tool management software (e.g., Zotero, Endnote, Mendeley) that you are using should have prebuilt templates to convert any document you are citing to styles like ACS. If you do not already have a software tool, now is a good time to start.

Authentic, annotated, examples (AAEs)

These thesis proposals enabled the authors to successfully pass the qualifying exam during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Thesis proposal example 1, thesis proposal example 2.

StatAnalytica

301+ Chemical Engineering Project Topics [Updated]

chemical engineering project topics

Chemical engineering stands at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements that touch every facet of our lives. Through rigorous research projects, chemical engineers continuously push the boundaries of what is possible, seeking sustainable solutions, novel materials, and enhanced processes. In this blog, we embark on a journey through key areas of chemical engineering project topics, unveiling the latest trends and groundbreaking endeavors that promise to shape the future.

How to Select Chemical Engineering Project Topics?

Table of Contents

  • Identify Your Interests
  • Consider your personal interests within the broad field of chemical engineering.
  • Think about specific topics or areas that captivate your curiosity and passion.
  • Current Trends and Challenges

Stay updated on current trends, challenges, and emerging areas within chemical engineering.

Explore recent research publications, industry reports, and technological advancements.

  • Consult with Advisors or Professors
  • Seek guidance from your academic advisors or professors. They can provide insights into areas of research that align with your skills and interests.
  • Evaluate Practical Significance
  • Assess the real-world significance and practical applications of potential project topics.
  • Consider how your research could contribute to addressing industry challenges or advancing existing technologies.
  • Review Previous Projects
  • Look into previous chemical engineering projects undertaken by students at your institution.
  • Identify gaps or areas where further research could build upon existing knowledge.
  • Consider Available Resources
  • Take stock of the resources available to you, including laboratory facilities, equipment, and expertise.
  • Ensure your chosen project is feasible within the scope of available resources.
  • Think about Long-Term Goals
  • Reflect on your long-term career goals and how the chosen project aligns with those aspirations.
  • Consider projects that could serve as a foundation for future research or industry applications.
  • Collaboration Opportunities
  • Explore opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals, research organizations, or other academic institutions.
  • Collaborative projects often provide a broader perspective and additional resources.
  • Balance Ambition and Realism
  • Strive for a balance between ambitious goals and the practical feasibility of the project.
  • Ensure that the project is challenging enough to be intellectually stimulating but achievable within the given time frame.
  • Personal Skills Development
  • Consider how the project aligns with your skill development goals.
  • Select a project that allows you to enhance your technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Feedback from Peers
  • Discuss potential project ideas with your peers or colleagues.
  • Gather feedback and insights, and consider diverse perspectives before finalizing your decision.
  • Passion and Motivation
  • Choose a project topic that genuinely excites and motivates you.
  • Your enthusiasm for the topic will contribute to a more fulfilling and successful research experience.

301+ Chemical Engineering Project Topics

Sustainable processes.

  • Life cycle assessment of a green chemical process.
  • Integration of renewable energy in chemical production.
  • Development of eco-friendly catalysts for sustainable reactions.
  • Optimization of water usage in industrial processes.
  • Waste-to-energy conversion technologies.
  • Sustainable design and operation of chemical plants.
  • Carbon capture and utilization in industrial applications.
  • Implementation of green solvents in chemical processes.
  • Eco-efficient process design for reducing environmental impact.
  • Feasibility study of a zero-waste chemical production facility.

Advanced Materials

  • Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
  • Design and synthesis of smart polymers for targeted applications.
  • Applications of graphene in chemical processes.
  • Development of high-performance ceramic materials.
  • Bio-inspired materials for engineering applications.
  • Conductive polymers for electronic devices.
  • Shape memory alloys in chemical engineering.
  • Advanced materials for corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
  • Biomimetic materials for water purification.
  • Nanocomposites for enhanced mechanical properties.

Process Optimization

  • Application of artificial intelligence in chemical process optimization.
  • Optimization of reaction conditions for improved yield.
  • Energy-efficient distillation processes.
  • Dynamic simulation and control of chemical reactors.
  • Intelligent process monitoring and fault detection.
  • Design optimization of heat exchangers.
  • Integration of advanced control strategies in chemical plants.
  • Process intensification for improved efficiency.
  • Data-driven optimization of chemical processes.
  • Multi-objective optimization of a chemical production plant.

Environmental Impact

  • Air quality monitoring in chemical industrial areas.
  • Development of sustainable packaging materials.
  • Remediation of contaminated water using chemical processes.
  • Life cycle analysis of plastic recycling processes.
  • Evaluation of environmental risks in chemical plants.
  • Implementation of green chemistry principles in industry.
  • Eco-friendly alternatives for chemical waste disposal.
  • Assessment of environmental impact in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Sustainable practices in the petrochemical industry.
  • Circular economy approaches in chemical engineering.

Bioprocess Engineering

  • Design and optimization of bioreactors for microbial cultivation.
  • Production of biofuels from renewable resources.
  • Enzyme engineering for industrial applications.
  • Bioprocessing of agricultural waste for value-added products.
  • Development of biosensors for process monitoring.
  • Biotechnological production of high-value chemicals.
  • Scale-up of microbial fermentation processes.
  • Bio-based materials for sustainable packaging.
  • Bioproduction of therapeutic proteins.
  • Metabolic engineering for enhanced bio-product synthesis.

Process Safety

  • Hazard identification and risk assessment in chemical processes.
  • Emergency response planning for chemical plants.
  • Safety measures in the design of pressure vessels.
  • Fire and explosion hazard analysis in chemical facilities.
  • Human factors in process safety management.
  • Quantitative risk analysis in the petrochemical industry.
  • Process safety culture in chemical manufacturing.
  • Safety instrumentation systems in chemical plants.
  • Safety audits and inspections in industrial settings.
  • Case studies on major industrial accidents and lessons learned.

Energy Conversion

  • Fuel cell technology and its applications.
  • Integration of renewable energy sources in chemical processes.
  • Thermochemical conversion of biomass to energy.
  • Advanced materials for energy storage devices.
  • Carbon capture and storage for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Optimization of energy consumption in distillation columns.
  • Design of efficient heat exchangers for energy recovery.
  • Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.
  • Electrochemical processes for sustainable energy.
  • Combined heat and power systems in chemical plants.

Computational Modeling

  • Molecular dynamics simulations in chemical engineering.
  • Computational fluid dynamics for process optimization.
  • Machine learning applications in chemical process modeling.
  • Optimization algorithms for process design.
  • Modeling and simulation of reactive transport in porous media.
  • Virtual reality applications in process design.
  • Simulation-based analysis of heat exchanger performance.
  • Predictive modeling of chemical reactions.
  • Artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance in chemical plants.
  • Computational tools for environmental impact assessment.

Water Treatment and Management

  • Advanced water purification technologies for industrial applications.
  • Wastewater treatment using membrane filtration techniques.
  • Design and optimization of biological wastewater treatment plants.
  • Sustainable water management in the textile industry.
  • Removal of emerging contaminants from water sources.
  • Electrochemical water treatment methods.
  • Application of nanomaterials in water treatment processes.
  • Rainwater harvesting for industrial use.
  • Decision support systems for water resource management.
  • Sustainable desalination technologies.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

  • Design of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
  • Quality by design (QbD) approach in pharmaceutical development.
  • Process optimization in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
  • Nanotechnology applications in drug delivery.
  • 3D printing in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical production.
  • Pharmaceutical wastewater treatment technologies.
  • Personalized medicine and its impact on pharmaceutical engineering.
  • Biopharmaceutical production using mammalian cell cultures.
  • Formulation development for controlled drug release.

Innovative Reaction Engineering

  • Microreactor technology for chemical synthesis.
  • Catalytic conversion of renewable feedstocks.
  • Reactive distillation for simultaneous reaction and separation.
  • Microwave-assisted chemical reactions.
  • Electrochemical synthesis of chemicals.
  • Supercritical fluid extraction for product purification.
  • Continuous flow chemistry for industrial applications.
  • Photocatalysis for organic synthesis.
  • High-pressure chemical reactions and applications.
  • Green solvents for sustainable reaction processes.

Chemical Engineering Education

  • Development of interactive simulations for chemical engineering education.
  • E-learning platforms for remote chemical engineering laboratories.
  • Incorporating sustainability principles into the chemical engineering curriculum.
  • Evaluation of teaching methods in chemical engineering courses.
  • Integration of industry-relevant projects in academic programs.
  • Student-led initiatives in promoting chemical engineering education.
  • Role of internships and co-op programs in student skill development.
  • Cross-disciplinary approaches in chemical engineering education.
  • Mentorship programs for aspiring chemical engineers.
  • Continuous improvement in chemical engineering education.

Emerging Technologies

  • Applications of blockchain in chemical supply chain management.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) in smart chemical manufacturing.
  • Augmented reality in chemical plant operation and maintenance.
  • Development of microfluidic devices for chemical analysis.
  • 5G technology and its impact on chemical process communication.
  • Quantum computing for solving complex chemical engineering problems.
  • Robotics in hazardous chemical operations.
  • 3D printing of chemical reactors and equipment.
  • Advanced sensors for real-time process monitoring.
  • Integration of artificial intelligence in laboratory automation.

