Our research group is dedicated to advancing the global understanding of the recovery and utilization of renewable materials and byproducts, underpinned by the principles of biorefinery and circular economy. Our focus encompasses the development of sustainable downstream processes for biomass valorization across energy, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food sectors. Additionally, we engage in research related to the production of platform chemicals from biomass constituents, on the innovation of novel biobased polymers and nanocomposites, and on the recycling of industrial waste materials.
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Members
Projects
A ERA dos insectos (InsetcERA ( Investigação industrial e Estudos de viabilidade))
Industry NationalPartner
The InsectERA Agenda aims to foster the circular economy and leverage the development of new products, processes and services, based on R&D and innovation, with high added value and incorporation of knowledge and technology, allowing to meet the challenge of the green transition towards environmental sustainability. The Agenda c...ABSolEU: closing the loop on ABS plastics recycling (ABSolEU)
European ComissionPartner
At least 85% of end-of-life ABS plastic, found in durable products ranging from toys to automotive components and daily-use items such as shavers, ends up in landfills or being incinerated. The ABSolEU project aims to develop and matur...AM2R - Agenda Mobilizadora para a inovação empresarial do setor das Duas Rodas (AM2R (Novas ferramentas de metal duro aplicadas à indústria de duas rodas))
Industry NationalPartner
The Mobilizing Agenda for business innovation in the Two-Wheeled Sector aims to operationalize the intervention in priority areas in the value chain that will allow the transformation of the national production profile and the development of a new specialization profile in the sector to leverage its competitive position in the internati...Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)
Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaCoordinator
Blue-biorefinery of macroalgae - improved aquaculture practices and green and innovative extraction methodologies for the production of high-value compounds (ALGREEN)
Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaCoordinator
There is an increasing trend for revisiting natural sources towards the discovery of bioactive components [1] within the blue-economy, circular economy andbiorefinery concepts. Marine organisms are seen as a promising, almost unlimited source of bioactive and quite exclusive compounds. Algae, and particularlymacroalgae or seaweeds (~10000 specie...Building knowledge and tools for the sustainable microbial fighting through sensing and responsive polysaccharide-based materials (NET4MAT)
European ComissionCoordinator
The worldwide pollution triggered by non-biodegradable plastics requires alternative sustainable/eco-friendly materials for all applications. On the other hand, pathogenic microbial resistance is demanding the development of materials that accurately detect and actuate against pathogenic microorganisms. To exploit an approach that answe...Cell4Janus - Engineering self-propelled cellulose-based Janus microrobots (Cell4Janus)
Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaCoordinator
The goal of the Cell4Janus project is to develop, characterize, and assess the performance of a new generation of cellulose-based materials endowed with mobility. The novelty of this proposal lies in the microfluidics-assisted fabrication of multifunctional cellulose-derived microparticles through dissolution in green-oriented neoteric ...CIRcularidade aplicada a Adesivos TÊXteis (Ciratex)
Industry NationalPartner
Circularidade de resíduos poliméricos do setor cerâmico (CiPoCer)
Industry NationalPartner
Civil Engineering And Geomatics Innovative Research On Heritage (ENGINEER)
European ComissionPartner
ENGINEER project aims to enhance the Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) research and innovation potentials through coordination and support actions provided by the Twinning call. Built upon its unique character, as the single University Department of the country where Civil and Geo...EcoCerâmica e Cristal de Portugal (ECOCERAMICA (1))
Industry NationalPartner
The ECP Pact assumes itself as an integrative and transversal proposal for the Ceramics and Crystal sectors, oriented towards its critical factors of competitiveness and aiming at an improvement of the international positioning.Focusing on 4 core thematic areas - energy sustainability, circular economy and industrial symbioses, digital ...EcoCerâmica e Cristal de Portugal (ECOCERAMICA (3))
Industry NationalPartner
