Introduction of MPI Research Group

The Multi-scale Process Intensification (MPI) Group at Tianjin University operates through two specialized teams: the Teaching & Research Division and the Engineering Innovation Division. The Teaching & Research Division consists of 6 professors/associate professors and over 30 doctoral/master’s candidates, focusing on fundamental research in separation science and process intensification. The Engineering Innovation Division comprises 14 core engineers including 6 senior engineers and 6 chartered chemical engineers, supported by 30+ design/manufacturing specialists dedicated to industrial translation. Our group specializes in chemical mass transfer/separation technologies, developing green processes and low-energy equipment. Key accolades include 1 National Science & Technology Progress Award (Second Class), 5 provincial/ministerial awards, and 1 Tianjin Patent Gold Award, with completed projects spanning National 973 Program sub-tasks and ongoing National Key R&D initiatives.

Research focuses on fundamental and applied studies in separation mechanisms, multiphase flows, waste treatment, and process intensification, yielding innovations such as Daqing Oilfield extraction systems, polymer-flooding separation technology, advanced tower internals, and novel desulfurization agents. Both divisions collaboratively provide R&D services including process development like integrated separation flowsheets (distillation/crystallization/extraction) with design institute partnerships, plus proprietary tower internals design/manufacture/installation; advanced materials R&D covering membranes, porous adsorbents, ionic liquids/deep eutectic solvents, HER/OER electrocatalysts, MOFs/COFs, and specialized catalysts; and computational modeling expertise for CFD analysis of reactors, distribution systems, particle separation, and COMSOL-based electrochemical simulations.

The Engineering Innovation Division drives industrial translation of technologies, while the Teaching & Research Division (producing 200+ publications and 50+ patents) advances theoretical foundations. Jointly, we deliver comprehensive technical solutions: from process package development and separation process coupling to detailed engineering design support; from novel material synthesis to multiphase flow simulation and equipment optimization; and from bench-scale testing to industrial piloting of energy-saving technologies.

Strategic support services include grant writing for National Natural Science Foundation and major national projects, science award application assistance (national/provincial levels), intellectual property portfolio development, and enterprise certification guidance for high-tech/SME qualifications. This dual-division framework enables direct commercialization pathways—transforming fundamental research into industrial solutions across chemical engineering sectors while maintaining global scientific competitiveness through cross-disciplinary innovation.

Membrane separation

Membrane separation refers to the technique of separating a mixture of molecules with different particle sizes at the molecular level through a thin film with selective permeability. According to the pore size of the membrane, it can be divided into microfiltration membrane (MF), ultrafiltration membrane (UF), nanofiltration membrane (NF), reverse osmosis membrane (RO), etc.

Electrocatalysis

Electrocatalysis is a catalytic process that accelerates the transfer of charges at the interface between electrodes and electrolytes. Electrocatalysis is widely used in important technological fields such as energy conversion and storage, green synthesis, and new material creation. It plays an important role and significance in improving chemical conversion rate, efficiency, and selectivity, as well as achieving widespread adoption of clean energy technologies.

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a discipline that uses numerical methods to directly solve the governing equations of flow (Euler or Navier Stokes equations) to discover various flow phenomena and laws. It is widely used in related fields such as chemical engineering, metallurgy, construction, and environment.

Ionic liquids

Ionic liquids are liquids composed entirely of ions, which are salts in liquid form at low temperatures (<100 ℃). They are generally composed of organic cations and inorganic anions. Due to its advantages such as low volatility, strong conductivity, high viscosity, low vapor pressure, stable properties, designability, good solubility in many substances, and no pollution, it is called a “green solvent”.

Chemical separation

Through process calculations, experiments, and simulations, it is a technology that integrates various traditional and new separation techniques such as distillation, crystallization, extraction, absorption, adsorption, and membrane separation to separate mixtures. It runs through the entire chemical process and occupies a very important position.

Chemical process package

Chemical process package, also known as complete technology package, is a document expression of chemical process technology achievements, which reflects the requirements of process technology for engineering design, procurement, construction, and production operation, and is the main basis for basic design.

research team

Zhang Lvhong

Professor, doctoral supervisor

Professor Zhang Lvhong is mainly engaged in research in the fields of green separation technology, computational fluid dynamics, and new separation materials.

Jiang Bin

Researcher, doctoral supervisor

Researcher Jiang Bin is engaged in research on distillation tower design and development, traditional chemical separation, chemical process package development, and new separation materials.