Biomass Conversion

  • Thermochemical conversion of biomass to biofuels.
  • Biorefinery concepts for the production of value-added chemicals.
  • Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.
  • Biochemical conversion of agricultural residues.
  • Optimization of anaerobic digestion for biogas production.
  • Microbial conversion of waste to bio-based products.
  • Integration of algae cultivation in industrial wastewater treatment.
  • Biochar production and its applications in agriculture.
  • Valorization of food waste for bioproducts.
  • Sustainable utilization of forestry residues for bioenergy.

Chemical Process Design

  • Integration of heat exchangers in chemical process design.
  • Techno-economic analysis of chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Process safety considerations in plant layout design.
  • Design of continuous manufacturing processes.
  • Multi-objective optimization in chemical process design.
  • Retrofitting of existing chemical plants for improved efficiency.
  • Feasibility study of a novel chemical production facility.
  • Process intensification techniques in chemical design.
  • Green engineering principles in process design.
  • Design of pilot-scale chemical processes.

Food and Beverage Engineering

  • Optimization of food processing techniques for nutritional retention.
  • Development of sustainable packaging materials for food products.
  • Analysis of novel food preservation methods.
  • Process optimization in brewing and fermentation.
  • Modeling and simulation of food processing operations.
  • Quality control in food manufacturing processes.
  • Application of nanotechnology in the food industry.
  • Sustainable practices in beverage production.
  • Waste reduction in food processing plants.
  • Novel techniques for flavor extraction in the food industry.

Sustainable Agriculture and Chemicals

  • Development of eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides.
  • Soil remediation using chemical engineering principles.
  • Controlled-release fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
  • Precision farming and chemical engineering applications.
  • Water management in agricultural irrigation systems.
  • Green synthesis of agricultural chemicals.
  • Analysis of the environmental impact of agrochemicals.
  • Sustainable practices in the production of agricultural commodities.
  • Integration of chemical sensors in precision agriculture.
  • Valorization of agricultural waste for bioenergy.

Chemical Engineering for Space Exploration

  • Chemical processes for life support systems in space.
  • Recycling and reusing resources in space habitats.
  • Development of lightweight materials for spacecraft.
  • Water purification technologies for long-duration space missions.
  • Chemical propulsion systems for interplanetary travel.
  • Extraterrestrial resource utilization for fuel production.
  • Bioregenerative life support systems in space.
  • Advanced materials for space applications.
  • Microgravity effects on chemical processes.
  • Sustainable resource utilization in space exploration.

Environmental Monitoring and Remediation

  • Development of chemical sensors for air quality monitoring.
  • Bioremediation of contaminated soil and groundwater.
  • Real-time monitoring of industrial emissions.
  • Implementation of remote sensing in environmental monitoring.
  • Green technologies for oil spill cleanup.
  • Electrochemical remediation of heavy metal-contaminated water.
  • Chemical analysis of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Advanced oxidation processes for water purification.
  • Integration of chemical engineering in environmental impact assessments.
  • Risk assessment and management in environmental engineering.

Health and Safety in the Chemical Industry

  • Chemical exposure assessment in the workplace.
  • Design and optimization of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Occupational health and safety management in chemical plants.
  • Ergonomics in chemical engineering workplaces.
  • Chemical hazard communication and labeling systems.
  • Prevention of chemical accidents and emergency response planning.
  • Indoor air quality assessment in industrial environments.
  • Psychosocial factors in the chemical engineering workplace.
  • Occupational health surveillance in chemical industries.
  • Human factors engineering for safer chemical processes.

Renewable Energy Production

  • Solar-driven chemical processes for energy production.
  • Electrochemical production of hydrogen from renewable sources.
  • Biomass gasification for bioenergy generation.
  • Wind energy integration in chemical manufacturing.
  • Geothermal energy utilization in chemical processes.
  • Tidal and wave energy for sustainable power generation.
  • Thermochemical energy storage technologies.
  • Integration of energy-efficient technologies in chemical plants.
  • Advanced materials for energy harvesting devices.
  • Techno-economic analysis of renewable energy projects.

Chemical Engineering for Humanitarian Projects

  • Development of water purification systems for disaster relief.
  • Sustainable energy solutions for off-grid communities.
  • Low-cost manufacturing of essential drugs for developing countries.
  • Design of portable and affordable medical devices.
  • Community-based waste management solutions.
  • Food preservation techniques for resource-limited settings.
  • Biodegradable materials for single-use items.
  • Water desalination for arid regions.
  • Microbial fuel cells for electricity generation in remote areas.
  • Sustainable agriculture practices in impoverished regions.

Chemical Engineering for Sports and Recreation

  • Design of eco-friendly sports equipment.
  • Sustainable materials for athletic apparel.
  • Chemical analysis of sports drinks for optimal hydration.
  • Development of environmentally friendly cleaning products for sports facilities.
  • Biomechanical analysis of sports equipment performance.
  • Nanotechnology applications in sports-related injuries and prevention.
  • Water treatment in recreational water facilities.
  • Optimization of sports field maintenance practices.
  • Chemical engineering applications in sports medicine.
  • Sustainable practices in event management for sports.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in Chemical Engineering

  • Implementation of IIoT for predictive maintenance in chemical plants.
  • Real-time monitoring and control of chemical processes using IIoT.
  • Cybersecurity considerations in IIoT-enabled chemical facilities.
  • Integration of IIoT for supply chain optimization in the chemical industry.
  • Data analytics and machine learning applications in IIoT for chemical processes.
  • Smart sensors and actuators for IIoT in chemical engineering.
  • Cloud computing in IIoT for collaborative research and development.
  • Wireless communication technologies for IIoT in chemical plants.
  • IIoT-based solutions for energy efficiency in chemical manufacturing.
  • Human-machine interface design for IIoT applications in chemical engineering.

Chemical Engineering for Aerospace Applications

  • Development of fire-resistant materials for aircraft interiors.
  • Optimization of aerospace manufacturing processes using chemical engineering principles.
  • Sustainable aviation fuels: Production and applications.
  • Polymer matrix composites for lightweight aircraft components.
  • Thermal protection systems for space exploration vehicles.
  • Analysis of fuel cells for aircraft power systems.
  • Aerospace coatings for corrosion protection.
  • Chemical sensors for air quality monitoring in aviation.
  • Advanced materials for satellite components.
  • Integration of green practices in aerospace manufacturing.

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in Chemical Engineering

  • Implementation of PAT for real-time process monitoring.
  • Sensor technologies for PAT in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Chemometrics and statistical methods in PAT.
  • Advanced spectroscopic techniques for process analysis.
  • Multivariate statistical process control in chemical processes.
  • Applications of artificial intelligence in PAT.
  • Integration of PAT in continuous manufacturing processes.
  • Quality by Design (QbD) approaches using PAT.
  • Real-time data visualization and analysis in PAT.
  • PAT applications in the food and beverage industry.

Chemical Engineering in the Automotive Industry

  • Development of sustainable materials for automotive applications.
  • Fuel efficiency optimization in internal combustion engines.
  • Battery technologies for electric vehicles.
  • Analysis of emissions control systems in automobiles.
  • Design and optimization of automotive manufacturing processes.
  • Lightweight materials for improved fuel efficiency.
  • Integration of sensors and automation in automotive systems.
  • Alternative fuels for reducing environmental impact.
  • Recycling and reuse of automotive components.
  • Noise and vibration control in automotive design.

Chemical Engineering for Climate Change Mitigation

  • Carbon capture and utilization technologies.
  • Development of low-carbon technologies in energy production.
  • Sustainable practices in forestry and agriculture for carbon sequestration.
  • Analysis of climate-friendly refrigerants in air conditioning systems.
  • Chemical engineering solutions for reducing methane emissions.
  • Geoengineering approaches for climate change mitigation.
  • Renewable energy storage technologies for climate resilience.
  • Carbon footprint analysis in industrial processes.
  • Sustainable transportation solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Eco-friendly waste management strategies for climate impact reduction.

Chemical Engineering in the Fashion Industry

  • Sustainable dyeing and finishing processes for textiles.
  • Green chemistry applications in textile manufacturing.
  • Waste reduction in fashion production through chemical engineering.
  • Water recycling and purification in textile industries.
  • Development of eco-friendly fabrics using chemical processes.
  • Analysis of environmental impact in the fashion supply chain.
  • Green alternatives to traditional leather production.
  • Sustainable practices in the production of synthetic fibers.
  • Chemical engineering applications in textile recycling.
  • Life cycle assessment of clothing materials.

Innovative Food Processing Technologies

  • Pulsed electric field technology for food preservation.
  • High-pressure processing for extended shelf life of foods.
  • Microwave-assisted food processing techniques.
  • Ultrasound-assisted extraction for food ingredient production.
  • Non-thermal processing methods for food safety.
  • Freeze-drying techniques for preserving food quality.
  • Development of encapsulation technologies for food ingredients.
  • Applications of nanotechnology in food processing.
  • Fermentation processes for the production of functional foods.
  • Electrochemical methods for food and beverage production.

