VITO explores the potential of lignin/wood, algae and insects for alternative production of drop-in chemicals, through a partial conversion with maximal preservation of existing functionalities as foreseen by nature. In combination with efficient fractionation, this could be an alternative for the classic multistep cracking and production processes in the petrochemical industry. VITO focuses on separation solutions for innovative conversion concepts and enables the introduction of these value chains in the chemical industry landscape. VITO also opens doors to new application areas by developing new high-value molecules.

Projects

Algae4IBD - Health from aquatic resources

IDEA - Implementation and development of economic viable algae-based value chains

Prometheus: assessment of microbial protein sources for food and feed

Lignocost: establishment of a Pan-European Network on the Sustainable Valorization of Lignin

SPICY: sugar-based chemicals and polymers through Innovative chemocatalysis and engineered yeast

Lignin Oxidation technology for versatile lignin dispersants

Publications

Strategies for the Removal of Polysaccharides from Biorefinery Lignins: Process Optimization and Techno Economic Evaluation
Year: 
2021
Journal: 
MOLECULES
Corderi, S; Renders, T; Servaes, K; Vanbroekhoven, K; De Roo, T; Elst, K
Polyamides containing a biorenewable aromatic monomer based on coumalate esters: from synthesis to evaluation of the thermal and mechanical properties dagger
Year: 
2021
Journal: 
POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Stouten, J; Wroblewska, AA; Grit, G; Noordijk, J; Gebben, B; Meeusen-Wierts, MHM; Bernaerts, KV
Engineered algal biochar for contaminant remediation and electrochemical applications
Year: 
2021
Journal: 
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
Singh, A; Sharma, R; Pant, D; Malaviya, P
An integrated techno-sustainability assessment (TSA) framework for emerging technologies
Year: 
2021
Journal: 
GREEN CHEMISTRY
Van Schoubroeck, S; Thomassen, G; Van Passel, S; Malina, R; Springael, J; Lizin, S; Venditti, RA; Yao, Y; Van Dael, M
Competences of the professional of the future in the circular economy: Evidence from the case of Limburg, Belgium
Year: 
2021
Journal: 
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
Janssens, L; Kuppens, T; Van Schoubroeck, S

Pages