From grass to grassoline!
CMET researchers have developed a way to turn grass into biofuel. “Until now, grass has mainly served as feed for animals. We can get more out of grass: due to its vast abundance, it is an attractive source to produce organics such as aviation fuel”, scientist Way Cern Khor tells us. During his PhD research at Ghent University, Belgium, he investigated methods that disintegrate and bioconvert grass until it can be used as a fuel.
Recently defended PhD theses
- Mechanistic modeling of mass transfer phenomena in Forward Osmosis, (Arnout D'Haese, promotor Ingmar Nopens)
- Model-based analysis as a tool for intensification of a biocatalytic process in a microreactor, [download] (Timothy Van Daele, promotor Ingmar Nopens)
- Ion-exchange based processes in hybrid water treatment, (Marjolein Vanoppen, promotor Arne Verliefde)
- Development and application of a framework for model structure evaluation in environmental modelling, [download] (Stijn Van Hoey, promotor Ingmar Nopens)
- Technology and tools for bioelectrochemical production of short- and medium-chain carboxylic acids from CO2 (Sylvia Gildemyn, promotor Korneel Rabaey)
- Biometallurgical technologies for the recovery of critical metals from secondary sources (Synthia Maes, promotor Nico Boon and Tom Hennebel)
- Next generation bioreactor models for wastewater treatment systems by means of detailed combined modelling of mixing and biokinetics [download] (Usman Rehman, promotor Ingmar Nopens)
- High-rate activated sludge systems to maximize recovery of energy from wastewater: Microbial ecology and novel operational strategies [download] (Francis Meerburg, promotor Siegfried Vlaeminck and Nico Boon)
Urine reuse project in international press
R2T researchers transformed urine into pure water and fertillizer at the Ghent Festival. The recycled water will be used to brew "From Sewer to Brewer Beer".
The installation is solar-powered and could be of value in developing countries.
European Joint Doctorate programme on Product, Energy and Resource Recovery from Wastewater
SuPER-W, a "European Joint Doctorate" programme on Product, Energy and Resource Recovery from Wastewater funded by the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie action programme (Horizon 2020) offers 15 3-year PhD scholarships and a comprehensive joint doctoral training programme to highly motivated young scientists. It is organised by a consortium of 5 renowned European universities (Ghent University (Belgium), TU Delft (the Netherlands), RWTH Aachen University (Germany), University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (Czech Republic), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (Spain)) in collaboration with a wide range of non-academic partner organisations. The doctoral training programme provides local expert training at the academic and non-academic partner organisations, a network-wide secondment scheme, internships and an intense series of network-wide training sessions, workshops and seminars. It is also feasible to subscribe to the doctoral training programme when having own PhD scholarship opportunities and perform research under the wings of the SUPER-W staff members.
Science and art: the floating robot
Brazilian artist Ivan Henriques cooperated with CMET researchers (Korneel Rabaey's team) to create a floating mobile robot harvesting energy from microbial fuell cells (MFCs).
The MFCs purify the wastewater and produce energy to move the robot.
The robot is also equipped with plants for further purification.
Waterschap Brabantse Delta joins R2T
We welcome our new R2T partner Waterschap Brabantse Delta, the regional authority responsible for water management of part of the province of Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.. Click here for a more detailed description.
Covestro joins R2T
We welcome our new R2T partner Covestro, a global supplier of high-tech polymer materials. Covestro has different large production sites and the headquarters is located in Leverkusen, Germany. Click here for a more detailed description.
Nijhuis Industries joins R2T
We welcome our new R2T partner Nijhuis Industries, offering solutions for sustainable water use and resource recovery. Click here for a more detailed description.
PhD defense Joeri Coppens
Title: Quantification, recovery and valorization of nitrogen and phosphorus from waste streams: Strategies towards circular nutrient management
Registration for the reception is closed.
R²T showcase
The annual showcase of R²T will take place on February 3rd.
On the agenda:
- Testmonials of industrial collaborations with R²T research partners
- Testimonials of 2 master thesis students
- Results of previous meetings and brainstorms + Introduction of the new operational procedures from 2016 onwards
- Status update Capture project
- Interactive Feedback moment
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