Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
Renewable Hydrogen, waste valorization, CO2 capture. These are the topics which best summarize my job career so far. It started in 2016, when I had the opportunity to join a research project at Cranfield University (UK) focused on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. The aim was to optimize the textural properties of engineered CaO-based pellets in order to improve their CO2 capture capability. Afterwards, I moved to Procter & Gamble in Brussels (Belgium), where I experienced the daily life in a company R&D department for the first time. Lastly, I finalized my PhD within the GreenCarbon project, funded by the European Union in the framework of the H2020 Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions – Innovative Training Networks, at University of Zaragoza (Spain). The research work was focused on the study of the pyrolysis behaviour of different type of biomasses under several operating conditions. The main task was to optimize such parameters in order to produce tailored biochars with the best characteristics for their future applications (e.g., gas adsorption, water purification, soil amendment). Currently, I am working in the Hydrogen Foundation of Aragón (FHa) as Coordinator of Markets and Regulation Area in Consultancy and Training department.
Production of biomass-derived carbons (BCs) through pressurised slow pyrolysis under N2 and CO2 atmosphere: - Study of the effects of several operating conditions (peak temperature, absolute pressure, gas residence time, type of gas carrier) on the pyrolysis behaviour of different biomasses - Employment of a novel lab-scale reactor configuration, allowing the simultaneous online analysis of mass and temperature profiles together with the outlet gas composition - Energy/Exergy assessments of the pyrolysis process - Production of tailored carbon-based materials with specific properties, depending on the final application (soil amendment, catalysis, gas adsorption)
Microencapsulation applications, including: - Research and development of novel films employed as shell for perfume capsules, focusing on their termo-mechanical properties and thickness optimisation; - Research and development of new continous process techniques based on Microfluidics technology, in order to produce emulsions and double emulsions in a more controlled way. -Employment of specific reactors in order to carry out coatings or multi-coatings of capsules with specific polymers.
Full characterization, development and improvement of CaO-based pellets in order to uptake relevant amounts of carbon dioxide from flue gases through Calcium Looping Technology. Technical knowledge acquired during such experience: -Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurement; -Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) employment; -X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement; -BET surface area evaluation; -Employment of a small-scale fluidized bed reactor in order to carry out tests under real fluidized conditions.