Sean McBeath

Current Research

Our research directly embodies the translational technologies paradigm by bridging fundamental electrochemical science with practical water treatment solutions for real-world implementation. We focus on translating novel electrochemical processes, materials, and sensing technologies from laboratory-scale discoveries into deployable systems that address critical water security challenges, particularly in decentralized and resource-constrained environments. Our work spans the translational spectrum from materials discovery, like the development high oxygen overpotential electrodes and sustainable electrode materials for water treatment applications, to system integration through autonomous process controls and machine learning-driven optimization. This approach enables us to move beyond traditional treatment paradigms that rely on extensive chemical supply chains and centralized infrastructure.

My current research projects include four interconnected areas that demonstrate the translational potential of advanced electrochemical technologies for comprehensive water treatment solutions. We are developing highly sensitive electroanalytical sensors using boron-doped diamond electrodes that employ anodic stripping voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques to detect and quantify lead and copper at low parts-per-billion concentrations, providing critical monitoring capabilities for water quality assessment. 

Simultaneously, I am advancing sustainable electrode material development by creating cost-effective alternatives to platinum group metals through strategic metal and metalloid substitutions, achieving comparable activity, selectivity, and stability for both contaminant destruction (e.g., PFAS) and oxidant generation (e.g., chlorine), while integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches for both novel material discovery and process optimization. My work also explores innovative coupled treatment systems that combine adsorptive and electrochemical processes using activated carbon fiber materials to simultaneously capture and destroy organic pollutants, maximizing treatment efficiency while minimizing energy requirements. Additionally, I am investigating the formation mechanisms and mitigation strategies for toxic disinfection byproducts, including trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, that may form during electrochemical water treatment processes, ensuring that these advanced technologies provide safe and effective water treatment without creating secondary contamination risks.

Research Interests

My research interests are fundamentally aligned with the translational technologies paradigm, focusing on the development and implementation of electrochemical water treatment systems that bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world deployment. I am particularly interested in novel electrochemical processes including electrocoagulation, electro-oxidation, and in-situ electrosynthesis of powerful oxidants such as ferrate(IV/V/VI) and permanganate, which eliminate chemical supply chains by generating treatment chemicals on-site and on-demand for decentralized applications. Our work is also focused on developing point-of-use and point-of-entry water quality sensors, for example lead and copper sensors, for real-time contaminant monitoring, obviating the need for resource exhausting analytical equipment. This in turn makes water quality monitoring more accessible to small, remote and disadvantaged communities. My translational approach is exemplified through comprehensive research spanning from fundamental understanding of catalytic active sites in electrochemical systems to pilot-scale implementations of electrochemical reactor for natural organic matter removal and emerging contaminant treatment, particularly PFAS remediation. 

Academic Background

• Ph.D. Civil & Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, 2021
• M.A.Sc. Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2017
• B.A.Sc. Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2013