PRR Project

Summary

The Chemical Engineering field includes the development of innovative solutions for technical and scientific problems at the intersection of Chemistry and Engineering. Therefore, the role of a Chemical Engineer consists of the investigation, design, conception and operation of systems for transforming chemicals into final products, through chemical and physical processes, framed by economic, social, ethical and environmental limitations.Currently, the rapid consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels and consequent greenhouse gas emissions have urged the pursuit of renewable energy sources. Considering the availability of forestry and agricultural feedstocks, aquatic plants and algae, as well as municipal and industrial wastes, there is a great worldwide potential for producing fuels and chemicals from biomass, which would be a promising approach to fulfil the pressing global task of carbon footprint reduction, helping to reduce the dependence on fossil resources.Accordingly, the sustainable valorization of biomass to high added-value products and fuels is of special interest, and research developments in this area require an urgent change towards efficient, economical and sustainable processing, keeping in mind the concern for the next generation’s future. For this reason, integrating these studies in Chemical Engineering courses is fundamental. Future Chemical Engineers should be able to acquire key fundamentals and work experience in this problematic and urgent area of biomass conversion. This research topic can also be an opportunity to highlight the interconnectedness of distinct areas of Chemical Engineering, illustrating that they are intricately linked and cannot be effectively addressed separately when interpreting real-world processes. For example, catalytic conversion of biomass mainly integrates fundamentals of two different courses: i) Reaction Engineering for the conversion and catalyst evaluation, and ii) Instrumental Methods of Analysis, considering the identification and quantification of the products obtained during the conversion process. Additionally, this type of process is normally conducted at high temperatures and high pressures due to the highly recalcitrant structure of biomass, which requires specific safety procedures and risk assessment and prevention. Therefore, the integration of new courses related to ‘Sustainable catalytic conversion of biomass to chemicals and fuels”, “Sustainable aviation fuels” and “Process safety’ in Chemical Engineering programs is of great importance. These courses could be applied for both bachelor and master graduations and, more importantly, should make a bridge between academia and scientific research. Job Description:1-To impart courses for undergraduate and post-graduate students addressing the pressing area of sustainable fuel production from biomass, including process safety.2-To establish a research group on innovative sustainable processing and utilization of biomass waste resources and biorefineries, and to enforce safety education and good practices in Chemical Engineering.3-To link teaching activities with the forefront research advancements in this field.4-To create synergies with biorefinery companies, providers and users. Scientific Profile:Graduate and Post-graduate Chemical Engineers with established experience in both academia and scientific research in chemical engineering processing, particularly in the field of biomass conversion. Due to the specific safety procedures associated with biorefineries, experience with risk assessment and safety processing would be desirable. Rationale:The Chemical Engineering Department and the research unit LSRE-LCM pursue the reinforcement of their scientific staff in areas where innovation and translation of results to industry and societal institutions are in need. Aligned with this goal, the sustainable production of valuable chemicals and fuels from non-edible and renewable biomass waste sources is a prime subject in the present and the future. Furthermore, establishing networks involving academia, research and industry is fundamental within this topic. Moreover, this proposal seeks the involvement of undergraduate and postgraduate students, assured through mandatory and optional courses in their chemical engineering study programs.