Welcome to LACER

Laboratory for Advanced Combustion and Energy Research

LACER is dedicated to combustion research associated with production of energy and advanced materials.

A power plant with negative emissions

At LACER, we develop novel approaches to reduce or eliminate emissions from power plants.

Investigation of novel energy solutions

At LACER, we develop and utilize advanced laser diagnostics to analyze combustion systems.

Materials research and development

At LACER, we develop novel methods of synthesizing next generation battery materials for electric vehicles and grid storage.

Fundamental studies in combustion

At LACER, we conduct experiments under a wide range of conditions, including microgravity research on the International Space Station.

Atmospheric pressure and pressurized combustors

At LACER, we have advanced large scale facilities for combustion research.

Why Fossil Fuels

Many people ask me, why do you study fossil fuels? Aren’t they the energy of the past? Today we have solar and wind – and they are clean and renewable – so why waste your time studying dirty fossil fuels?

I wish it were so simple. But it is not. Fossil fuels have unique capabilities that no other energy source has. These capabilities are responsible for the dramatic change the world has experienced since the dawn of the industrial revolution, when we first harnessed fossil fuels.

A Day in the Life

Our group offers an educational experience that is not that common. We have a global view on energy, and try not be get bogged down on what is popular, but rather focus on what we believe has long term impact.

We have entrepreneurial experience, having successfully commercialize technology emanating from our lab, so we begin every research project by asking the question – is there true value in this research?
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Research and Articles

Engineers to use $6.7 million grant to build power plant of the future

McKelvey School of Engineering team refines critical components of new, near-zero-emission power plant

Experiments on the International Space Station

LACER is involved in two experiments on the International Space Station.

Wash U develops advanced carbon capture technology

Learn what Washington University is doing to develop advanced technologies for Carbon Capture and Storage.

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