Decentralized production of ammonia from renewable energies using the novel power-to-X plasma catalytic technology enhanced by sorption.
Learn more at https://dare2x.eu
Consortium:
New nanomaterials driven by artificial intelligence and industrial biotechnology.
The main objective of NanomatIA project is to accelerate booming sectors where the design and discovery of new materials play a leading role with constant challenges, such as the energy storage sector through artificial intelligence strategies focused on two main axes to achieve materials with advanced properties as set by the market: nano and biotechnology.
Consortium:
Business grouping:
Organisations grouping:
This NanomatIA project has been subsidised by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), in the framework of the 2023 call for “Science and Innovation Missions” under the Transmissions initiative, and is supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and University.
Obtaining biopolymers from by-products of the dairy industry and their application in sectors of interest.
The main objective of the project is the research, development and validation of a new process for obtaining biopolymers, based on the use of by-products and waste flows generated in the dairy industry. In order to determine the viability of the biopolymers obtained, they will be applied to the development of controlled release encapsulates and adsorbents for environmental remediation.
The BIOPOL consortium is made up of five Galician companies:
The project also has the collaboration of the CETIM Technological Centre, a centre focused on developing research, technologies and innovation in different sectors and economic activities through its Knowledge Areas: Advanced Materials (lignocellulosic materials, polymers and coatings and sustainable construction materials), Eco Bio Technologies (water and air treatment and circular economy and biorefinery) and Digital Industry (automation and engineering solutions and information and communication technologies).
This project is subsidised by the Axencia Galega de Innovación within the framework of the 2018 call of the CONECTA PYME Programme. It has been supported by the Consellería de Economía, Empleo e Industria (Xunta de Galicia) and is co-financed by the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) in the framework of the Operational Programme ERDF Galicia 2014-2020, Thematic Objective 1: “Promoting technological development, innovation and quality research”.
PRINCIPALES AVANCES DEL PROYECTO:
MAIN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PROJECT:
Annuality 2018:
The project began by identifying the waste flows from the dairy industry that could potentially be valorised to obtain biopolymers, as well as their characterisation. In addition, the requirements of the biological process for the production of biopolymers were defined, as well as the specific characteristics that the biopolymers produced must have for each of the two final applications (adsorbents for environmental remediation and fragrance encapsulation).
Annuality 2019:
At the beginning of the year, the characterisation of the waste flows was completed, selecting an optimal mixture for the process according to its composition. Next, the start-up of the biological system for biopolymer production at laboratory scale was carried out, consisting of three bioreactors; acidification, enrichment and accumulation. Throughout this year, different operating conditions of the bioreactors were evaluated, optimising the conditions to maximise biopolymer production. In parallel to this task, different biopolymer extraction tests were carried out in order to improve the efficiency of this stage of the biopolymer production process. During this year, the design, automation and control of the pilot plant was also carried out, which will be validated in the following year, based on the results obtained at laboratory scale.
In terms of final applications, the use of the biopolymer as a heavy metal adsorbent, both unmodified and conjugated with other polymers, has been evaluated. In addition, initial tests have also been carried out on the encapsulation of essential oils with the commercial biopolymer.
Annuality 2020:
In the last year of the project, the pilot plant for the production of biopolymers from dairy waste was validated. For this purpose, continuous weekly monitoring has been carried out, analysing different parameters both in the feed and in the three reactors of the process. In this way it has been possible to evaluate the production of volatile fatty acids, organic load and PHB production yield, among other results.
In parallel to the operation of the pilot, two applications have been developed for the biopolymer obtained.
On the one hand, several mixtures of essential fragrances have been selected and their encapsulation process has been optimised. Finally, it has been possible to test these microencapsulations in their commercial formulations.
Recycling, eco-design and industry 4.0 technologies for the recovery of high-value metals from end-of-life electric vehicles.
Socios:
Collaboration in the H2020 BIORECOVER project selective biorecovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary sources.
Consortium:
GRANT AGREEMENT 821096
Official website: https://biorecover.eu/
Research and digitalization of processes for obtaining eco-sustainable coatings for textiles.
Consortium:
OBJECTIVE:
PROTEX main objective is focused on obtaining new eco-sustainable coatings based on cellulose micro/nanofibers with antimicrobial, antiviral and/or hydrophobic functionalities for their application in textiles, mainly in sanitary and protective textiles. All this, under the premise of a digitalized process that allows online control of the quality of each stage developed to obtain the new bio-based coatings, as well as to study the implementation of the process at industrial level.
