New Mexico State University is on a path to strengthen its leadership in sustainable materials research through a new federally funded collaboration with NASA.
Houqian Li, chemical and materials engineering assistant professor, has received a research fellow award from the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, office. The award will fund a partnership with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to develop next-generation materials for recycling and critical resource recovery.
Li’s project focuses on designing advanced solid materials that can “soak up” metals from waste such as industrial byproducts, old electronics and environmental residues.
“We are making a special sponge that can soak up tiny valuable metals from trash,” Li said. “These metals help make things like cell phones, computers and rockets. Our goal is to clean up waste and reuse these metals, so we don’t run out.”
By recovering these metals from discarded products, the research aims to promote cleaner recycling methods, reduce waste and strengthen U.S. supply chains for key materials and elements. That’s where Li’s collaboration with NASA comes into play.
Immobilized ionic liquids are at the heart of this project. These immobilized ionic liquids with specialized chemical structures can selectively capture metal ions.
“NASA scientists are experts in using ionic liquids to recover resources and support space missions,” Li said. “Working with NASA helps us learn advanced techniques about ionic liquids and apply them to Earth and space recycling needs.”
Unlike traditional liquid extraction processes that require large volumes of solvent and frequent replacement, this method minimizes solvent use while improving reusability. The result is a more efficient and sustainable process for separating and recovering critical elements.
“Instead of using liquid solvents that must be separated and replaced, we use immobilized ionic liquids on solids,” Li said. “This preserves selectivity while reducing solvent use and allowing reuse.”
Another key source of support for the project is the EPSCoR office, which supports early and mid-career investigators in building collaborations that expand institutional research capacity. This specific fellowship, under the NASA Track, focuses on creating partnerships with NASA research centers. It provides funding not only for the principal investigator but also for a graduate student who will receive specialized training in materials synthesis, characterization and performance evaluation.
“It brings advanced materials techniques, access to NASA facilities and hands-on training for students in sustainable separations and resource recovery, expanding NMSU's capabilities,” Li said. “Undergraduate students will also have the opportunity to synthesize materials, evaluate extraction performance and collaborate directly with NASA researchers, gaining cutting-edge skills.”
Joe Holles, chemical and materials engineering department head, said this project also strengthens NMSU’s position as a hub for critical materials research.
“It’s a prestigious recognition for Dr. Li to receive an NSF-funded award in his first year as a faculty member,” Holles said. “Dr. Li has a unique combination of skills that allow him to connect the expertise of NASA and its space-based materials with an application to critical materials research with national security connections. This is the big picture of research being conducted in our department.”
For more information, visit Li’s website here or contact Li at hqli@nmsu.edu.
-30-
PHOTO CAPTION: Houqian Li, chemical and materials engineering assistant professor, has received a research fellow award from the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program. (NMSU photo by Vladimir Avina)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Man standing in a lab with his arms crossed.
PHOTO CAPTION: Houqian Li, chemical and materials engineering assistant professor, has received a research fellow award from the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program to fund a partnership with the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to develop next-generation materials for recycling and critical resource recovery.
(NMSU photo by Vladimir Avina)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Man writing on a clear board with a marker.