Biorefineries
Biorefineries research group lead by Prof. Herbert Sixta focuses on the fractionation of lignocellulosic raw materials into its polymeric and non-polymeric constituents and developing new routes for their chemical and biochemical conversion into high-value added products.
Research themes
Biomass fractionation
Chemical pulping refineries
We investigate radically new energy and resource efficient production technologiesfor chemical pulping, e.g. Kraft-Oxygen Delignification (KrOxy) process and new dissolving pulp technologies.
Novel fractionation processes
Our research group develops novel biomass fractionation processes based on the utilization of supercritical water and green solvents, e.g. gamma-valerolactone (GVL).
Biomass valorisation
Man-made cellulose fibers
The IONCELL-F process is a green, non-toxic and environmentally friendly technology for the production of textile fibers from wood, recycled cardboard or waste cotton utilizing an ionic liquid. Read more about IONCELL-F.
All-cellulose composites
ALL-CELL stands for new fully biobased, ultra-light to ultra-strong, all-cellulose composites produced via green processing. Read more about the ALL-CELL project lead by Prof. Tatiana Budtova.
Hemicellulose valorisation
Our research topics include the valorisation of xylan from alkaline extractions, production of xylo-oligosaccharides and catalytic conversion of biomass-derived sugars into furans.
Lignin valorisation
Lignin is an interesting biomass component which can be converted into valuable products such as bio-oil. Lignin-cellulose blends can be used e.g. as precursor fibers for carbon fibers, or as natural dye in textiles.
Examples of ongoing research projects
- Trash-2-Cash (EU Horizon 2020)
- ACel - Advanced Cellulose to Novel Products (Clic Innovation)
- DWoC 2.0 - Design Driven Value Chains in the World of Cellulose (Tekes)
- ALL-CELL (FiDiPro, Prof. Tatiana Budtova)
- WoCaFi (ERC starting grant, Dr. Michael Hummel)
- Tekide (ERDF)
Publications
Awards
The Ioncell-F process was granted the Global Change Award 2015 by the H&M Conscious Foundation and the Paper Recycling Award 2015 of the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC).
Contact information
Herbert Sixta
Professor, Head of the Department
herbert.sixta [at] aalto [dot] fi
+358503841764
Visiting address
Vuorimiehentie 1
FI-02150 Espoo
Postal address
Po. Box 16300
FI-00076 Aalto
Finland