Fuels and chemicals from biomass
Summary
This research involves investigating the production of fuels and chemicals from biomass through novel processing routes that have minimal environmental impact.
Supervisor(s)
Dr Alejandro Montoya, Professor Andrew Harris
Research Location
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Program Type
N/A
Synopsis
In the era of peak oil and rising greenhouse gas emissions, the world needs renewable fuels and chemicals.In particular, we are investigating the use of hot compressed and supercritical water as a means of upgrading oxygen-containing organics, such as biomass, by preferential removal of oxygen by decarboxylation to yield useful oils and chemicals. Our projects range from fundamental studies of the chemical reaction mechanisms that control the nature of the products, through laboratory experiments to identify products and kinetics across a wide range of conditions, to integrated process design and pilot scale testing in a continuous supercritical reactor.
Want to find out more?
Contact us to find out what’s involved in applying for a PhD. Domestic students and International students
Contact Research Expert to find out more about participating in this opportunity.
Browse for other opportunities within the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering .
Keywords
Renewable energy; sustainable production; biofuels; biorefinery; hydrothermal upgrading
Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 373
Other opportunities with Dr Alejandro Montoya
Other opportunities with Professor Andrew Harris
- In situ functionalisation of carbon nanotubes
- Synthesis of single walled nanotubes in fluidised beds
- Spiral CNT synthesis in fluidised beds
- Nanotube purification
- Development of tailored catalysts for CNT synthesis
- Process intensification of fluidised bed reactors
- Biological factories for nanoparticle synthesis
- Assessing the feasibility of phytomining in Australia
- Hydrogen production from biomass and waste fuels
- Development of porous burner reactors
- Development of advanced materials for porous burner reactors
- Designing tailored nanomaterials for CO2 capture
- Novel, nanoporous silicon carbide nanomaterials
- Biologically templated nanomaterials
- Mimicking the Stenocara beetle hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces