Research team
Unique lignin-based functional oligomers: a challenging route towards a sustainable biobased economy.
Abstract
In this PhD lignin-based oligomers, specifically dimeric compounds, will be studied. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of lignin mixtures, it is very difficult to separate and obtain lignin compounds with a desirable functionalization. Therefore, the main focus of this PhD will be on structure elucidation and potential chemical modifications of dimers to facilitate their suitability in diverse application fields.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Maes Bert
- Co-promoter: Diels Ludo
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Valorisation of Lignin by development of selective enzymatic degradation, chemical catalysis and separation of innovative chemical bio-Aromatics, VALIMATICS
Abstract
De behandeling van biomassa voor doeding en niet-voeding teopassingen in de bioeconomie resulteert in grote hoeveelheden lignocellulose residuen die nauwelijks gebruikt worden. De trage lignine component is to nu nauwelijks gebruikt en biedt een groot potentieel voor de productie van fossiele brandstof gelijkaardige aromatische moleculen. Deze biogebaseerde moleculen kunnen toxische componenten (bv bisphenolA) or gevaarlijke processen (bv fosgeen) vervangen in bestaande (of nieuwe) polymeer applicaties. Daarenboven kan het leiden tot meer innovatieve en performante polymeren met nieuwe characteristieken. Daarvoor hebben de Vlaamse partners Universiteit Gent (UGent) en de Universiteit antwerpen (UA) hun inspanningen gebundeld samen met de Vietnamese partners INPC-VAST en HCM-CPEE om de lignine fractie van rijststro te valoriseren door het uit de biomassa te extraheren en te fragmenteren in fenolische en aromatische componenten, bruikbaar in fijnchemie en polymeer chemie. De sterkte van het project resulteert uit een tandem hydrolyse van selectieve enzymes en chemische catalysatoren en de integratie met membraan-gebaseerde scheidingsprocessen. De enzymatische en chemische fragementatie zal leiden tot nieuwe monomeren, oligomeren en kleine polymeren mengsels (cross linkers, anti-oxidantia, vullers, monomeer bouwstenen enz.) die gebruikt kunnen worden in verschillende applicaties (houtpanelen, textiel, banden, inkten, coatings, emulsifieerders, polymeren enz.).Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
In search of sustainable building blocks: the analytical path to a bio-aromatic society.
Abstract
The focus of this research project is the detailed characterisation of lignin hydrolysis and depolymerised mixtures. Using various chromatographic techniques, the volatile and soluble fractions of these mixtures will be characterised. The (insoluble) residue, will be further investigated using novel pyrolysis techniques coupled to two dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The expectations are that by using novel techniques in combination with powerful separation techniques, these complex mixtures can be characterised to a large extend.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Cremers Gerardus
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Application of Sewage Plus Technology for wastewater treatment in Vietnam.
Abstract
The specific objective of this VLIR-UOS research project is to apply SewagePlus technology, i.e. the treatment of enriched sewage with energy efficient technologies, for wastewater treatment in Vietnam.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Co-promoter: Goemans Marcel
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
GREEN-TECH - From grey to green. How to improve the sustainability of wastewater and drinking water treatment.
Abstract
The overall objective of the proposed project is to establish and co-ordinate a network of European and Indian experts from academia, industry and local water authorities with the aim of paving the way for deployment of green technologies in the water sector and in parallel for setting up the directions for innovation and creation of a beneficial economic impact. Green-Tech aims to identify most promising sustainable technologies and promote their implementation in water management practices.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Hydrolysis of biopolymers by enzymes immobilized on membranes and its integration into a membrane reactor.
Abstract
This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VITO. UA provides VITO research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Jochems Peter
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Biofouling in submerged membrane bioreactors.
Abstract
In this research project the complex causes and mechanisms of fouling in membrane bioreactors will be investigated. For this purpose a new fouling measurement method will be developed which allows to distinguish between reversible (can be removed by mechanical cleaning) and irreversible fouling (can only be removed by chemical cleaning). The system will be used to detect relationships between operational parameters and (ir)reversible fouling. Furthermore, it will be applied as an online sensor in an advanced control system, enabling the continuous adjustment of membrane cleaning facilities to the measured reversible and irreversible fouling propensity.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Lenaerts Silvia
- Co-promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Huyskens Celine
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Valorisation of organic waste diluted with wastewater via biotransformations.
Abstract
In general, organic wastes are in principle of little use or value but can add substantially to our community by recycling its compounds, either as valuable products either in terms of energy recovery. Currently, waste handling has become a real problem due to limited available space while people need to survive in that limited space. The purpose of this project is to develop a feasible technology that defines the optimum operational conditions for stable and reproducible mixed fermentative production from organic waste or biomass sources and that allows to control the fermentation processes to direct them in a stable effluent containing valuable products like organic acids. Moreover, the conversion of organic wastes can be combined with continuous anaerobic wastewater treatment processes to optimize the energy efficiency of the treatment. Thus the project provides multidisciplinary scientific insight for recovery of valuable products from organic waste diluted e.g. with domestic wastewater, another stream that typically needs energy to treat it in a conventional way.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Co-promoter: Ceulemans Reinhart
- Fellow: Arslan Doga
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Microbial elektrolyser.
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Pant Deepak
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Determination and calculation of ground water polluent fluxes in the frame of risk evaluation.
Abstract
This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VITO. UA provides VITO research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Verreydt Goedele
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Biofouling in submerged membrane bioreactors.
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Huyskens Celine
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) as tool for assessing oil-polluted soils: toxicity, degradability, mobility and remediation potential.
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Diels Ludo
- Fellow: Mao Debin
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project