Chemical Engineering for Remote Sensing Applications

  • Development of chemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
  • Remote sensing technologies for air pollution detection.
  • Satellite-based monitoring of water quality.
  • UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) applications in chemical analysis.
  • Chemical fingerprinting using remote sensing data.
  • Integration of GIS ( Geographic Information System ) in chemical analysis.
  • Spectroscopic methods for remote sensing of pollutants.
  • Chemical analysis of soil composition using remote sensing.
  • Monitoring of industrial emissions through satellite data.
  • Remote sensing applications in precision agriculture.

In conclusion, chemical engineering projects are propelling the field into new frontiers, addressing pressing challenges and shaping a more sustainable and innovative future. From sustainable processes and advanced materials to bioprocess engineering and pharmaceutical innovations, each area of research contributes to the collective effort of chemical engineers worldwide. As these projects unfold, they not only redefine industries but also play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and improving the quality of life for generations to come. The journey of chemical engineering projects is an inspiring testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of a better, more sustainable world.

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211 Interesting Engineering Research Paper Topics

Engineering Research Paper Topics

The world of engineering is replete with experimentation and discoveries; it’s only a matter of understanding what is required and knowing where to look. Sometimes, college students are at a loss on how to choose the right research topic for their projects, especially when it comes to their area of specialty. This is normal in most cases. If you’re in university and you’re so confused about how to choose a suitable engineering topic for research papers to work on, then you’re in luck. This entire guide is dedicated to offering you expert quality and professional research paper writing services and writing tips you can’t get anywhere else online.

Genetic Engineering Research Paper Topics

This refers to the process of deliberately altering the genetic composition of an organism. Nowadays, the leaps in genetic engineering have benefited several important aspects, including stem cell research. Through genetic engineering, several diseases and predisposing factors have been discovered and written out or edited. The fact that such technologies exist, gives enough motivation for many to want to carry out further research on the topic. Below are some relevant topics for further research that students can use in the field of genetic engineering.

  • The possibility of recovering and the DNA of extinct animals in the restocking of said species.
  • Existing genetic theories and explanations which support or disprove certain aspects of human behavior.
  • The viability of cloning organisms.
  • The existing relationship between genetic factors and acne susceptibility of individuals.
  • Genetic explanations and theories supporting or disproving social animal behavior.
  • The connection between coronary heart disease and genetic interference.
  • Genetic research and how they have influenced the environment.
  • How close are we to cloning humans?
  • The relationship between genetic factors and allergic reactions.
  • Can congenital deformities be passed down from mother to child?
  • Genetic explanation for similarities in personalities of twins raised apart.
  • Genetic explanation for differences in personalities of twins raised apart.
  • Who funds genetic research?
  • Factors that contribute to inbreeding depression.
  • Genetic explanation of genetic variations in the distribution of organisms of the same species.
  • Current strides in genetic engineering.
  • Genetic engineering: moral or immoral?
  • When does genetic engineering cross the line?
  • Who defines right and wrong in genetics?
  • The future of genetic coding and editing.

Industrial Engineering Research Paper Topics

This branch of engineering is one that deals specifically in making complex systems, organizations, structures, etc. more efficient by developing and improving upon the pre-existing systems. In industrial engineering, the goal is the improvement and application of researched, factual upgrades to systems when dealing with individuals, finance, information, etc. in order to produce optimized results and functions. Industrial engineering seeks to improve the methods employed by companies in the implementation of processes in the manufacture and operations of projects. Research in industrial engineering will help broaden your knowledge of how things are and how they should be to function more efficiently and effectively. To help you get started, here are some research topics you can consider taking a closer look at.

  • Mining and discovery of data.
  • The designing, structuring, and execution of experiments.
  • Strategies employed in manufacturing.
  • Single-objective optimization.
  • Poly-objective optimization
  • Managing a supply chain.
  • Analytical approach to the management of data.
  • Experimental designing.
  • Analysis of variance.
  • Interaction of dependent and independent variables in our reality.
  • The algorithm of differential evolution.
  • Artificial neural networks and their application.
  • Planning and design concepts in the building of structures.
  • Layouts and designs of structures.
  • Systems and analyses of handling industrial materials.
  • Artificial intelligence.
  • The influence of computers on driving.
  • Application of ergonomics in the world of engineering today.
  • The rise of automation in modern industries.

Research Paper Topics Related To Civil Engineering

One simple way to define civil engineering is that it’s basically all that we can see that has been built around us. It simply refers to an expert branch or discipline of engineering that focuses on making viable, practical arrangements with the plan, development, and maintenance of the physical, visible structures around us.

Civil engineering focuses on specific areas of structural building and maintenance, including public works like streets, waterways, dams, air terminals, sewerage frameworks, pipelines, primary segments of structures, rail routes, and so on.

Civil engineers imagine, plan, create, administer, work, develop and keep up basic interactions and frameworks in the general population and private area, including the roads, structures, airport terminals, burrows, dams, extensions, and frameworks for water supply and sewage treatment. Below are some more topics you might be interested in, which will help as a student to answer some research paper projects and assignments.

  • Automation of the operation of machines in industries.
  • Designing, building, and engineering sturdy structures.
  • Designing long-lasting buildings and systems.
  • Materials for innovation.
  • Systems employed to help in the detection and management of natural disasters.
  • Elimination and mitigation of industrial and structural hazards.
  • Analyses of risks and reliability of computational alerts.
  • Informatics and its application.
  • Simulations in engineering.
  • Land surveying.
  • Designing, engineering, and construction of roads.
  • Designing, engineering, and construction of buildings.
  • Engineering and transportation.
  • Geotechnical and its application in everyday life.
  • Engineering: its contribution and effects on the environment.
  • The impact of engineering on the structure and interaction of microorganisms in the soil.
  • Analyzing and designing residential and industrial structures.
  • The integration of various designs into construction plans.
  • The role of civil engineering in the control of environmental pollution.

Research Paper Topics Software Engineering

Software engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the systemic application of analyses and research findings to the creation and management of software. In software engineering, the process entails a disciplined, quantifiable approach to the application of said findings in the creation, operation, management, and security of software. Further research topics and areas yet to be fully explored in software engineering are listed below.

  • The Internet of Things.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Mining data.
  • Application of software engineering in the diagnosis and treatment of medical diseases.
  • Applications of Deep Neural Networking.
  • Detection and prevention of scams and online frauds.
  • Hacking: ethical hacking and the blue nowhere.
  • Benefits of professionalizing esports.
  • Automating the repairs of machines and industrial structures.
  • Assessing and testing clones.
  • The sustainability of ICT in various industries.
  • Application of ICT in Small and Medium-scale Enterprises.
  • Artificial intelligence and its contribution to the economy.
  • Ranking clone codes.
  • Data analytics.
  • Prediction and elimination of errors in software engineering.
  • Debugging in architecture.
  • Using machine learning to predict and detect defects in software.

Research Paper Topics For Engineering

Without mincing words, engineering is an umbrella term for the discipline which combines mathematics, physics, and physical sciences in the creation, development, and maintenance of technology. Some areas for further research are listed below.

  • Systems of electrical power.
  • Sustainable alternatives and sources of energy.
  • Material modeling.
  • The mechanics of damage.
  • Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
  • Acoustics in engineering.
  • The engineering of chemical reactions.
  • Electronic appliances.
  • Electronics.
  • Electromagnetism.
  • The fusion of Information and Communications Technology with multimedia.
  • Content administration.
  • Electrical applications of physics.
  • Fusion of nuclei.
  • Engineering of light.
  • Design of advanced systems.
  • Clean technology and zero-carbon energy.
  • Hydroelectric engineering.

Research Paper Topics About Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering refers to the branch of engineering that entails the operational use of technology of electricity and electrical appliances. This division of engineering focuses on the design and application of equipment used in the generation and distribution of power, as well as the control of machines and communications. There’s a whole new world under the name of electrical engineering, and further research into the field will yield solutions to many world problems. Some of these research topics are listed below.

  • Harnessing the infinite potentials of solar energy.
  • Harnessing the infinite potentials of thermal energy.
  • Designing, engineering, and creating wind generators.
  • 3D printing.
  • Constructing circuits.
  • Additive manufacture.
  • Renewable forms of energy.
  • Soft robotics.
  • Conventional robotics.
  • Medical diagnoses and health monitoring using electrical appliances and engineering.
  • Design of energy generators.
  • Management and control of energy.
  • General applications of vehicular control.
  • Cloud services.
  • Smart grids.
  • Quality of power.
  • Wireless transfer of energy from a higher source of energy to a machine with low energy.

Research Paper Topics In Automobile Engineering

Automobile engineering is perhaps one of the most practical branches of engineering that can be seen and put to use in everyday life. It involves the study of the creation, design, structure, interaction between component parts, etc. of vehicles and other means of transportation. Automobile engineering is often restricted to land vehicles and some suitable research topics that may interest you are listed below.