Documentation: IN852D 2021/1
Total budget: 400.688,06 €
Funding: This project is funded by the Agencia Gallega de Innovación under the 2021 call of the CONECTA COVID grant program. The grants awarded under this program have been funded by the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) under the FEDER Galicia 2014-2020 operational program as part of the Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is supported by the Vicepresidencia Primera y Consellería de Economía, Industria e Innovación.
2021 annuity progress:
ENSO has optimized the process of obtaining cellulose micro/nanoparticles from different types of cellulose plasticene, after an exhaustive study of the different cellulose plasticene available in the market. On the other hand, different modification reactions have been studied with the aim of providing the micro/nanoparticles obtained with hydrophobic and/or antimicrobial properties, such as cationization with quaternary amines or the use of silver nanoparticles in the case of antimicrobial properties and silanization with the aim of providing them with hydrophobic properties, obtaining promising results. Additionally, different coatings for tissues based on modified micro/nanocelluloses have been developed, applying them on sanitary tissues through different application techniques and, in this way, obtaining functional tissues.
2022 annuity progress:
ENSO has worked on the optimization of the process of obtaining cellulose micro/nanoparticles from cellulose plasticene of different origins, managing to obtain micro/nanoparticles of different types and qualities depending on the needs of the project. Likewise, we have continued studying different modification reactions to provide cellulose micro/nanoparticles with hydrophobic and/or anitmicrobial properties, with special interest in modification reactions such as cationization or silanization to provide them with both properties of interest. On the other hand, the process of obtaining new biocoatings and their application on different types of sanitary and protective fabrics has been optimized, in this way, obtaining new fabrics with hydrophobic and antimicrobial functionalities.
2023 annuity advances:
Throughout 2023 annuity, ENSO has worked on the micro/nanocellulose modification process optimisation with the aim of providing it with antimicrobial, antiviral and/or hydrophobic properties, with special emphasis on cationisation reactions using various cationising agents that allow to obtain interest properties. Furthermore, several coatings based on micro/nanocelluloses have been used on tissues and their applicability as healthcare fabrics has been demonstrated.
Recycling of polyamides for additive manufacturing
Consortium:
OBJECTIVE:
REPLAY main objective is focused on technological research with digital tools for products, processes, materials and services that reduce the environmental impact in industry through the use of enabling technologies such as advanced materials, nanotechnologies and biotechnologies.
REPLAY project scheme. Source: http://ensoinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Replay.png
Led by UTINGAL, a reference company in the aeronautical sector, REPLAY will focus on the mechanical recycling of by-products from the aeronautical industry, thanks to obtaining high value-added composites focused on their use in advanced technologies, such as 3D printing. All this using intelligent digital tools for the interpretation, automation and execution of intuitive solutions in human-machine interaction. REPLAY’s ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive industrial process for recycling polyamides, which can be exported in a simple and accessible way to any plastic industry. The consortium is made up of five companies that cover the entire value chain. From ENSO we will investigate and develop solutions for the chemical formulation of recycled composites; MOVERATUS for the automation and development of 3D printing technologies; MSS-SEIDOR for the development of a fully transversal, universal, parameterizable and usable software, compatible with the management systems of potential REPLAY users; ECOPLAS its revaluation in the food packaging sector; and UTINGAL for the development of the physical operating installation and related engineering work. REPLAY also has the participation of two reference centers such as CETIM and UVIGO.
Thus, REPLAY will generate a solution to the polymeric waste produced in industries, giving it an added value use such as additive manufacturing, relying on new material formulations and advanced manufacturing processes optimized through the use of ICTs that will facilitate its deployment..
This project is subsidized by the Galician Innovation Agency within the framework of the 2021 call for the CONECTA HUBS 2021 Program (Line 1). It has been supported by the Second Vice Presidency and the Ministry of Economy, Business and Innovation (Xunta de Galicia) and has co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within the framework of the ERDF Galicia 2014-2020 Operational Program.