The ECP Pact assumes itself as an integrative and transversal proposal for the Ceramics and Crystal sectors, oriented towards its critical factors of competitiveness and aiming at an improvement of the international positioning.Focusing on 4 core thematic areas - energy sustainability, circular economy and industrial symbioses, digital ...FAIST - Fábrica Ágil, inteligente, Sustentável e Tecnologica (FAIST)
Industry NationalPartner
FAIST – Fábrica Ágil, Inteligente, Sustentável e Tecnológica has as its main goal to provide and train the footwear area with innovative technologies, processes and sustainables materials, increasing the capacity to respond to market requirements and make the portuguese footwear and ...Free cooling Optimized Cabinet Operation (FOCO)
Industry NationalPartner
From Fossil To Forest (FF2F (Paper with barrier properties))
Industry NationalPartner
This Innovation Pact is aimed at developing cellulose-based packaging and products to replace fossil-based plastics. In this context, it comprises the following six work packages: (1) high yield pulp and brown paper; (2) paper with increased mechanical strength; (3) paper with barrier properties; (4) biocomposites; (5) paper sensors for...From Fossil To Forest (FF2F (Biocomposites))
Industry NationalPartner
This Innovation Pact is aimed at developing cellulose-based packaging and products to replace fossil-based plastics. In this context, it comprises the following six work packages: (1) high yield pulp and brown paper; (2) paper with increased mechanical strength; (3) paper with barrier properties; (4) biocomposites; (5) paper sensors for...Green Plastic recycling: Additives removal THrough renewable solvents to enhancing the enzymatic depolymerization (GreenPATH)
Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaCoordinator
GreenPATH aims to develop a sustainable pretreatment process that combines high-pressure solid-liquid extraction (HP-SLE) with low-cost, renewable solvents, namely biosolvents and deep eutectic solvents (DES), to extract the additives in a key step prior to enzymatic depolymerization. The focus of thi...GreenAuto:Green innovation for the Automotive Industry (GREENAUTO)
Industry NationalPartner
The GreenAuto Agenda aims to transform the national automotive industry, in the context of the current transition to low emission vehicles. To this end, it proposes the creation of technical and operational conditions for Stellantis Mangualde to start the production of a new light commercial vehicle (LCV) in Portugal, namely a battery electric l...Hydrophobic Eutectic Solvents for Tailored Metal Separation and Recycling (DESignSX)
European ComissionCoordinator
Sustainable metallurgy is environmentally sound and allows reclaiming metal value from end-of-life devices, thereby closing the resource loop. However, the separation of lanthanides (Ln) poses challenges due to their subtle property variations, which affect their recycling economics despite growing demand. In this context, the ERC-funded DESignS...ILIMITED first-ever Ionic LIquid sorbent Methanol synthesis In order To Enable over 80% yielD (ILIMITED)
European ComissionPartner
CO2 emissions remain a challenge, particularly from decentralised sources like wastewater treatment plants. In this context, the EU-funded ILIMITED project aims to tackle this issue by introducing a groundbreaking method for converting CO2 into methanol, an energy-dense fuel. Utilising ionic liquid sorbents, ILIMITED’s system achieves over 80 % ...ILLIANCE (ILLIANCE (WP4 - OLI Health))
Industry NationalPartner
ILLIANCE Agenda embodies a complex ecosystem of integrated projects which aims at addressing the goal of carbon neutrality of the buildings sector, which represents 40% of global CO2 emissions. The adopted approach adopted is based on the development of complementary technologies associated with 3 core pillars, i.e.: health, comfort and...ILLIANCE (ILLIANCE (WP4 - SENSING HOME))
Industry NationalPartner
ILLIANCE Agenda embodies a complex ecosystem of integrated projects which aims at addressing the goal of carbon neutrality of the buildings sector, which represents 40% of global CO2 emissions. The adopted approach adopted is based on the development of complementary technologies associated with 3 core pillars, i.e.: health, comfort and...Inovação na Fileira da Resina Natural para Reforço da Bioeconomia Nacional (RN21)
Industry NationalPartner
A transição para uma economia mais sustentável, oferece inúmeras oportunidades para revitalizar os setores mais tradicionais da economia portuguesa, onde destacamos a produção e transformação da resina natural.O Projeto Integrado RN21 – Inovação na Fileira da Resina Natural para Reforço da Bioeconomia Nacional, assenta em três grandes princípios...Modular Screens with Acoustics and Lighting for Sustainable Buildings (BiMAIS)
Industry NationalPartner
Multi-product biorefinery of seaweed using green solvents (SeaSolv)
Other InternationalPartner