  • Techniques, procedures, structural designs, and functionality in race cars and Formula 1.
  • Drones and other unmanned aerial conveyors.
  • Processes in centrifugal casting.
  • Shaper machines and their practical examples in everyday life.
  • Tectonic sources of heat energy.
  • Conversion of wave energy.
  • General conversion of energy.
  • Airbags and their contribution to ensuring the safety of passengers while en route.
  • Designs, applications, and operations of aerodynamics.
  • Application of aerodynamics in physics and automobile engineering.
  • Design, application, functions, and restrictions surrounding robotic systems.
  • Electric cars, the future of automobiles and driving.
  • Solar-powered cars.
  • Brakes and vehicular control.
  • Solar-powered air conditioning units.
  • Speed sensors for vehicles in motion.
  • Steam energy: application, viability, risks associated with it, and how to minimize the risks involved.
  • Wind energy: production of renewable energy from wind turbines.
  • Smart cars: artificial intelligence, real-time analyses, and utilization of data by artificial intelligence.

Engineering Ethics Research Paper Topics

Engineering ethics refers to the branch of engineering that addresses ethical issues surrounding the study and pursuit of engineering. More often than not, engineering, in the quest for globalization and technological advancement, crosses some ethical lines in carrying out its duties. Engineering ethics is there to keep the branches of engineering in check to make sure that the obligations to the public and everyone else are carried out ethically. Discover new horizons in engineering ethics by studying any of the following research topics.

  • The history of engineering ethics, and its application through the years.
  • Circumstances that led to the relevance and development of engineering ethics.
  • Connections between the scientific, historical and technological in engineering ethics.
  • Approaches to ethical engineering.
  • Principles and vast potentials of engineering ethics.
  • Associations and bodies that monitor and uphold engineering ethics.
  • Similarities in engineering ethics and ethics in other professions.
  • Differences between engineering ethics and ethics in other professions.
  • The engineer’s obligations to the public in general.
  • Engineering ethics: responsibility and accountability of engineers.
  • Violation of engineering ethics.
  • Effects of projects undertaken in engineering on the environment.
  • Balancing public obligations and development of work projects.
  • The impacts of globalization on ethical engineering.
  • Engineering ethics and voluntarism.
  • Contradictory ethical standpoints in engineering ethics.
  • The engineer’s societal obligations and ethics in engineering.
  • Engineering ethics and professional obligations.
  • How engineering ethics influences profit generation.

Research Paper Topics: Security Engineering

Security engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the integration of security monitoring and controls in a system, such that the controls are absorbed into the system, and are now seen as parts of the operational abilities of the system. Above all else, security engineers analyze, supervise and develop technology and technicalities that help organizations in preventing malware from invading their systems, leaks of client information, breaches, etc. associated with cyberterrorism and cybercrime. Security engineers major in building infallible, resilient software systems that stand tall in the face of malware, defects, errors, etc. It relies on certain tools in the design, implementation, testing, etc. of finished systems, as well as the continuous upgrades in time with environmental changes.

  • Protection of clients’ data.
  • Protecting the privacy of users.
  • Cloud security.
  • Security policies to protect client data.
  • Data management and security policies.
  • Privacy and security on the internet.
  • Client data and software security.
  • Security of users while participating in online interactive platforms.
  • Mobile app security.
  • The implication of unified user profiles for clients while using the Internet of Things.
  • Cyberattacks and some ways that corporations can survive them.
  • Centralizing the system of data storage.
  • Cybersecurity of online mobile gaming platforms and user data.
  • Computer security.
  • Security of software.
  • Cybersecurity and social engineering.
  • Effects of automation of operations in security engineering.
  • The human factor in security engineering.
  • Combating malware with antiviruses.

Aerospace Engineering Research Paper Topics

Aerospace engineering refers to the branch of engineering that is concerned with making current, factual researches, designing, developing, constructing, conducting tests, technology, dynamics, and applications of spacecraft and airplanes. Aerospace engineering refers to aerial systems that are operational within the Earth, and in outer space.

  • The dynamics of unstable gases.
  • Parallel systems based on ground power unit (GPU).
  • Laser tools: computation, precision calculations, and implementation from start to finish.
  • Simulation of turbulence in reactive flows.
  • Fluid dynamics in aerospace engineering.
  • The propagation of elastic waves.
  • Designs for lunar missions.
  • Detection of faults in composite aerospace locations.
  • Applications of elastic abrasives.
  • Management of supply chains.
  • Functional designs for wind turbines.
  • Dynamics of fluids and fuels for machines.
  • Mechanics of solids.
  • Rocket propulsion.
  • Missile launching: precision and analyses.
  • Structures in aerospace.
  • Micro Aerial Vehicles.
  • Different fuselage systems.
  • Structural differences between a forward-swept wing passenger aircraft and a backward-swept wing passenger aircraft.

Chemical Engineering Research Paper Topics

Chemical engineering is another practical branch of engineering. It deals with the planning, designing, as well as operations of processing sites, as well as the interaction between physical, biological, and chemical processes involved in creating economically important technologies. Some research topics are listed below.

  • The use of different types of oils in the manufacture of soap.
  • Replenishing soil nutrients and microorganisms in polluted areas by the use of organic fertilizers.
  • Degradation of soil and stripping of soil nutrients by industrial waste deposition.
  • Speeding up the degradation of plastic and reducing pollution.
  • Petrochemical products and their applications.
  • The interaction between soil microorganisms and organic fertilizers.
  • Techniques in separating simple and complex homogeneous liquids.
  • Techniques in reversing the action of free radicals.
  • Relationship between elements in the environment.
  • Molecular biology and the intricate specialization of cells.
  • Interaction between drugs and the immune system of a living organism.
  • Heat and heat energy.
  • Mass production of alternatives to fossil fuels.
  • Renewable, plant-based sources of energy.
  • Reclaiming methane as by-products of waste products.
  • Redox reactions and their applications.
  • Heat properties of paper.
  • Designing, producing, and enhancing supercapacitors.
  • Controlled extraction of plant-based wax from the pods of plants like the Theobroma cacao.
  • Water pollution and pollutants.

Research in engineering begins with an ideal topic. Backing either of the above up with factual findings is guaranteed to get you top grades.

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Fast, reconfigurable switch for paper microfluidics

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Microfluidics to identify drug dose response and LD50 of parasites

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Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses principles of chemistry, applied physics, life sciences, applied mathematics and economics to efficiently use, produce, transform, and transport chemicals, materials and energy. Afribary curates list of academic papers and project topics in Chemical engineering. You can browse Chemical engineering project topics and materials, Chemical engineering thesis topics, Chemical engineering dissertation topics, Chemical engineering seminar topics, Chemical engineering essays / termpapers, Chemical engineering text books, lesson notes in Chemical engineering and all academic papers in Chemical engineering field.

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  • Published: 08 February 2024

Rethinking chemical engineering education

  • Jinlong Gong 1 ,
  • David C. Shallcross 2 ,
  • Yan Jiao 3 ,
  • Venkat Venkatasubramanian 4 ,
  • Richard Davis 5 &
  • Christopher G. Arges 6 , 7  

Nature Chemical Engineering volume  1 ,  pages 127–133 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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We asked a group of chemical engineering educators with a broad set of research interests to reimagine the undergraduate curriculum, highlighting both current strengths and areas of needed development.

You have full access to this article via your institution.

The field of chemical engineering continues to broaden in response to the mounting need for practical solutions to a diverse range of societal challenges. At the same time, we are experiencing remarkable technological advances that may offer new opportunities for advancement within the field. In this Viewpoint, we have asked six expert educators to share their perspectives on whether and how the contemporary chemical engineering curriculum should be redesigned to embrace more fully these important recent developments. The first three viewpoints tackle chemical engineering education (ChEEd) from the broader perspective of overall curriculum design, while the second three propose specific topics warranting further consideration in course redesign. Here is what they said.

research paper topics for chemical engineering students

Jinlong Gong: re-evaluating undergraduate ChEEd for industries of the future

Chemical engineering as a discipline has evolved dramatically, particularly in response to the ongoing industrial revolution. This evolution has been profoundly influenced by the advent of a more sustainable society focusing on clean energy, climate change, well-being and digital intelligence. The classical chemical engineering curriculum provides a robust foundation of tools and practices founded in an understanding of systems and molecular-level phenomena, including the fundamental concepts of mass and energy balances, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separations, and process control. Within this evolving landscape, the undergraduate curriculum is confronted with the challenge of adapting classical theories, rooted in the chemical engineering principles established decades ago, to meet the demands of the new industrial era.

research paper topics for chemical engineering students

This challenge necessitates a thoughtful consideration of the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary issues in chemical engineering. It involves a strategic integration of the core educational content with the emerging problems faced in modern industries. This integration should include physics- and problem-based teaching and learning, which can effectively clarify the potential utilization of learned theories in future scenarios. For example, in the context of sustainable energy systems, it is imperative to guide students in understanding the role of transport phenomena and reaction kinetics within the multiscale physics of energy conversion and storage systems. Similarly, the significance and practical relevance of transport phenomena in emerging technologies, such as lithium-ion diffusion in energy-storage batteries, plasma flow in blood vessels or mass transfer challenges in semiconductor manufacturing using a variety of deposition processes, should be emphasized. These case studies not only help students advance their problem-solving skills but also help them to stay informed about the latest trends in chemical engineering. This knowledge, combined with interdisciplinary integration, helps students discern future developmental paths.

research paper topics for chemical engineering students

In addition to reconstructing classical curriculum components, ChEEd in the new era must proactively adapt to broader changes. Students should have the more flexible option to select modular courses that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, tailored to their interests and aligned with forefront developments. This should include mandatory fundamental education modules (for example, higher mathematics, transport phenomena and reaction engineering) for all students, along with case-based teaching modules toward professional careers. This approach should not only enhance learning by breaking away from conventional, extensive teaching setups but also foster a symbiotic relationship between practice and theory. Furthermore, integrating digital and data technologies, including simulated experiments, virtual practices and artificial-intelligence-assisted learning models, is crucial. These technological advancements would improve the efficiency of learning and practice, and also augment student capabilities in solving chemical engineering problems using state-of-the-art technologies.

