Embedded Files
Hydrothermal Liquefaction
Hydrothermal Liquefaction
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermochemical conversion process that transforms wet biomass, such as algae, sewage sludge, or agricultural residues, into a range of energy-dense products, including biofuels and valuable chemicals. HTL operates under high temperature and pressure conditions in the presence of water, effectively mimicking the natural geological processes that produce fossil fuels over millions of years, but on a much shorter timescale.
Under high temperature and pressure environment, the biomass undergoes a series of complex reactions, including hydrolysis, dehydration, decarboxylation, and deoxygenation. These reactions break down the complex organic molecules present in the biomass, resulting in the formation of a liquid product known as bio-oil, as well as gases and a solid residue known as biochar.
Our lab works on enhancing the conversion rates and selectivity with HTL and optimizing the overall process economics to make the bio-oil production economically competitive with fossil fuels.
Students involved: Md. Rahim Uddin, Mohit Kumar
Hydrothermal Carbonization
Hydrothermal Carbonization
Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical process that converts wet biomass into carbon-rich solids, known as hydrochar or biochar, under moderate temperature and pressure in the presence of water. Unlike traditional pyrolysis, HTC does not require energy-intensive drying steps, making it especially suitable for high-moisture feedstocks such as food waste, agricultural residues, and sewage sludge. The process mimics the natural coalification process, but on an accelerated timescale of hours rather than millennia.
During HTC, biomass undergoes a series of reactions including hydrolysis, dehydration, decarboxylation, and polymerization. These transformations reduce the oxygen content and increase the carbon density of the resulting solid, improving its fuel properties and functional characteristics. In our lab, we focus on tailoring the physicochemical properties of biochar for specific applications such as wastewater remediation, heavy metal adsorption, and enhancing water and nutrient retention in soils. We also investigate process integration strategies to improve overall energy efficiency and valorize co-products generated during HTC.
Students involved: Md. Rahim Uddin, Mohit Kumar
Nutrient Recovery from Wastewater
Nutrient Recovery from Wastewater
Recovering nutrients from wastewater is critical to mitigating environmental damage caused by excess nitrates and phosphates. When these nutrients enter water bodies, they can fuel harmful algal blooms and lead to hypoxic or anoxic zones—regions with dangerously low oxygen levels that disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harm marine life, and negatively impact water quality. These effects pose serious ecological and economic challenges, making nutrient recovery a key area of focus in sustainable water management.
At our lab, we employ innovative methods to capture and recycle these nutrients using functionalized biochar and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Our biochar is produced as a byproduct of our biomass conversion processes, creating a circular system where waste materials are transformed into valuable resources. Functionalizing this biochar enhances its capacity to selectively adsorb nitrates and phosphates, making it highly effective for nutrient recovery. Additionally, we design and synthesize custom MOFs—highly porous and tunable materials—that further improve the selectivity and efficiency of nutrient capture.
The nutrients we recover are subsequently used to support algal culturing, another key area of research at Awesome Lab. By repurposing these nutrients, we close the loop on resource use, supporting sustainable algal cultivation for applications ranging from biofuel production to high-value compounds. Through our work, we aim to develop scalable solutions for nutrient recovery that benefit both environmental health and sustainable resource management.
Students involved: Xiaoqi Liu
In our lab, we focus on the integration of thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies to achieve the complete utilization of feedstock for the production of multiple valuable products. By combining these two approaches, we aim to optimize resource efficiency, enhance product diversity, and promote sustainable biorefinery processes. By integrating thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies, we can harness the respective strengths of each approach and overcome their individual limitations.
The integration enhances overall resource efficiency by utilizing different conversion pathways for various components of the feedstock. It allows for the extraction of maximum value from the biomass, minimizing waste and maximizing the utilization of available carbon and energy resources. Integrating thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to biomass utilization. It facilitates the valorization of low-value or waste biomass, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to the development of a circular economy by converting biomass into multiple valuable products.
Efforts in our laboratory focus on optimizing the integration of thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies through process design, reactor engineering, and microbial or enzyme selection. By exploring and advancing this integration, we aim to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable biorefinery processes with multiple product streams, thereby promoting the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient bio-based economy.
Students involved: Lalitha Shree
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse