Resource recovery from waste streams
I am interested in developing innovative biorefinery concepts that enable the production of high-value chemical compounds from diverse waste biomass streams, including sewage, agricultural residues, and meat processing by-products. My previous work has focused on leveraging biomass as a sustainable resource for producing second-generation biodiesel, incorporating novel strategies to address challenges associated with moisture and free fatty acids. Additionally, I have explored optimizing biogas production from waste residues and employing hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass for the production of biochar and biocrude
Figure 1: A simple hydrothermal liquefaction reactor set-up.
Very recently I also explored the possibility of enhanced value extraction from waste plastics for useful chemical production via the application of thermochemical conversion technologies. Hydrothermal liquefaction was further investigated experimentally as an approach that ensured optimal value extraction via steps highlighted in Fig. 2.
Figure 2: Value extraction from waste plastics.
Some of the interesting results obtained in this preliminary work include;
- The resulting waxy oil product was shown to present a higher heating value (HHV) of 47.9 MJ/kg, similar to the HHV of petroleum crude of 47 MJ/kg.
- Additionally the waxy oil product was shown to contain significant concentrations of useful n-alkanes as highlighted in Figure 3A&3B
3A
3B
Figure 3: NMR analysis (3A) and GC-MS analysis (3B) of the waxy-oil product.
Further work is still being undertaken in this area.
Furthermore experimental optimization of conversion processes constitutes a strong interest of mine.
Some of my recent conference presentations /seminars/book chapters in this area are shown below. For a more exhaustive view of my work in the area feel free to check my publications;
May 2019 OERC Seminar Series.pdf
Lipase for biofuel production.pdf
Thermal depolymerisation of digestate for biofuel and biomaterial production.pdf