Considering these factors, it is essential to reconstruct the curriculum framework for the chemical engineering discipline that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. This framework should integrate sustainable development and environmental protection, encompassing theories and practices such as developing environmentally benign materials, efficient energy use, waste minimization and recycling. Emphasizing interdisciplinary learning by combining knowledge from bioengineering, environmental science and information technology is essential to address chemical engineering challenges comprehensively. Practical and innovative skills should be fostered through laboratory training, project design and teamwork, blending global perspectives with local practices and focusing on both global sustainable development issues and local needs. The curriculum must include education in ethics and social responsibility, such as professional ethics and sustainable development ethics, to enhance students’ responsibility and ethical awareness. It is necessary to continually update techniques and methods to reflect the latest scientific discoveries and advancements, particularly in sustainable technologies and green chemistry for the SDGs. These courses should follow a modular approach that allows students to make choices according to their interests and career plans, to avoid imposing an excessive burden on students.

Furthermore, transitioning from traditional, static teaching evaluation methods to a dynamic, iterative approach in curriculum development is crucial. This involves actively seeking and incorporating feedback from employers for practical applicability and curriculum relevance. Understanding evolving industry demands allows educators to align educational content more effectively with real-world requirements. This approach, emphasizing continuous curriculum updates to reflect technological and industrial trends, promotes a feedback loop where graduates’ career experiences enhance the educational process for future students. Such a proactive and responsive curriculum development method ensures ChEEd remains relevant and dynamic, and prepares students for a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

These curriculum reconstructions are designed to prepare students to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the new industrial revolution. The goal is to facilitate a shift from passive learning to active learning with enhanced capability of critical, physics-based thinking, and ultimately to lifelong learning. Additionally, the focus is on transitioning from mere knowledge acquisition to the application of comprehensive, interdisciplinary knowledge in solving complex, real-world problems. This approach should not only equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their future careers but also contribute to the development of well-rounded professionals capable of driving sustainable innovation and progress in the broader field of chemical engineering.

David Shallcross: a new paradigm in undergraduate ChEEd

Over the next several decades, the adoption of emerging digital technologies has the potential to transform the process industries. These emerging technologies include advanced data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved sensors and instrumentation, digital twinning and intelligent technical assistance. Incorporating these technologies in new processing facilities, or in retrofitting existing facilities, will result in improvements in safety, efficiencies and productivity. A range of new sensors that will accurately and cheaply measure heat flux, vibration, smell and color will allow process operations to be closely monitored as never before. Coupled with machine learning, artificial intelligence and data analytics tools, this more comprehensive range of data will allow machine-based systems to operate in semi-autonomous ways to aid in plant operation. These systems will be able to provide timely advice on important operational issues such as maintenance scheduling and troubleshooting.

At the same time, concerns around climate change and global warming will see a shift toward more sustainable technologies being adopted. Waste and energy minimization through process integration and intensification will become increasingly more prominent. Already, studies are underway to replace some long-established processes with electrochemical equivalents that will be powered by renewable electricity. As an example, ammonia has long been produced by the Haber–Bosch process, a method that produces considerable amounts of carbon dioxide. In the fully electric alternative, hydrogen and nitrogen are reacted to produce ammonia in an electrochemical process powered by renewable energy.

The content taught in modern chemical engineering curricula is largely unchanged since the paradigm shift that occurred in the 1960s when there was a move toward approaches based on chemical engineering science. Concepts around material and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transport, separation processes, reaction engineering, process control, process equipment design and chemical engineering management leading to some form of capstone design activity remain core to most undergraduate chemical engineering programs. In the last 20–30 years, greater emphasis on process safety and sustainable design has emerged. In addition, some programs emphasize content specific to local industries such as biochemical engineering, minerals processing and fuels technology. The demands of the forthcoming digital and sustainable process revolutions are not currently reflected in our entry-to-practice chemical engineering programs.

Moving forward, there should be a shift away from the dominance of the lecture in the education of chemical engineering students. More time should be spent in classes that combine short 10–15-minute lectures with problem-solving sessions in which students can then explore their learnings. While not as cost effective at scale as pure lectures, workshops on solving open-ended problems will provide better training for tackling the types of ill-defined problem that students will face when working in industry.

One important curriculum design question that must be addressed is whether a chemical engineering program should be designed to produce graduates with the same skill set, having completed uniform coursework? Would students and industry be better served by allowing students the opportunity to choose which aspect of the chemical engineering discipline they would like to focus on within their programs? Sequences of elective subjects of up to half a year of study would allow students to follow their interests and strengths while providing industry with graduates with a range of capabilities. Must every student learn about Laplace transforms in process control or how to optimize a distillation column? Here it is proposed that all students get a basic grounding in all important chemical engineering concepts including digitalization, and that students who wish to further explore these emerging technologies may do so through a coherent sequence of electives that together would form a major in digitalization, or some other area such as systems biology, innovation and entrepreneurship, mineral processing or food processing. Adding new content to a course can be accommodated by removing some content that is no longer relevant to the degree requirements and by better integration of the remaining material.

Running a range of elective subjects can be expensive, particularly when subject enrolments can be relatively low. Rather than being seen as a disadvantage, low enrolments in some subjects will permit truly innovative teaching techniques to be employed. For example, many aspects of digitalization will be best learned through the operation of pilot-scale equipment and by using digital twin technology. Problem-based learning through a series of structured, but open-ended, activities will prepare graduates well for the challenges and opportunities of working in the industries of the future.

Finally, as chemical engineering is an international profession, graduates may find themselves working anywhere in the world, being exposed to unfamiliar cultures. During their studies, student chemical engineers must develop an awareness of the importance of showing respect for, and sensitivity toward, issues relating to Indigenous cultures and knowledge.

Yan Jiao: undergraduate ChEEd for a sustainable Industry 4.0

Since its inception in the late nineteenth century, chemical engineering has continually evolved, adapting to the ever-changing technological and industrial landscapes. The journey of chemical engineering through the industrial revolutions has been transformative: from the steam-powered beginnings of the first Industrial Revolution, ‘Industry 1.0’, to the ongoing development of digitalization and sustainability in Industry 4.0 (ref. 1 ). Industry 1.0 introduced mechanization and steam power, laying the groundwork for modern manufacturing processes, particularly in the textile industry. Industry 2.0 introduced mass production powered by electricity and petroleum, dramatically influencing the chemical and food industries. Industry 3.0 marked the beginning of the digital era, where automation and information technology reshaped the manufacturing landscape, notably revolutionizing pharmaceutical, petrochemical and agrochemicals engineering, to name a few.

Now, in Industry 4.0, we are witnessing a paradigm shift toward intelligent, interconnected systems with a heavy focus on sustainability. This era emphasizes environmental concerns and calls for sustainability to be built into every aspect of production, including chemical engineering processes. New chemical engineering industries continue to emerge, along with the upgrading of old processes to meet sustainability expectations, such as the electrification of the chemical industry powered by renewable electricity 2 . This shift requires an evolution in the chemical engineering curriculum, aligning it with the current focus on smart technologies and environmental stewardship.

While chemical engineers are uniquely positioned to contribute to sustainable process development, several changes can be made to the curriculum. The integration of sustainability into ChEEd could begin with the addition of new courses reflecting industrial advancements. For example, with the mid-twentieth-century development of control systems, this topic was incorporated into the curriculum. Digital computing, first introduced as an elective course at the University of Sydney in 1958, later became a core part of the chemical engineering curriculum 3 . To align with Industry 4.0 trends, new courses should be introduced, such as electrochemical engineering 4 that address the priority topic ‘clean energy and climate action’ of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

In addition, embedding sustainable thinking and practices throughout the curriculum is equally crucial. This comprehensive approach includes a stronger focus on life-cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses across the entire curriculum, which could play an important role in equipping students with the skills to evaluate the environmental impact and economic viability of chemical processes and products. Practical laboratory experiences and capstone projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for example, enabling ‘learning by doing’, are essential in facilitating the implementation of sustainable thinking. Engaging in real-world challenges, such as wastewater treatment or sustainable materials development, enhances students’ understanding of sustainability and prepares them to innovatively solve environmental problems.

