Hydrothermal processing of waste plastics and renewable biomass (microalgae and lignocellulosic biomass waste): A potential route towards a circular bioeconomy

Title : Hydrothermal processing of waste plastics and renewable biomass (microalgae and lignocellulosic biomass waste): A potential route towards a circular bioeconomy

Abstract:

Recent interest has grown in tackling the persistent issue of waste plastic disposal and its associated environmental impacts through hydrothermal processing, specifically utilizing hydrothermal liquefaction. This approach involves co-liquefaction of waste plastics with eco-friendly, renewable biomass resources, such as microalgae biomass and lignocellulosic biomass waste, to generate biofuels. The co-liquefaction process represents a sustainable pathway for biofuel production, offering a promising solution to plastic waste management while contributing to the valorisation of waste materials and advancing the circular bioeconomy. This presentation highlights the critical reaction parameters that optimize biofuel yields from the co-liquefaction of waste plastics with microalgae or lignocellulosic biomass waste. It also addresses the challenges and prospects of biofuel production using this integrated approach, aiming to achieve both waste reduction and sustainable energy generation.

Biography:

Dr Hope Baloyi obtained an Honours degree in Biochemistry in 2009 from the University of Venda, South Africa. In 2010, he joined the Biofuels research group under Prof Sanette Marx's supervision and graduated with an MSc in Engineering Sciences in 2012 at North-West University, South Africa.  He received his PhD in 2018 under the late Prof Ben Zeelie, at Nelson Mandela University. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of South Africa under the mentorship of Professor Bilal Patel. His research interest is in Microalgae-based Biofuels and waste valorisation.