Andrés C. Acosta's PhD research innovates in resource recovery and CO₂ sequestration, utilizing hydrothermal and thermochemical processes to convert engineered wetland system (EWS) biomass into ground-breaking materials. Centred on willow biomass for its rapid growth and nutrient efficiency, his work pioneers the transformation of EWS-willows into hydrochars, pyrochars, and activated carbons.

Through advanced X-ray-based analytical techniques, Andrés uncovers the intricate structures of these materials, providing deep insights into their porosity, carbonaceous structure, bulk composition and surface chemistry. His work in catalytic hydrothermal synthesis introduces a novel approach for producing and recovering platform chemicals from biomass, setting the stage for innovative resource recovery methods.

This multifaceted research highlights enhanced phosphorus retention and carbon sequestration and proposes a sustainable pathway to producing and recovering valuable chemicals, offering a green alternative to conventional methods. 

The PhD study was completed at Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Tuesday, 28^th May 2024 at [13:30]
Place: Building 1532, room 116, Auditorium G1, Department of Mathematics, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 118, DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark.
Title of PhD thesis: Hydrothermal and Thermochemical Processing for Resource Recovery in Wetland Engineering: Synthesis and Characterization of Willow-Based Chars, Activated Carbons, and Platform Chemicals.

Contact information: Andrés Camilo Acosta, e-mail: andresacosta@bce.dk, tel.: +49 17622218201.

Members of the assessment committee:

• Professor Joan Josep Manyà, Aragón Institute for Engineering Research, University of Zaragoza, Spain
• Professor Alba Diéguez Alonso, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical engineering, TU Dortmund, Germany
• Associate Professor Thomas William Seviour (chair), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:

• Associate Professor Patrick Biller, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisors:

• Professor Hans Brix, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark
• Senior Researcher Carlos A. Arias, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English. The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.