Interdisciplinary thinking is another critical ability for chemical engineering students, fostering open-mindedness in solving real-world problems. Courses focusing on environmental science or materials science can enrich the learning experience, providing a broader perspective on how chemical engineering intersects with other fields in addressing sustainability challenges.

Continuously developing the chemical engineering curriculum is crucial in shaping our future. Industry 4.0, characterized by smart factories and a strong focus on sustainability, calls for the chemical engineering curriculum to evolve in order to stay relevant and forward-looking. Introducing new courses, integrating sustainability practices, fostering interdisciplinary learning and enhancing industry collaboration will prepare the next generation of chemical engineers to tackle contemporary challenges effectively. These adaptations are essential for ensuring that chemical engineering continues as a driving force for the growth of the global economy and for the progression of human society.

Venkat Venkatasubramanian: artificial intelligence in ChEEd

The remarkable success of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep neural networks and large language models, in natural language processing and computer vision has captivated chemical engineers, highlighting the potential applications of AI in our domain. However, the use of AI in chemical engineering is not entirely new, but rather a continuation of a 40-year journey, evidenced by thousands of papers in the literature 5 .

Understanding AI’s role in chemical engineering requires examining the evolution of different knowledge-modeling paradigms in the field. Historically, chemical engineering relied largely on empirical and heuristic approaches 6 . This changed in the 1950s, under the leadership of Neal Amundson and his collaborators, who brought in concepts and techniques from linear algebra and differential equations for building first-principles-based models. The 1960s saw another paradigm shift, led by Roger Sargent and his collaborators, in decision-making in process systems engineering, which was also largely empirical and heuristic. The introduction of mathematical programming and optimization methods revolutionized this area. The next major avatar in the evolution of modeling paradigms came with integrating knowledge representation concepts and search techniques from AI in the early 1980s under leaders like Arthur Westerberg, George Stephanopoulos and others from that era. AI is not just a useful tool for pattern extraction from large datasets but a new paradigm in knowledge modeling. After remaining for three decades as a peripheral activity pursued by just a handful of researchers, AI has finally gone mainstream. This evolution mirrors the broader trend in technology and science, where AI is increasingly central to problem-solving and innovation. Integrating AI into ChEEd, therefore, is of great importance as it opens new frontiers for exploration and discovery in the field. But how do we accomplish this?

I believe that we should teach AI as a standalone course, although some of its elements could also be integrated into other courses. I have taught such a course since 1986 at Columbia University and Purdue University. This semester-long course is offered to juniors, seniors and graduate students and teaches applied AI through chemical engineering examples 7 . It reflects, in spirit, the mathematical methods in chemical engineering courses commonly required in graduate programs. While no previous AI experience is necessary, students should be familiar with Python and MATLAB. The course syllabus was motivated by my philosophy to present a comprehensive view of AI, not just a potpourri of machine learning techniques and software packages. I distinguish between mere training, which is about the ‘know-how’ of executing tasks, and education, which delves into the ‘know-why’ — that is, understanding the fundamental principles and causal mechanisms. For instance, training someone to repair a refrigerator is different from teaching them the principles of thermodynamics. While practical skills are valuable, our educational goal should transcend mere utility.

My approach is shaped by the belief in the importance of integrating first-principles knowledge into AI models. Unlike natural language processing or game playing, our field is governed by fundamental laws and constitutive relations. Furthermore, the cost of a mistake in our domain is much more serious than in movie or restaurant recommendations. Hence, it is vital not to blindly adopt black-box models from other domains without considering the specific physics, chemistry or biology involved. Therefore, I believe the future of AI in chemical engineering involves developing hybrid systems that integrate first principles with data-driven learning, explanatory systems based on causal mechanistic models, and domain-specific knowledge engines.

To accomplish this, one must learn both the classical or symbolic AI of the 1960s–1980s and the recent numeric AI of machine learning. Symbolic AI is founded on logic and focuses on representing and reasoning about knowledge with symbolic structures and relationships. Machine learning, on the other hand, is founded on probability, statistics and network science. I teach both in my course and show how to integrate them through different applications.

In the course, I discuss AI applications in three levels of difficulty: easy, hard and harder. The easy problems, where abundant data are available, can often be solved with existing machine learning software. The hard problems require hybrid AI models incorporating physical and chemical knowledge. Lastly, the harder problems involve building domain-specific systems, such as highly customized ChatGPT-like systems for pharmaceutical engineering 8 , a more complex task that requires a careful blend of symbolic and data-driven approaches using ontologies, grammars and languages.

Finding the room to teach a new course in an already tightly packed curriculum is a challenge, of course. One possibility is to offer this as one of the elective courses commonly found in many programs.

In summary, recent advances in AI present us with great opportunities that will significantly transform all aspects of chemical engineering. Teaching AI properly requires careful considerations that go beyond the immediate needs to incorporate the philosophical and long-term issues outlined above.

Richard Davis: integrating modeling, simulations and data analytics into undergraduate ChEEd

Chemical engineering stands at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges, including renewable energy, environmental management and human well-being. This rapidly evolving landscape is marked by increasing interdisciplinary complexity and technical progress. Thus, fresh graduates who have diverse skills ranging from process optimization to sustainable design are urgently needed. Keeping up with accelerating technological developments requires a progressive curriculum to prepare the next generation of chemical engineers.

The traditional chemical engineering educational curriculum consists of a sequential progression of fundamental sciences and mathematics courses, followed by the engineering sciences of applied thermodynamics and transport phenomena, culminating in unit operations and process design. Although this approach has historically served the profession well, a growing gap is emerging between academic training and the practical demands of industry. There is an immediate need for a paradigm shift in modern ChEEd to accelerate learning using advanced digital tools and methods, including numerical modeling of transport phenomena, simulation of conservation equations in chemical processes, and large-scale data analytics to reduce risk and find opportunities for efficiencies.

Computational tools were typically compartmentalized into distinct courses, such as programming languages, numerical methods, engineering statistics, and process design and control. For instance, our program previously introduced numerical methods in the third year and simulation software tools in process design courses in the final year, limiting students’ opportunities to apply these skills. Thus, we were determined to integrate advanced numerical modeling, simulation and data analytics across the core curriculum to prepare our graduates for the fast-paced, interdisciplinary nature of the industry and provide them with real-world-like experience in a virtual environment that enhanced their problem-solving skills.

However, integrating these advanced tools across the core curriculum requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. We collaborated with our industry stakeholders that employ our graduates and consulted with computer science and data analytics faculty. All of these partners played a crucial role in guiding our curriculum to align with the current and future needs of the chemical engineering profession. Based on their feedback and advice, we implemented a series of computing and analysis courses designed to optimize the student experience and deepen their skill set. These courses are strategically timed throughout the curriculum.

Training first- and second-year students on advanced simulation software before fully understanding chemical thermodynamics, mass and energy balances, and unit operations forces them to view simulation tools as a black box. Instead, we take a scaffolding approach and introduce the various features of simulation software that apply to the course content. For instance, we train our first-year students on computer-aided design tools for a piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) and demonstrate the basics of mass and energy balances in a stoichiometry course, chemical and phase equilibrium models in a thermodynamics course, pump and pipe networks in fluid mechanics, heat exchanger design as part of heat transfer unit operations, and distillation and reactor performance in courses that cover the unit operations of separations and reactor design. We train students in data analytics with a course on the statistical design of experiments in their second year and optimization in the fourth year, which coincides with process design. By the end of their degree program, students have a thorough understanding of the synergy among unit operations, high confidence in using simulations and awareness of their limitations.

Virtual laboratories across the curriculum offer an immersive and engaging learning experience, allowing students to interact with transport and chemical processes in a realistic, risk-free virtual environment. For example, MathWorks MATLAB and Simulink, COMSOL multiphysics, Solidworks CAD, and AspenTech dynamic simulation tools provide our instructors with platforms for solving fluid flow and heat transfer models, unit operations, control systems and chemical processes. Virtual reality providers, such as AVEVA, are partnering with academic institutions to customize their virtual reality tools to give students experiences with chemical plants and to motivate students with international competitions using their software.

Ongoing faculty training programs and upgraded facilities are essential to ensure that instructors are proficient in these evolving technologies and that they can effectively incorporate them into their teaching. Furthermore, ensuring that these experiences are accessible to all students, regardless of socioeconomic factors, is crucial to avoid disparities in educational opportunities. Programs with limited resources are leveraging open-source options such as Python with NumPy, SciPy and Pandas libraries, Octave or Scilab with MATLAB-like syntax and features, OpenFOAM for computational fluid dynamics, and process simulators such as COCO Simulator and DWSIM.

