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Project title

Urban Woody Biomass Sustainability through Nanocellulose & Lignin-Based Biomaterials Production for Water Purification and Adhesive Applications

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

Lead Applicant

Amit Jaiswal

Project Abstract

‘UrbanBio’ aims at valorising urban woody waste biomass (tree waste from deciduous trees, rood side tree or yard maintenance, land clearing, and tree removal) into high-value bioproducts through innovative green biorefinery processes, aligned with EU sustainability goals and the UN SDGs. Currently, urban woody wastes are often underutilized, leading to significant waste and missed opportunities for resource recovery. This project addresses the pressing problem of waste management and resource inefficiency by transforming these waste materials into valuable high-value bioproducts. The primary objectives include developing multi-product green biorefinery processes to convert urban woody waste biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, nanocellulose, nano-lignin and lignin-containing nanocellulose. The project involves fractionating waste materials to produce lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose-rich solids; purifying cellulose-rich solids to obtain high-purity cellulose fibres; and synthesizing nanocellulose, nano-lignin and lignin-containing nanocellulose using green methods. Additionally, it aims to develop materials and technologies for water purification and adhesive applications using nanocellulose, lignin-containing nanocellulose, hemicellulose, and nano-lignin. This biorefinery concept will begin with the collection of urban woody waste biomass which includes tree waste from deciduous trees, rood side tree or yard maintenance, land clearing, and tree removal. The biomass will be mechanically processed to reduce the size and then fractionated into lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose-rich solids using advanced green solvents and techniques, including deep eutectic solvents (DES), sub-critical fluids, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, to enhance efficiency and sustainability. High-purity cellulose fibres will be obtained through the purification of cellulose-rich solid materials. Cellulose fibres and lignin will be converted into nanocellulose and nano-lignin, respectively, via chemical-free mechanical treatments. Comprehensive life cycle assessments and life cycle costing will be conducted to ensure environmental and economic viability. Finally, prototypes of the developed bioproducts will be created and tested for practical applications in water purification and adhesive manufacturing for application in wood panels. Expected outcomes include the successful development of high-purity cellulose fibres, nanocellulose, lignin-containing nanocellulose, and nano-lignin from underutilized urban woody waste. These bioproducts will be utilized to create novel biobased materials for water purification application and adhesives for wood panel production, thus demonstrating their practical utility. ‘UrbanBio’ has the potential to significantly impact waste management, environmental sustainability, and the bioeconomy in Ireland. By converting underutilized urban woody wastes into high-value bioproducts, the project addresses issues of waste and resource inefficiency. The development of innovative materials for water purification and adhesive applications will reduce reliance on fossil-based resources, contributing to GHG emission reductions. Additionally, the project is aligned with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and several UN SDGs, including SDG goal numbers 6, 9, 12, 13 and 15 encompassing improving water quality and sanitation, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable practices, mitigating climate change, conserving terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. This highlights the project’s broader environmental and socio-economic benefits. The proposed project will provide evidence-based outcomes to inform policy, support sustainable industrial practices, and foster a transition towards a more resilient and sustainable economy in Ireland, ultimately advancing scientific knowledge and delivering practical solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.

Grant Approved

€641,924.91

Research Hub

Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Integration of the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy into climate and biodiversity measures

Start Date

03/03/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

02/03/2029