An innovative and environmental-friendly technique using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) will be developed for a multiproduct biorefinery of seaweeds. The project will focus on the development and optimization of the process by knowing and controlling the interaction DES-seaweed and DES-product. Therefore, the combination of pre-treatments-extract...New system-driven bioremediation of polluted habitats and environment (NYMPHE)
European ComissionPartner
Biological organisms, including the smallest, can play a big role in restoring polluted environments. They remove or neutralise an environmental pollutant from soil or water in a process called bioremediation. The EU-funded Nymphe project will take this process to a new level. Specifically, it will develop bioremediation/revitalisation strategie...NGS - New Generation Storage (NGS (WP1-BPE23 Li REGENERATION CYCLE))
Industry NationalPartner
The New Generation Storage (NGS) Innovation Pact is completely aligned with the European Union's energy transition strategy until 2040, and the challenge for the complete electrification of mobility by 2035. Based on a model structured in 8 Work Packages that cover the entire value chain of component production, battery packs and r...NGS - New Generation Storage (NGS (WP5-BP24 BATTERY CATHODE RECYCLING))
Industry NationalPartner
The New Generation Storage (NGS) Innovation Pact is completely aligned with the European Union's energy transition strategy until 2040, and the challenge for the complete electrification of mobility by 2035. Based on a model structured in 8 Work Packages that cover the entire value chain of component production, battery packs and r...Pacto da Bioeconomia azul (BIOECOAZUL (Termoendurecíveis))
Industry NationalPartner
The world needs a new business model capable of economic growth decoupling raw materials from natural resources. Thus the Blue Bioeconomy Pact has embraced the challenge of reindustrialising Portuguese industries with the integration of blue biotechnology solutions in the value chains, enhancing the sustainable use of marine bio-resourc...Pacto da Bioeconomia azul (BIOECOAZUL (Termoplásticos a desenvolver))
Industry NationalPartner
The world needs a new business model capable of economic growth decoupling raw materials from natural resources. Thus the Blue Bioeconomy Pact has embraced the challenge of reindustrialising Portuguese industries with the integration of blue biotechnology solutions in the value chains, enhancing the sustainable use of marine bio-resourc...Pacto da Bioeconomia azul (BIOECOAZUL (Plásticos já existentes))
Industry NationalPartner
The world needs a new business model capable of economic growth decoupling raw materials from natural resources. Thus the Blue Bioeconomy Pact has embraced the challenge of reindustrialising Portuguese industries with the integration of blue biotechnology solutions in the value chains, enhancing the sustainable use of marine bio-resourc...Processamento aditivo por laser de ligas de Titânio para fabrico de dispositivos médicos personalizados (Laser4Implant)
Industry NationalPartner
The Laser4Implant project – Laser Additive Processing of Titanium Alloys for the Manufacturing of Custom Medical Devices – aims to explore new laser printing strategies for the production of personalized subperiosteal implants using directed energy deposition. The goal is to enable new designs, concepts, and value-added products with enhanced fu...Recovery and separation of platinum group metals and rare earth elements from spent automotive catalytic converters (PlatILPlus)
Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaCoordinator
PlatILPlus is an FCT-funded research project that aims to develop eco-friendly yet readily applicable methodologies for the valorization of Spent Automotive Catalytic Converters (SACC) through hydrometallurgical processes. The project focuses on the recovery and separation of Platinum Group Metals (PGM) and Rare Earth Elements (REE) to ...REcycling of low Value components using high purity pre-treatment, dIrecT recycling And green hydrometallurgical approaches for recycling of Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion BatteriEs (REVITALISE)
European ComissionPartner
As the need for effective battery waste management grows, NMC, LFP and Na-ion batteries contribute significantly to this challenge, accounting for 85 % of the problem. Traditional recycling methods prove inadequate, lacking efficiency and eco-friendliness. That's where the EU-funded REVITALISE project comes in, with an innovative solution. Utili...Soluções Sustentáveis e Sensorizadas à base de resíduos de couro por manufatura aditiva (3S4Leather)
Industry NationalPartner
The 3S4Leather project is based on two main objectives: to valorize leather waste from the tanning industry and to develop new sustainable and sensorized solutions, made from leather waste and manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM), for the footwear industry.Tecnologias Inteligentes de Manufatura Aditiva por Laser para cerâmica (LaserCer)