Collaborating with our industrial constituents, we revitalized our chemical engineering program by embracing advanced modeling, dynamic simulations and data analytics across our curriculum. This transformation is urgently needed to propel ChEEd into a future of innovation, sustainability and global impact. The time for change is now, and the stakes are high in addressing the challenges that define our world.

Christopher Arges: electrifying the undergraduate curriculum in ChEEd

Sixty-seven per cent of people aged 16–25 are largely concerned and/or have anxiety about climate change 9 . It is encouraging to see aspiring engineers express a strong interest in curtailing climate change through research and development and the deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Chemical engineering’s historical roots hail from the field of industrial and applied chemistry at the start of the twentieth century to accelerate the transformation of raw materials to value-added chemicals such as fertilizers, fuels and other consumer products. In the early 2000s, 50% of graduating chemical engineers with a bachelor of science (BS) degree went to work in large chemical and petrochemical companies that primarily utilize thermal-based reactors and separation processes for chemical conversions 10 . The past 60 years of chemical engineering have seen the extension of core expertise in thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and transport phenomena for the development of life-saving medications and the production of semiconductor chips for advanced computing. The future will require BS level graduates to become proficient in electrochemical engineering to meet the tremendous market need in clean energy and sustainable chemical processes. One key reason electrochemical engineering is at the center of clean energy conversion, production and separation technologies is that these processes can be powered on renewable electrons that hail from solar and wind (or clean electrons from nuclear) and the processes themselves are low exergy.

Electrochemical engineering has been historically considered a niche topic in the chemical engineering discipline as it largely focused on corrosion, electrowinning (for example, the extraction of aluminum from mineral oxides) and batteries (for example, lead–acid and alkaline). The said topic areas are still relevant today, but the push for electrification of vehicles by governments and automotive manufacturers led to a quote in The New York Times that read, “One thing is certain: It’s a great time to have a degree in electrochemistry. Those who understand the properties of lithium, nickel, and other materials are to batteries what software coders are to computers” 11 . Furthermore, electrolyzers can convert carbon dioxide waste products into value-added chemicals to make fuels, surfactants and plastics in addition to taking waste nitrate from agriculture runoff and converting it back into ammonia to be used as fertilizers. Electrochemical separations are also emerging for critical mineral extraction and recovery (for example, securing supply chains of lithium, cobalt, nickel, platinum group metals and copper). Hence, young people today have a strong interest to work in clean energy and sustainable processes, and the market dynamics favor growth in these areas. The academy in chemical engineering will need to break itself free from the dogma that has prioritized teaching students how to size up adsorption columns for removing contaminants from fluids and heat-exchanger jackets for continuous stirred tank reactors while providing no formal education in electrochemical engineering.

Electrochemical engineering builds off the principles of thermodynamics, transport phenomena and reaction kinetics. Hence, it is natural to introduce key tenants of electrochemical engineering in core theory courses by allocating a few lecture periods to the subject material. Having an electrochemical engineering elective available for senior undergraduate students to take to expand their knowledge is also beneficial. Others have also advocated for more electrochemistry in science and engineering curriculums 12 . A notable example is the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry’s masters-level internship program. Here are some basic topics to be covered in core undergraduate courses in chemical engineering: thermodynamics should cover the Nernst equation, Pourbaix diagrams and activity coefficient models for electrolytes; transport phenomena should cover Faraday’s law of electrolysis, the Nernst–Planck framework for ionic conductivity and the Cottrell equation for diffusion-limited currents; and reaction kinetics should cover Butler–Volmer kinetics, Tafel plots and Marcus theory 13 . There is also ample opportunity to teach and reinforce electrochemical engineering principles in capstone courses such as unit operations and plant design 14 , 15 . For example, students can investigate proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. As part of their capstone projects, students can estimate the potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions when adopting green hydrogen for manufacturing ammonia (Haber–Bosch process) and manufacturing steel (using hydrogen as a reducing agent as opposed to carbon monoxide).

In the past 10 years, electrochemical engineering went from a niche topic area in chemical engineering to arguably one of the hottest topic areas. Numerous companies are clamoring for chemical engineers knowledgeable in electrochemical engineering. Major changes to the curriculum are not needed to get students trained in electrochemical engineering principles; rather, a small amount of time allocated in core courses to electrochemical engineering content related to the course will suffice. These small changes in course content can pay big dividends and accelerate society’s mission toward decarbonization.

Box 1 The contributors

Jinlong Gong currently holds a Pei Yang Chair Professorship and is a vice president of Tianjin University. He studied chemical engineering and received his BS and MS degrees from Tianjin University and his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. After a stint with George M. Whitesides as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, he joined the faculty of chemical engineering of his alma mater. His research interests on sustainable catalysis and energy include the catalytic conversions of alkanes, utilizations of carbon oxides and production of green hydrogen. He has also served on the boards for several journals, such as Chemical Reviews , Chemical Engineering Science and AIChE Journal , and academic societies.

David Shallcross is a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and vice president of the Academic Board at the University of Melbourne. He served for three years as vice president (qualifications) for the Institution of Chemical Engineering and nine years as the founding editor of Education for Chemical Engineers . He has accredited chemical engineering programs internationally for Engineers Australia, the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institution of Engineers Singapore. He is the recipient of a number of national and international awards for his contributions to ChEEd.

Yan Jiao is a professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Adelaide. She embarked on her academic journey after earning her PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland in 2012. Her research endeavors to design superior electrocatalyst materials for clean energy conversion reactions. Rooted in molecular modeling and through a multidisciplinary approach, her research work interweaves materials science, chemical engineering, nanotechnology and physical chemistry. She has been recognized as a highly cited researcher by Clarivate Analytics since 2019.

Venkat Venkatasubramanian is Samuel Ruben-Peter G. Viele Professor of Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University in New York. He considers himself an artist in science whose natural tendency is to conduct curiosity-driven research in a style that might be regarded as impressionistic, emphasizing conceptual issues over mere techniques. His research interests are diverse, ranging from AI to systems engineering to theoretical physics to economics, but are generally focused on understanding complexity and emergent behavior in different domains.

Richard Davis is a Blehart Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. His PhD and BS chemical engineering degrees are from the University of California Santa Barbara and Brigham Young University. He has research and teaching interests in mathematical modeling and simulations for energy conservation and reducing the environmental impact of metallurgical processes.

Christopher Arges is a research engineer at Argonne National Laboratory. He was previously an associate professor in chemical engineering at Penn State. His research interests are electrochemical engineering and ion-exchange membranes for fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical separation units. He is the recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Electrochemical Society Toyota Young Investigator Award, and the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award.

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School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

Jinlong Gong

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

David C. Shallcross

School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

Venkat Venkatasubramanian

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA

Richard Davis

Transportation and Power Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA

Christopher G. Arges

Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

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110 Engineering Research Topics For Engineering Students!

engineering topics

Getting engineering topics for research or presentation is not an easy task. The reason is that the field of engineering is vast. Engineers seek to use scientific principles in the design and building of machines, structures, bridges, tunnels, etc.

Engineering as a discipline has a broad range of specialized fields such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, and lots more! In all, engineering seeks to apply mathematics or science to solving problems.

110 Engineering Topic Ideas in Different Areas

Genetic engineering topics, mechanical engineering research topics, electrical engineering research topics, software engineering research topics, computer engineering research topics, biomedical engineering research topics, civil engineering topics, chemical engineering research topics, controversial engineering topics, aerospace engineering topics, industrial engineering topics, environmental engineering topics for research.

We understand how difficult and tiring it could be to get engineering research topics; hence this article contains a total of 110 interesting engineering topics covering all aspects of engineering. Ready to explore? Let’s begin right away!

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of the gene of an organism using biotechnology. Many controversies are surrounding this engineering field because of the fantastic potential feats it could achieve. Here are some genetic engineering topics that encompass essential areas of this field.

  • Can the human personality be altered through genetic engineering?
  • Genetic engineering: hope for children with intellectual disabilities?
  • Genetic engineering: the problems and perspectives.
  • Genetic engineering and the possibility of human cloning.
  • Genetic Engineering
  • The side effects of altering human personality
  • Immortalizing humans through genetic engineering
  • Addressing human deficiencies through genetic engineering

Mechanical engineering deals with the design and manufacture of physical or automated systems. These systems include power and energy systems, engines, compressors, kinematic chains, robotics, etc. Here are some impressive mechanical engineering topics that double as mechanical engineering thesis topics too.

  • A study of the compressed air technology used in cars.
  • The design of a motorized automatic wheelchair that can serve as a bed.
  • The why and how of designing stronger and lighter automobiles.
  • The design of an electronic-assisted hydraulic braking system.
  • Basics of Electronics Engineering
  • AC and DC motors and operations
  • Design and implementation of wind energy
  • Power lines and electricity distribution
  • Electromagnetic field and its applications
  • Generators and electric motors

Electrical engineering is a trendy and well-sought field that deals with the design and manufacture of different electrical and electronic systems. Electrical engineering encompasses power and electronics. The basic principle of digital technology and electricity are all given birth to in this field. From your lighting to computers and phones, everything runs based on electricity. Although finding topics in electrical engineering could be difficult, we have carefully selected four electrical engineering topics to give you a great head start in your research! or write research paper for me

  • A study on how temperature affects photovoltaic energy conversion.
  • The impact of solar charging stations on the power system.
  • Direct current power transmission and multiphase power transmission
  • Analysis of the power quality of the micro grid-connected power grid.
  • Solar power and inverters
  • Alternator and electric magnetic induction
  • AC to DC converters
  • Operational amplifiers and their circuits.

