The Bioenergy and Biofuels Area is divided into three sections: Research, Technology Transfer and Services. While the first two sections provide external service, the third provides service on an internal level. The research lines are the following four: Fractionation, Thermochemistry, Biorefining and Artificial Photosynthesis.

Biorefining and Thermochemical Conversion Group

Lines of Research:

• Biorefining: This line includes projects focusing on biorefining, and in particular on the production of biofuels and other products of added value based on microalgae.


• Thermochemical: This line comprises projects for thermochemical conversion of biomass and waste. This includes gasification and the use of synthesis gas, whether to produce electricity or synthetic liquid fuels (second generation biofuels). Also included in this line of research is the production of hydrogen from biomass and liquid biofuels.


• Fractionation: This line focuses on the hydrolytic treatment of biomass in order to break down its structures and facilitate the separation of the natural polymers that make it up. Although the line mainly focuses on materials, treatments of a hydrolytic nature are necessary for the conversion of the cellulose contained in wood and in agricultural residue into bioethanol.


• Artificial Photosynthesis: This new line is excellent initiative for the future and focuses on biotechnology research towards achieving direct synthesis of biofuels through artificial photosynthesis.

 

In addition, the researchers in this department are experts in process simulation as well as dynamic fluid simulation, membranes and programming.

 

Dr. Joan Salvadó Head of Bioenergy and Biofuels

Dr. Carles Torras Researcher

Dr. Daniel Montané Group Leader of Biorefining and Termochemical Conversion

Dr. Ester Clavero Laboratory Technician

Dra. Sònia Abelló Senior Researcher

Dra. Jorgelina Pasqualino Head of Laboratory