Lab

BioPol4Fun Group


About the lab

BioPol4fun - Innovation in biopolymer based functional materials and bioactive compounds

(A) Bio-based (nano)materials
• Exploit nanofibers and other natural polymers to design innovative nanomaterials for distinct applications (biomedical, electronic devices, fuel cells, functional papers and packaging)
• Development of novel polymers and composites from cork by-products and other biomass sources
• Synthesis of polyesters from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid

(B) Biomass value-added compounds
• Characterization of biomass components with advanced techniques
• Development of eco-friendly extraction/fractionation processes for target added value compounds using water, ionic liquids, natural deep eutectic solvents
• Evaluation of biological properties of extracts for nutraceutical formulations

Featured research (2)

The imperative for achieving circularity in the realm of postconsumer polymers predominantly hinges upon the adoption of efficient recycling methodologies with a greener footprint. As such, this study introduces an innovative and eco-friendly depolymerization process for recycling highly consumed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and innovative bioderived poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) which is easily extrapolated to other polyesters. This study demonstrates the pivotal role of eutectic solvents based on biobased phenols with safe design to efficiently mediate the hydrolytic depolymerization, under alkaline conditions, of these recalcitrant polymers into terephthalic acid (TPA) or 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Additionally, optimization through a design of experiments approach yields TPA and FDCA with over 90% and 80% recovery, respectively, under mild conditions of temperature, below 150 °C, and not exceeding 5 h of reaction time. Structural characterization analyses confirm the chemical nature and the high purity of the recovered products, while eutectic solvent reuse assessments underscore its potential for multiple cycles with minimal loss of catalytic activity, reducing process waste. A proof-of-concept for monomer repolymerization demonstrates feasibility. Green metrics align with the fine chemicals industry, indicating promising market potential for this low-energy eutectic solvent-based approach to enhance circularity in polyester waste management.

Lab head

Armando J. D. Silvestre
Department
  • CICECO Aveiro Institute of Materials
About Armando J. D. Silvestre
  • Armando J. D. Silvestre currently works at the CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro. Armando does research in Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Phytochemistry.

Members (13)

Carmen S R Freire
  • University of Aveiro
Sonia Santos
  • University of Aveiro
Andreia F. Sousa
  • University of Aveiro
Ricardo Pinto
  • University of Aveiro
André M da Costa Lopes
  • University of Aveiro
Maria do Céu Teixeira
  • University of Aveiro
João P F Carvalho
  • University of Aveiro
Ana C.Q. Silva
  • University of Aveiro
Adriana C. S. Pais
Adriana C. S. Pais
  • Not confirmed yet
nicole lameirinhas
nicole lameirinhas
  • Not confirmed yet

Alumni (13)

Catarina Moreirinha
  • University of Aveiro
Patricia A. B. Ramos
  • University of Aveiro and CICECO
Tiago Carvalho
  • Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology