- Process design, simulation, scheduling, and control
- Design and operation of processes that minimize waste production by recovery of useful products from waste stream
- Carbon capture from flue gas and air streams
- Algae based process analysis and design
Dr. Realff’s broad research interests are in the areas of process design, simulation, and scheduling. His current research is focused on the design and operation of processes that minimize waste production by recovery of useful products from waste streams, and the design of processes based on biomass inputs. In particular, he is interested in carbon capture processes both from flue gas and dilute capture from air as well as the analysis and design of processes that use biomass.
Realff is the David Wang Sr. Fellow.
Professor Realff's teaching interests include core chemical engineering principles at undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing process design, optimization, and systems analysis. He is committed to integrating computational methods and sustainability concepts into the curriculum. His teaching approach actively engages students across all levels to develop problem-solving skills and a thorough understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals.
PM Stathatou, VM Thomas, MJ Realff, The push and pull of policy on life cycle assessment of low-carbon systems, RSC Sustainability, 2026
HE Holmes, J Kim, MJ Realff, Process systems engineering: a key enabler of adsorption-based direct air capture, Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 51, 101202, 2026
UJ Ryu, YJ Min, W Zhao, Y Lee, MJ Realff, CW Jones, Climatic Conditions and Amine Loading Impact the Performance of Laminate-Supported Poly (ethylenimine) Direct Air Capture Sorbents, JACS Au 5 (12), 6298-6314, 2025
SY Kim, HE Holmes, MJ Realff, CW Jones, RP Lively, Two keys to scalable direct air capture: water management and contactor productivity, Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 50, 101198, 2025
SC Weston, RP LIVELY, CW Abney, F Zhang, WJ Koros, W Quan, ..., Additive manufacturing techniques and ink formulations for incorporating adsorbent particles, US Patent 12,497,529, 2025