Advanced catalytic and biocatalytic processes for the exploitation of bio-feedstock, esp. agro-waste, for the production of next generation biofuels and added value chemicals and plastics.

 

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Projects

The following projects initiated in 2009 in collaboration with institutions from developing countries and countries in economic transition like India, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, and others, as well as with several laboratories in the Universities of Trieste and Messina in Italy.

  • Computer and laboratory based research on new enzymatic catalytic systems for hydrolysis of cellulose from agricultural waste to produce simple sugars (intermediates for bioethanol production): Structure based computational studies and related laboratory research for increasing the functionality of cellulose modifying enzymes (cellulases)
  • Catalytic applications for production of biodiesel from algae oils
    • Lipase applications for transesterification of triglycerides to produce FAME biodiesel: optimization of reaction conditions and study of new supported lipases (provided in collaboration with other groups)
    • Upgrading of unsaturated triglycerides by hydrogenation over metal catalysts (provided in collaboration) using green chemistry technologies
  • Research on new catalytic systems for valorization of selected bio-based products and residues/by-products via conversion to added value chemicals
    • Catalytic upgrading of cellulose hydrolysis products (e.g. furfural, simple sugars) and of glycerol (by-product of biodiesel production) to added value chemicals (e.g. methyl furan as fuel additive and bio-hydrogen) using solid catalysts (commercial and provided in collaboration) and chemistry techniques (hydrothermal, MW, ionic liquid, etc.)
    • Valorisation of lignin (form agricultural and forestry waste) via laccase applications and further modification of resulting polyphenolic mixtures (starting phase in collaboration with external groups)

Some former projects (implemented before 2008) related to biofuels include:

  • Review of the state of the art of technologies for production of traditional and next generation biofuels, including future trends, feedstock and product valorisation issues;
  • Survey of ongoing activities, resources, and potentials related to biofuels in selected regions (Africa, India and Asia);
  • Development of decision support tools for assessment of biofuels production pathways and of related technologies.