The efficient use of biomass is a fundamental prerequisite for the "bioeconomy" desired by society and policymakers. In such an economic system, a large part of our daily demand for products and energy should be covered by renewable rather than fossil resources. The goal is to ensure sustainable food supply while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions and preserving finite and natural resources. However, given the constantly growing population and the finite availability of agricultural land, the demand for biomass in all fields of use is increasing. One option that can contribute to solving this conflict is biorefineries. These are concepts that, similar to refineries processing fossil resources, convert biomass into a variety of marketable products with minimal energy and resource input - practically waste-free.

Against this background, the "Biorefinery, Bioenergy & Bioeconomy" research group identifies, demonstrates, analyzes, optimizes, and evaluates the most efficient possible options for the use of renewable raw materials and the production residues resulting from their further processing. The research areas are diverse and include both the development and evaluation of efficient processes for material utilization (e.g., separation of valuable materials and production of higher-value intermediate products) and the further development and optimization of energy processes (e.g., reduction of harmful emissions during combustion, pretreatment for improved anaerobic digestibility for more efficient biogas production). The evaluation of the concepts under investigation is based on technical criteria (process integration, efficiency improvement), economic criteria (higher-value products, cost minimization), and ecological criteria (minimization of greenhouse gas and other emissions). The development and optimization of corresponding processes are initially carried out step by step using experimental investigations (e.g., maximization of biogas yield, separation of proteins, nutrients, or lignin from residues, by-products, and waste). A variety of analytical methods and devices are available for this purpose. Alternatively or in parallel with experimental investigations, a modeling representation of the respective processes can also be carried out to evaluate them in the context of an integrated biorefinery.

Here you can find the most recent scientific publications from the research group.

We appreciate your interest in our research and warmly invite you to learn more about our work. If you have any questions or are interested in collaboration, please feel free to contact us.

Group Leader: Dr. Marvin Scherzinger