Within the framework of a planned German–Japanese collaboration in the field of bioeconomy, we are seeking partners to jointly develop a research topic based on complementary expertise.

Our focus lies on chemical reaction engineering and process engineering, including catalytic conversion processes, high-pressure technologies, and the use of supercritical fluids for the sustainable valorization of biomass and agricultural residues.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with partners who bring expertise in biotechnological, microbiological, or fermentative processes, enabling a complementary approach to biomass conversion.

By combining biotechnological and thermochemical/process-engineering pathways, we aim to develop integrated and efficient biorefinery concepts.

The goal is to jointly define an innovative research project that leverages the strengths of both sides and contributes to the advancement of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

This collaboration brings together two academic groups at Ruhr University Bochum: the Chair of Carbon Sources and Conversion and the Chair of Particle Technology. Together, we offer complementary expertise in chemical reaction engineering and process engineering, focusing on sustainable technologies for the utilization of renewable carbon sources.
Our joint research focuses on the following key area:

Valorization of Agricultural Residues
Agricultural production generates large amounts of residual biomass such as straw, husks, and other lignocellulosic by-products. These are often underutilized or disposed of with negative environmental impacts, while representing an abundant renewable carbon resource.

Our research develops integrated technologies to convert these residues into high-value products within a circular bioeconomy. A key objective is to utilize all biomass components—cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and minerals—through efficient process chains while maximizing carbon efficiency and retaining biogenic carbon in value-added materials.

Integrated Biorefinery Concept
We apply a cascade utilization strategy, fractionating biomass into its key components and converting each fraction into targeted products. This enables the production of:

-Cellulose-based materials such as aerogels, biopolymers, and composites
-Carbon-based materials including carbon fibers, nanoporous carbons, and carbon dots
-Mineral fractions for functional materials or recycled fertilizers

This approach ensures near-complete utilization of biomass and supports circular material cycles.

Advanced Materials and Process Engineering
Our work combines catalytic reaction engineering with advanced process engineering. Catalytic processes enable selective conversion of renewable carbon into valuable products, while high-pressure technologies and supercritical fluids provide efficient and environmentally friendly processing routes. This integration allows the development of scalable and resource-efficient processes for converting agricultural residues into valuable products.

Sustainability Assessment and Circular Bioeconomy
We evaluate all processes using life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impacts and resource efficiency. Beyond environmental benefits, our research supports new value chains for agricultural residues, contributing to sustainable and resilient industrial systems within a circular bioeconomy.