Welcome to WasteX group

What do we study here?

As the name reflects, our research lab follows a Waste-to-X approach. We work with a range of waste feedstocks to convert them into valuable, sustainable products and energy via thermochemical pathways, such as biofuels, biochar, biochemicals, and Syn-gas.

Waste feedstocks we focus on, but not limited to: lignocellulosic biomass (agricultural and forest residues), municipal waste (plastics, OFMSW, sludges), and industrial residues.

Research interests

Biomass Pretreatment & Thermochemical Conversion

Solid Waste Management and Planning

Sustainability Assessment & Circular Economy

Biomass Pretreatment & Thermochemical Conversion

Often, lignocellulosic biomass residues suffer from high ash and low heating value content, which limits their valorisation in high-end thermochemical applications. Hence, one key research focus is to improve the quality of biomass specifically for thermochemical & Hydrothermal conversion. Focus area of our research group:

Biomass Pretreatment: Leaching, Pelletisation, Steam Explosion, Wet & Dry Torrefaction
Thermochemical pathways: Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) & Carbonisation (HTC), Pyrolysis, Gasification, and Combustion
Feedstock: Straw, Bark, Empty fruit bunches, MSW
Studying ash-related issues: Ash-fusion behaviour on heat-exchanger (fouling), slagging, fluidised-bed agglomeration, high-temperature corrosion

Research approach: We are a heavily experimental-focused group with special focus on fuel characterisation and ash-related issues. In modelling, we use thermodynamic equilibrium modelling (using FACTSAGE) and kinetics models (leaching and reactions).

Solid Waste Management, Planning and Sustainability Assessment

Solid waste management is a big concern in India, most developing nations and even in developed countries. In our cities, major issues associated with waste are due to improper waste segregation, treatment, and disposal. Often, it leads to illegal dumping and open burning of garbage, which is a major environmental concern. India has come a long way in waste management and valorisation, especially since 2016. However, there is a long way to go for sustainable waste management and resource recovery to close the circular economy loop.

In our group, we believe waste is a misplaced resource and can be converted into "X" number of products. Our expertise:

Developing Waste Storage, Collection & Transportation, Treatment, and Disposal strategies for urban areas
Waste Characterisation and Material/Energy recovery potential
Waste dumpsite identification and associated environmental impacts using RS-GIS tools
Sustainability assessment: Life-Cycle Assessment of waste and industrial systems, GHG Emissions and Environmental Footprint Assessments

Research approach: Experimental validation & characterisation, Remote sensing-Geographic Information System (RS-GIS) based environmental assessment, Cradle-to-grave assessment and system modelling.