Software engineering deals with the application of engineering approaches systematically to develop software. This discipline overlaps with computer science and management science and is also a part of overall systems engineering. Here are some software engineering topics for your research!

  • The borderline between hardware and software in cloud computing.
  • Essential computer languages of the future.
  • Latest tendencies in augmented reality and virtual reality.
  • How algorithms improve test automation.
  • Essentials for designing a functional software
  • Software designing and cyber security
  • 5 computer languages that will stand the test of time.
  • Getting software design right
  • Effects of malware on software operation.

Computer engineering integrates essential knowledge from the subfields of computer science, software engineering, and electronic engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering applies various concepts to build complex structural models. Besides, we have completed researches in the information technology field and prepare great  it thesis topics for you. Here are some computer engineering topics to help you with your research.

  • Biotechnology, medicine, and computer engineering.
  • Programs for computer-aided design (cad) of drug models.
  • More effective coding and information protection for multinational companies.
  • Why we will need greater ram in modern-day computers.
  • Analysis and computer-aided structure design
  • Pre-stressed concrete structures and variations
  • General computer analysis of structures
  • Machine foundation and structural design
  • Storage and industrial structures.

Biomedical engineering applies principles and design concepts from engineering to medicine and biology for diagnostic or therapeutic healthcare purposes. Here are some suggested biomedical engineering topics to carry out research on!

  • A study on how robots are changing health care.
  • Can human organs be replaced with implantable biomedical devices?
  • The advancement of brain implants.
  • The advancement of cell and tissue engineering for organ replacement.
  • Is planting human organs in machines safe?
  • Is it possible to plant biomedical devices insensitive to human organs?
  • How can biomedicine enhance the functioning of the human brain?
  • The pros and cons of organ replacement.

Civil engineering deals with the construction, design, and implementation of these designs into the physical space. It is also responsible for the preservation and maintenance of these constructions. Civil engineering spans projects like roads, buildings, bridges, airports, and sewage construction. Here are some civil engineering topics for your research!

  • Designing buildings and structures that withstand the impact of seismic waves.
  • Active noise control for buildings in very noisy places.
  • The intricacies of designing a blast-resistant building.
  • A compatible study of the effect of replacing cement with silica fume and fly ash.
  • Comparative study on fiber-reinforced concrete and other methods of concrete reinforcement.
  • Advanced construction techniques
  • Concrete repair and Structural Strengthening
  • Advanced earthquake resistant techniques
  • Hazardous waste management
  • Carbon fiber use in construction
  • Structural dynamics and seismic site characterization
  • Urban construction and design techniques

Chemical engineering transverses the operation and study of chemical compounds and their production. It also deals with the economic methods involved in converting raw chemicals to usable finished compounds. Chemical engineering applies subjects from various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. It utilizes technology to carry out large-scale chemical processes. Here are some chemical engineering topics for you!

  • Capable wastewater treatment processes and technology.
  • Enhanced oil recovery with the aid of microorganisms.
  • Designing nanoparticle drug delivery systems for cancer chemotherapy.
  • Efficient extraction of hydrogen from the biomass.
  • Separation processes and thermodynamics
  • Heat, mass, and temperature
  • Industrial chemistry
  • Water splitting for hydrogen production
  • Mining and minerals
  • Hydrocarbon processes and compounds
  • Microfluidics and Nanofluidics.

Not everyone agrees on the same thing. Here are some engineering ethics topics and controversial engineering topics you can explore.

  • Are organic foods better than genetically modified foods?
  • Should genetically modified foods be used to solve hunger crises?
  • Self-driving cars: pros and cons.
  • Is mechanical reproduction ethical?
  • If robots and computers take over tasks, what will humans do?
  • Are electric cars really worth it?
  • Should human genetics be altered?
  • Will artificial intelligence replace humans in reality?

Aerospace engineering deals with the design, formation, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, etc. It studies flight safety, fuel consumption, etc. Here are some aerospace engineering topics for you.

  • How the design of planes can help them weather the storms more efficiently.
  • Current techniques on flight plan optimization.
  • Methods of optimizing commercial aircraft trajectory
  • Application of artificial intelligence to capacity-demand.
  • Desalination of water
  • Designing safe planes
  • Mapping a new airline route
  • Understanding the structural design of planes.

Petroleum engineering encompasses everything hydrocarbon. It is the engineering field related to the activities, methods, processes, and adoptions taken to manufacture hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon examples include natural gas and crude oil which can be processed to more refined forms to give new petrochemical products.

  • The effect of 3d printing on manufacturing processes.
  • How to make designs that fit resources and budget constraints.
  • The simulation and practice of emergency evacuation.
  • Workers ergonomics in industrial design.
  • Heat transfer process and material science
  • Drilling engineering and well formation
  • Material and energy flow computing
  • Well log analysis and testing
  • Natural gas research and industrial management

Manufacturing engineering is integral for the creation of materials and various tools. It has to do with the design, implementation, construction, and development of all the processes involved in product and material manufacture. Some useful production engineering topics are:

  • Harnessing freshwater as a source of energy
  • The design and development of carbon index measurement systems.
  • Process improvement techniques for the identification and removal of waste in industries.
  • An extensive study of biomedical waste management.
  • Optimization of transportation cost in raw material management
  • Improvement of facility layout using systematic planning
  • Facilities planning and design
  • Functional analysis and material modeling
  • Product design and marketing
  • Principles of metal formation and design.

So here we are! 110 engineering research paper topics in all major fields of engineering! Choose the ones you like best and feel free to contact our thesis writers for help. It’s time to save humanity!

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5 Questions with Research and Development Engineer Katie Payne

Katie Payne poses at lab - 5 Questions with Research and Development Engineer Katie Payne - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Katie Payne graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in paper science and engineering and chemical engineering. She now works as a staff scientist with Solenis ‘ R&D Process Technology & Engineering Group in Wilmington, Delaware.

While at NC State, Payne was a member of the student chapter of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, the University Scholars Program and Delta Delta Delta. She participated in a one-year paper science study abroad program in Jyvaskyla, Finland and Munich, Germany.

We recently spoke with Payne to learn more about her passion for paper science and engineering and how the College of Natural Resources prepared her for her career. Check out the Q&A below.

What does a typical day in your job look like?

I am typically splitting my time each day between 1-2 different projects for Solenis, where I am either working on a new innovation, improving internal lab procedures or troubleshooting plant or customer questions. This work involves a mix of work in our pilot plant at our research center, in offsite trials at customer sites or other pilot plants, in the lab or through meetings and/or email communications. My level of involvement in these projects varies constantly based on company and customer needs and priorities.

I also spend additional time, outside of my official role with Solenis, participating in Solenis’ sustainability task force and leading our newly created local chapter of Solenis Emerging Leaders, a group that helps newer Solenis employees to network and gain leadership skills.

What inspired you to study paper science and engineering?

I was very fortunate to receive a scholarship from NC State to study paper science and engineering. I enjoyed math and sciences in grade school so I wanted to work toward a career where I used those disciplines and studying paper science allowed me to do that. My focus in studying paper science and engineering and joining the pulp and paper industry was, and still is, to make contributions toward making the industry more sustainable so that it can provide quality, affordable products to customers while minimizing its environmental footprint.

What impact are you making through your position?

Fortunately, in my role as a scientist at Solenis, I work on some very exciting and innovative projects. Some of these different projects have the potential to provide more environmentally-friendly alternatives to industry standards and/or create different capabilities within the industry – and that is the kind of work that I am proud of.

I also have focused on creating positive social impacts within Solenis by developing a local group that allows new or younger Solenis employees to meet face-to-face and learn about each other’s roles and responsibilities plus get leadership advice. My intention for this group is to help people feel connected to each other and to better understand how they fit into the broader organization. It also allows them to learn about different career paths within Solenis and how others have navigated their careers.

How did the college prepare you for your current position?

The College of Natural Resources provided challenges – a new environment, new people, new concepts, tough coursework – and I was able to successfully overcome them. This gave me confidence that I could be adaptable and learn what I needed to solve problems and meet goals. This is crucial for the role that I am in. I need to be able to solve some tough problems, and I need the confidence to know that I can do it if I work hard and focus on achieving my goal.

What advice do you have for current College of Natural Resources students?

Vary your exposure to different subjects, people and opportunities while you are at NC State. There are so many opportunities there that you can take advantage of that will be harder to come by in the future. I was able to enjoy multiple international trips and study abroad opportunities, attend programs offered by the Honors Program, make friends and so much more. I am very grateful that I took advantage of all those opportunities when I did. 

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