Waste Valorisation
It is well-known by now that what has traditionally been considered “waste” presents a greatly underutilized resource. Wastewater, for example, while unfit for human consumption or agricultural use, is rich in valuable nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, just as electronic circuit boards contain significant quantities of valuable metals.
The successful valorisation of wastes will allow closing the loop in the circular economy, moving closer to a sustainable future. The complexity of this challenge demands an interdisciplinary approach to finding solutions; chemical engineers’ focus on the conversion of raw materials to high-value products places them firmly at the centre of this global initiative.
There are three main research thrusts in the Waste Valorisation group:
1. Waste tyre conversion to high-value chemicals
2. Electronic waste processing for metal recovery (lithium, gold, copper)
3. Biological waste utilization (e.g. wastewater, agricultural residues, fishery waste, etc.)
The researchers listed below all form part of the Waste Valorisation group. Follow the link to their individual profiles to find out more about their research interests and activities.
Researchers
Distinguished Professor | Extractive metallurgy, metal recycling & machine learning
Dept. Chairman | Professor | Hydrometallurgy, metal recycling & process modelling
Associate Professor | Biorefineries, Bio-feedstock valorisation & Water-energy-food nexus