PRR Project

Summary

Task to be developed:The researcher will be required to develop activities in the areas of “ Biomass, bioenergy, and biorefineries ” following one of the leading research areas of CEF. The research activities involve: i) the study of the suitability of different conventional and unconventional biomasses as raw materials in the production of biofuels (e.g., pellets, charcoal) to contribute to an increase in the use of renewable and available biomass with a view to its valorization; ii) the development of different methodologies (pre-treatments and component fractioning) for the deconstruction of lignocellulosic materials (e.g., barks, foliage, agricultural and forest residues) and using industrial side-streams (extractives and lignin) in the biorefinery context, to find new add-value products to be used as fuel, chemicals or bioactive components (pharmacological and nutraceuticals activities), but also films, coatings, resins used either in packing, food and wood or other industries. Therefore, the increased knowledge in this subject will contribute to reducing the dependence on fossil fuels for energy and derived products. The researcher will be asked to present projects in this area in collaboration with the TERRA Associate Laboratory´s broader research community and the industry. The contribution to developing new bio-based products will also be required, considering the submission of patents. The researcher will be asked to promote the works being developed by the group in conference meetings and other dissemination activities, and help in the teaching activities under this topic according to the necessities of ISA. He/she will develop and teach future short courses about biomass, bioenergy and biorefineries, in connection with TERRA Associated Lab partner research units, the Biorefineries COLAB as well as the SIADEB group (Ibero-American Society for the Development of Biorefineries), not only for the academic community but also society interested parts and stakeholders. Scientific profile:The researcher must have skills and competencies in valorising biomass, particularly of forest origin, an excellent knowledge of lignocellulosic bioenergy and biomaterials, and the desire to have a real impact in transitioning the world to a sustainable energy system. The researcher must have experience in analytical methods for biomass characterization in spectroscopy techniques (e.g., Py-GC/MS, GC/MS, FTIR, NIR), fractionation, and fractions valorisation, and be able to develop and use green chemical approaches and new technologies for the formulation of lignin biobased products. Also, some experience in biomass production, processing, and application of biomass torrefaction: principles, applications, and challenges on sustainable construction (wood panels, adhesives), fuels (pellets, briquettes, and charcoal), and others (e.g., biochar). It is expected that the candidate has the ability to integrate the actual team and motivate others to deliver results. Rationale for hiring this profile:Biomass, bioenergy, and biorefineries are still growing issues in Portugal compared to other EU countries. Developing biofuels has been considered a vital countermeasure to abate anthropogenic CO2 emissions, suppress deteriorated atmospheric greenhouse effect, and mitigate global warming. The diversity of biomass and the different physical and chemical compositions provide a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the chain of sustainability from a forest-stakeholder-consumer perspective, comprising product characterization, development of new processes, and product innovation from a wide range of natural resources. The RG ForTec-CEF team has long been working on this topic, it has considerable experience, laboratory conditions, equipment, and a network inside and outside ISA that would be useful for integrating the researcher. However, the growing need for the characterization of new feedstocks, the development of biobased products fast for the market but having in mind the circular economy, and the retirement of some members in a short time, urges CEF to hire young researchers who will develop the task with capacities to collaborate in Graduation, M.Sc. but also Doctoral levels in ISA. Besides, the topic to be developed will engage the CEF Focal Themes to be developed in the near future, particularly the “ People, Fire, and Landscape .”  The researcher will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a broad range of biomass conversion into biobased products.