Industry NationalPartner
The LaserCer project – Intelligent Laser Additive Manufacturing Technologies for Ceramics – aims to investigate and validate the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies, integrated with advanced computational technologies in the design and production processes of the promoter, with the goal of creating disrup...Transform - Transformação digital do setor florestal para uma economia resiliente e hipocarbónica (TRANSFORM (P4.5. Moldes para embalagens sustentáveis e biodegradáveis))
Industry NationalPartner
Transform Agenda is a unique national initiative whose main aim is to trigger the structural transformation of the Portuguese forestry sector, intervening in a concerted manner throughout the value chain towards digital transition, economic resilience and carbon neutrality, driving the sustainability of the forest and contributing to increased b...Transição para a fábrica do futuro (DRIVOLUTION (1))
Industry NationalPartner
The Drivolution Agenda aims to promote the creation of a Factory of the Future model, based on actions capable of responding to the challenges underlying the energy transition and digital transformation in the automotive sector, allowing to create the foundations for a smart, sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.In order to create the int...Transição para a fábrica do futuro (DRIVOLUTION (2))
Industry NationalPartner
The Drivolution Agenda aims to promote the creation of a Factory of the Future model, based on actions capable of responding to the challenges underlying the energy transition and digital transformation in the automotive sector, allowing to create the foundations for a smart, sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.In order to create the int...Valorização de Subprodutos do Processo de Extração de Canabinoiídes e suas Aplicações (CANNVALUE)
Industry NationalPartner
Publications
Patents
Alkaline activation of inert industrial wastes and clay by-products, process for their implementation and use in construction
Processes National
Batista, João; Ferreira, Victor; Pinto, Amândio; Tavares, Pedro
The present invention relates to articles for the building industry based on inert industrial waste, natural clays or clay by-products, obtained by alkaline activation method. In optimal conditions, bodies with adequate mechanical strength (30 MPa) and increased resistance to salt or acid attack are obtained. These products present a pe...Alumina-based materials obtained by sintering of sludge generated from aluminium anodizing and lacquering processes
Materials National
Batista, João; Boia, Cristina; Pereira, Maria;
The present invention relates to obtaining alumina-based powder or consolidated refractory bodies, processed from sludge generated in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) of surface treatment, anodizing and aluminum lacquering industries.Proper operation and monitoring of WWTP ensures properties reasonable consistency, in term...Aqueous coating compositions for use in surface treatment of cellulosic substrates
Products InternationalNational
Neto, Carlos; Barros, Carmen; Fernandes, Susana; Silvestre, Armando; Gandini, Alessandro;
The present invention relates with the application of novel coating compositions, containing chitosan (and its derivatives) and bacterial cellulose, for the improvement of the final properties of cellulosic based materials, like paper and textile materials. The process involves the preparation of homogeneous bacterial cellulose-chitosan...Ceramic pigments based on industrial waste
Products National
Batista, João; Ribeiro, Manuel; Costa, Maria
The present invention relates to the synthesis of ceramic pigments by solid state reaction from industrial residues: sludges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of metallic surface treatment industries (eg.: anodizing, galvanizing processes), blasting steel grits used in the shipping industry, smelting sands and wastes from cutting ...Expanded clay containing sludge from the filtration process and treatment of water for human consumption
Products National
Batista, João
The present invention relates to the use of sludge generated in the filtration process and treatment of water for human consumption, in expanded clay formulations.The proper control of the operation of the filtration system and water treatment ensures reasonable consistency of properties, in terms of chemical composition and...Expanded clay containing sludge generated in the paper pulp production process
Products National
Batista, João; Ferreira, Victor; Correia, António
