- Biomaterials
- Critical minerals
- Economic feasibility
- Greenhouse gas management
- Industrial ecology
- Plastic
- Polymers
- Recovery
- Recycling
Description
Against a backdrop of depleting fossil fuels and climate disruption, it is now necessary to rethink the production of energy, molecules and materials derived from petroleum, in order to offer sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Plant biomass, and wood in particular, are at the heart of the energy transition, thanks to their renewable nature and biodegradability. Lignin is the most abundant natural polymer on the Earth's surface after cellulose, and makes up 20-30% of the dry mass of wood. Activated carbon is the most effective adsorbent material, with a high adsorption capacity for dyes and metals, but it remains very costly.
The use of lignin, a by-product of the paper industry, as a natural, renewable resource, available in large quantities, enables the development of new low-cost bioadsorbents and bioresins, capable of replacing activated carbon for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants.
Affiliated research axes
Axis 3: Resource and Product Maximization
3.2 – Develop a conceptual framework of tools that may be mobilized to identify better circularization scenarios for products, components and resources at the end of their life cycles3.3 – Identify models for product circularization strategies
