Postdoc-position | Holistic biomass processing using alternative solvents
Description of project:
This postdoctoral project aims to develop an integrated, sustainable approach to biomass valorization by leveraging alternative solvent systems and catalytic processes. The research focuses on three interconnected objectives:
- Selective Extraction of Biomass Using Alternative Solvents
Develop and optimize protocols for extracting valuable fine chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass using green solvents such as supercritical CO₂, ionic liquids, and subcritical water. The goal is to recover bioactive compounds with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.
- Delignification and Conversion to Fermentable Acidic Building Blocks
Investigate novel methods for extracting and fractionating lignin to isolate functionalized aromatic acids and other depolymerization products. These molecules will serve as precursors for microbial fermentation to produce sustainable chemicals and biofuels.
- Functionalization of Biomass Residue for Catalytic CO₂ Conversion
Modify the porous residual biomass framework post-extraction to incorporate heterogeneous catalysts, transforming it into an active support for continuous CO₂ conversion. The aim is to create integrated systems for producing bulk chemicals such as methanol or formic acid, leveraging the structural and chemical properties of the biomass-derived support.
Background:
The project aligns with the goals of Program 3: Biocatalytic Processes for Sustainable Synthesis, focusing on innovative strategies for biomass utilization and CO₂ conversion. By integrating green chemistry principles and circular economy concepts, this research seeks to minimize waste and environmental impact while maximizing the value derived from biomass resources.
Research Objectives:
- Develop and optimize green solvent-based extraction methods for biomass.
- Characterize and fractionate lignin into fermentable building blocks.
- Engineer biomass-derived materials as catalysts for CO₂ conversion.
- Integrate the above processes into a cohesive, sustainable biomass valorization pathway
Methods:
- Solvent extraction techniques (supercritical CO₂, ionic liquids, subcritical water).
- Catalyst synthesis and characterization.
- Continuous-flow chemistry and reaction engineering
- Analytical tools: GC-MS, HPLC, NMR, BET, FTIR.
Where to apply:
Fachgebiet
Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Environmental science, Biotechnology, Materials science
Arbeitgeber
Arbeitsstätte
Stunden
40
Antrittsdatum
01. September 2025
Bewerbungsfrist
30. Juni 2025
Kontakt
Cluster of Excellence: Circular Bioengineering
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002
Sophie Schober
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002