The present invention relates to the use of sludge generated in paper pulp production process, in expanded clay formulations. The processing conditions control ensures consistency of sludge properties, in terms of chemical composition and particle size distribution. The sludge has a moisture content greater than 50%, which is almost ent...Fast method of preparing porous ceramic artifacts
Processes InternationalNational
Segadães, Ana; Morelli, Márcio; Zurba, Nadia
The present invention is concerned with the preparation method, fast and at room temperature, of a very porous new ceramic material, that combines fast setting of magnesium phosphate cements with the gas evolution that occurs during carbonates dissociation in acidic media. The mixture of dry powders can be commercialized alr...Fertilizing hydroactive pavement for the geobiochemical cycle of photosynthesis
Products InternationalNational
Segadães, Ana; Morelli, Márcio; Zurba, Nadia
The present invention is concerned with self-locking nonslip paver blocks, laid without using adhesive mortar, highly porous, based on magnesium phosphate cement, manufactured at room temperature by mould casting. The paver blocks combine the typical characteristics of the material (chemical composition, structure, easy and versatile ma...Inorganic pigments based on hibonite structure, synthesis and usages
Materials National
Batista, João; Ribeiro, Manuel; Costa, Maria;
The present invention relates to a blue inorganic pigment which is based on the structure of hibonite consisting of a calcium hexaluminate, with the simplified formula CaAl12O19. The synthesis of hibonite structure with chromophore ions incorporated in the crystal net (eg. Ni), by solid state reaction, partially replacing Al3+ cations, ...Lightweight aggregates exclusively produced from mixes of sludges generated from cutting and polishing of granite rocks and from filtration of potable water
Products National
Batista, João; Pereira, Fabiano; Monteiro, Miguel
The present invention relates to the use of sludge generated in the granite rocks cutting process and in the filtration and treatment of water for human consumption process in lightweight aggregate formulations. The stable formation of the granite rocks composition and the correct control of the operation of the water treatment system e...Lignocellulosic composites and phase transition materials for thermo insulation and energy storage
Products National
Coutinho, João ; Neto, Carlos
The present invention relates to the formulation and preparation of composites based on lignocellulosic materials by incorporating phase change materials with the purpose of their application in thermal insulation and reversible energy storage. Lignocellulosic materials provide thermal insulation properties to the composite while also p...Method for Obtaining na Extract Rich in Triterpenic Acids From Eucalyptus Barks
Processes InternationalNational
Domingues, Rui ; Barros, Carmen; Silvestre, Armando; Neto, Carlos; Silva, Carlos;
The present invention relates to a method of obtaining extracts having very high contents (up to 98%) of triterpenic acids, mainly oleanolic and ursolic acids, from Eucalyptus barks. The method involves the solid-liquid extraction of the bark with organic solvents, preferably hexane, and the fractionation of the crude extract by means o...Method for the prediction of paraffinic deposits formation in crude oil during extraction, transport and storage
Products National
Coutinho, João ; Daridon, Jean-Luc
The present invention relates to a method to predict the formation of paraffin deposits in crude oil during extraction, transport and storage operations.Often oils contain considerable amounts of heavy n-alkanes that upon cooling or release of gases due to pressure drop, during operation or transport, tend to deposit in stor...Modified cellulose pulps, a method of high pressure processing for preparing same and uses thereof
Materials InternationalNational
Evtyugin, Dmitry; Saraiva, Jorge; Santos, Andreia
The present invention relates to a method for modifying the properties of cellulose pulps. Said method consists of modifying the properties of cellulose pulps by means of cold/hot processing with the application of high hydrostatic pressure (100-1000 MPa) at temperatures between 0-100 ºC for a time period of between 1-75 minute...Mortars containing phase change material microcapsules, their preparation process and use
Products InternationalNational
Lucas, Sandra ; Ferreira, Victor ; Aguiar, José; Batista, João
The present invention relates to a mortar for use in the interior and exterior coating of construction systems, comprising phase change material (PCM) microcapsules together with a lime binder and other auxiliary materials. The invention also concerns a process for the preparation of these mortars by blending the PCM microcapsules with ...Nanocellular blocks for stonework construction
Products InternationalNational
Segadães, Ana; Morelli, Márcio; Zurba, Nadia
The present invention is concerned with a very porous ceramic block (cellular composite) for wall building, based on magnesium phosphate cement, having a mechanical strength rarely found in products with comparable porosity and low density, which acts as thermal insulator and sound absorption network. By combining the versatility of man...Procedure for the production and use of porcelain stoneware tiles with antibacterial activity
Processes InternationalNational
Seabra, Maria; Batista, João; Grave, Cristina
The present invention describes the production process to obtain porcelain stoneware tiles with antibacterial action. The material promotes the bacteria’s death, while all the other required technological characteristics, particularly the chemical resistance and anti-staining properties, are assured. The product is made from a...Process to obtain red clay ceramic by incorporating sludge from effluents treatment generated in metal surface treatment operations, or sands or smelting sand fines, and resulting products
Processes National
Batista, João; Silva, Rui; Castro, Fernando; Figueiredo, José
The present invention relates to the manufacture of red clay ceramic products, containing sludge from treatment of effluents generated in metal surface treatment operations. The optimization of the processing conditions, particularly the mixing of sludge with the clay matrix, had by reference the minimum deviation from the n...Production of extruded ceramic floor tiles fully based on wastes
Processes National
Batista, João; Ribeiro, Manuel; Boia, Cristina
The present invention relates to obtaining a recycled ceramic formulation to produce extruded floor/coating by combining ceramic sludges, glass cullet and aluminum anodizing sludges. Careful separation process of impurities and of treating glass and anodizing wastes, and use of ceramic sludges properly handled and re...Production of Mixed-Metal-Oxide Inorganic Pigments from Industrial Wastes such as Slimes from Metal Winning and Processing
Products InternationalNational
Batista, João; Peixoto, Manuel; Cordeiro, Maria
The invention relates to the production of mixed-metal-oxide black inorganic pigments cobalt-free, using industrial waste as raw materials such as a galvanizing sludge from Cr/Ni plating and Fe2O3-based sludge generated from steel wiredrawing. The industrial wastes were collected, analysed, treated and the formulation were prepared by t...Reuse of aluminous sludges in the manufacture of mullite-based ceramic bodies
Processes National
Batista, João; Ferreira, José; Ribeiro, Manuel
The present invention relates to the obtainment of refractory ceramic bodies through different conformation processes, from aluminous sludge from waste water treatment plants (WWTP) of surface treatment, anodizing and lacquering aluminum industries.The sludge, as it exits the WWTP, can be used as raw material in the formulat...Screen printing of titanium and zinc oxides layers in glazed ceramic pieces showing photocatalytic activity to degrade organic dye solutions
Processes National
Batista, João; Marcos, Pedro; Marto, John
The present invention relates to deposition, by screen-printing, of oxides layers such as TiO2 and ZnO on glazed ceramic pieces, to promote organic dyes degradation by photocatalysis in an aqueous medium. Deposition conditions optimization and subsequent heat treatment of the obtained layers, as well as the oxide/dye concentrations rati...Turquoise ceramic pigment free of cobalt, vanadium and zirconium containing chromium/nickel plating sludge
Products National
Batista, João; Ribeiro, Manuel; Costa, Maria; Trindade, Tito;
The present invention relates to the synthesis, by solid state reaction, of a turquoise ceramic pigment, free of cobalt, vanadium and zirconium. This pigment comprises calcium oxide, silica, alumina, tin oxide and nickel oxide, being this the chromophore component. One of the formulations uses sludge from wastewater treatmen...Use of a crystalline microporous aluminium methylphosphonate for the purification of vinyl chloride
Processes National
Rocha, João; Coutinho, João ; Freitas, Francisco; Valente, Anabela ; Lin, Zhi
The present invention relates to the separation of ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride by absorption using a crystalline microporous aluminium metilphosphate as the absorbent.The absorption ability of aluminium methylphosphonate to ethyl chloride is always higher than to vinyl chloride, at the same temperature and in the press...Use of sludge generated in the water filtration process as workability adjuvant of single coating mortars
Processes National
Batista, João
The present invention relates to the use of sludge generated in the process of filtration and treatment of potable water as a workability adjuvant (setting retarder) of industrial mortars, in replacement of bentonites with a high commercial value. The proper operation control of water treatment system ensures reasonable consistency of p...