My research focuses on developing electrochemical systems for energy, environmental, and product-based applications, with an emphasis on scalable process design and techno-economic viability. I integrate core analyses of thermodynamics, transport, and reaction engineering with system-level modeling and cost optimization to accelerate translation from lab-scale demonstrations to real-world deployment. This multidisciplinary approach allows for the early identification of commercialization pathways and material bottlenecks across emerging electrochemical technologies.
Research and Development Experience
I have led the development of a two-compartment electrochemical flow cell, inspired by vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) architecture, for modular and reversible CO₂ capture. This system utilizes a pH-swing mechanism based on proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), achieving CO₂ desorption with 54 kJ/mol energy input and demonstrating performance stability over repeated cycles. Engineering advancements, such as plasma-treated graphite electrodes, reduced charge-transfer resistance by 43%, directly improving power density and operational efficiency.
In parallel, I constructed a comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) platform tailored to electrochemical carbon capture (ECC), uniquely based on industrial VRFB data to minimize early-stage cost uncertainty. For a NETL-modeled coal-fired plant, the framework identified a base capture cost of US $139/tonne CO₂ and revealed viable routes to achieve sub-$75/tonne CO₂ via membrane and electrode enhancements. This platform could be generalized to a broad class of electrochemical processes.
Furthermore, I investigate next-generation redox mediators for electrochemical separations and product generation. My recent work includes screening quinone-, phenazine-, and thiolate-based compounds with functional group engineering to improve solubility, oxygen stability, and redox reversibility. These efforts reflect a shift toward tunable electro-organic platforms suitable for energy storage, water treatment, and value-added chemical synthesis.
Collectively, my work bridges early-stage discovery with applied system engineering—supported by publications, a front-cover feature in ACS ES&T Engineering, and multiple recognitions, including the DOE EnergyTech University Prize and Chevron Energy Transition Competition. I have also served as a reviewer for top journals including Nature Energy, Joule, and ACS Energy Letters.
Industry-Focused Impact and Goals
Looking ahead, I aim to apply electrochemical engineering principles to high-impact industrial challenges such as electrified separations, circular manufacturing, and decentralized chemical production. Key focus areas include scalable flow cell platforms, hybrid CO₂ capture-conversion systems, and predictive TEA frameworks for guiding R&D investment decisions.
I am particularly motivated to work at the interface of R&D and deployment, contributing to cross-functional teams focused on clean-tech product development, pilot system integration, and design-for-manufacturing strategies. My multidisciplinary training in electrochemistry, modeling, and cost analysis enables rapid evaluation of technical feasibility, regulatory alignment, and market potential.
Selected Publications & Awards
Afshari, M., Refaie, A., Aleta, P., Hassan, A., & Rahimi, M. M. (2024). A Vanadium Redox Flow Process for Carbon Capture and Energy Storage. ACS ES&T Engineering. (featured as front cover)
Afshari, M., Hashemi, S., Powell, J., Hatton, A., & Rahimi, M. M. (2025). Techno-Economic Analysis of Electrochemical Carbon Capture Systems. (Submitted to Nature Chemical Engineering).
Hassan, A., Refaie, A., Aleta, P., Afshari, M., Kalantari, E., Fang, Y., & Rahimi, M. M. (2024). Reviving the Absorbent Chemistry of Electrochemically Mediated Amine Regeneration for Improved Point Source Carbon Capture. Chemical Engineering Journal, 484, 149566.
Aleta, P., Refaie, A., Afshari, M., Hassan, A., & Rahimi, M. M. (2023). Direct Ocean Capture: The Emergence of Electrochemical Processes for Oceanic Carbon Removal. Energy & Environmental Science, 16(11), 4944–4967.
Hassan, A., Afshari, M., & Rahimi, M. M. (2025). A Membrane-less Electrochemically Mediated Amine Regeneration for Carbon Capture. Nature Communications.
Awards: DOE EnergyTech University Prize 2024 (National Winner); Chevron Energy Transition Competition 2023 (Grand Prize).