28-10-2024
Recently, Tibo De Saegher successfully defended his doctoral thesis after diving deep into lignin research for 5 years with his research topic “Advancing Lignin Valorization through Specialized Analysis, Catalyst Development and Process Optimization” funded by Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen (FWO). In his research, Tibo contributed to the state-of-the-art on lignin characterization and valorization by:
✔️ Developing a 2D GPC-HPLC-UV/VIS analysis technique, specialized for lignin depolymerization product pools
✔️ Using bimetallic Pd nanoparticle catalysts as a reduction in catalyst synthesis costs without sacrificing activity or selectivity
✔️ Assessing the complex interactions between the Soda pulping process and subsequent depolymerization of the resulting isolated lignin
✔️ The use of continuous flow reactor setups for lignin depolymerization as part of a research stay at Lund University (Sweden).
Congratulations with your PhD title 🎓 in Chemical Engineering Technology and – while Tibo De Saegher stays at INCAT for another 4 months to finish several running projects – good luck with your future career! 👏