ENSO PROGRESS ON THE REPLAY PROJECT
2021 annuity advances:
ENSO has carried out a complete characterization of five materials from polyamide waste, determining which of all is the most interesting in order to obtain the most interesting polymer formulation for additive manufacturing. On the other hand, ENSO has carried out an optimization of the washing and conditioning process of the sample that presented a greater number of identified elements and therefore the sample that presented a greater degree of contamination, determining the most interesting operating conditions at the time to carry out these necessary processes for the mechanical recycling of polyamides. In addition, grinding to different particle sizes was carried out and the compounding process began. For this, the polyamide residue that presented the least degree of contamination was chosen based on the characterizations carried out, and it has been made compatible with a commercial polyamide PA6 in different proportions.
2022 annuity advances:
During the 2022 year, progress has been made in optimizing the washing and conditioning processes of the most abundant and representative sample derived from obtaining parts for the aeronautical sector. Based on these studies, compounding studies have continued to obtain various polymer formulations by including virgin polyamide. Through the aforementioned studies for obtaining polymeric formulations, the most suitable temperature profile and the most suitable type of nozzle for the application in question were determined. It was confirmed by using additive manufacturing equipment that one of the study formulations was successfully printed by fused deposition modelling.
2023 annuity advances:
During 2023 annuity, ENSO carried out a technical and economic validation of the formulation based on the recycled polyamide found to be optimal. Within the technical feasibility, the raw materials necessary for the manufacture of the compound and the systems to be acquired for the industrialisation of the process have been studied. For the economic feasibility analysis, the variable and direct costs associated with raw materials, labour and energy consumption were determined. Finally, based on all the studies and results achieved during the project, ENSO has provided feedback of its know-how to the rest of the consortium of the optimal process in order to design a final prototype that allows the valorisation of polyamide waste derived from infusion processes for its application in additive manufacturing.
Hybrid energy storage stations.
Consortium:
Sustainable 4.0 manufacturing of nanocomposites and ionogels for energy-dense batteries.
Consortium:
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of the project is to significantly improve the energy density, cost and sustainability of lithium-ion batteries thereby facilitating the transformation of the transport sector towards sustainability, decarbonisation and emission reduction.
This will be achieved through:
GRANT AGREEMENT: IN854A 2020/04
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET: 2.752.750,98€
This project is granted by the Galician Innovation Agency in the framework of the 2020 call of the “Fábrica del futuro, fábrica inteligente y sostenible de la industria 4.0” aid programme. The grants awarded under this programme have been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under Axis 1 (Promoting research, technological development and innovation) of the ERDF Galicia 2014-2020 operational programme. The project is supported by theVicepresidencia Segunda and Consellería de Economía, Empresa e Innovación.
ENSO’S PROGRESS IN THE ECO-SMART BATT PROJECT
First and second annuity (2020-2021)
In the first months of the project, ENSO has carried out works related to the research and optimization of the process of obtaining nanoparticles; and in their application in anode materials, electrolytes and separators. These have been used, together with all those investigated within the framework of the project, for cell assembly and electrochemical testing.
In addition to the optimization of the processes to obtain nanoparticles, the evaluation of the drying stages, looking for a balance between energy consumption and nanoparticle quality, has been taken into account.
The preparation of anode material, electrolytes and separators based on this material has been started, testing their performance by assembling button cells and the corresponding electrochemical evaluation. Their performance has been evaluated against commercially available materials.
Third year (2022)
In the third year of the ECO-SMART BATT project, ENSO has continued with the work of studying and obtaining nanomaterials; preparation of electrochemical cell components, assembly of the cells and their electrochemical testing, going deeper into the preparation of the electrochemical components. Thus, progress has been made in obtaining composites based on nanosilicon and nanocellulose, seeking a high synergy between both types of nanoparticles. Likewise, we have made further progress in obtaining cellulose-based separators, confirming the feasibility of preparation from percentages of 10% of nanoparticles up to 100% of the same. Finally, progress has been made in the preparation of inks with the different materials of the consortium, reaching capacities between 310-330 mAh/g in reference cells. The micro/nanosilicon-based cells provided promising values.
Fourth annuity (2023)
In this fourth and final annuity project, we have pursued electrochemical cell components optimization. Using different types of nanocellulose obtained and optimised throughout project, ENSO has focused on the anodic inks optimisation with nanocellulose and silicon, both in their introduction as such and as carbon nanofibres; in electrolyte membranes based on aldehyde-modified nanocellulose and based on conventional LIPF6 electrolytes; and cellulose and nanocellulose separators, introducing nanocellulose in bulk or as a coating. In addition to physico-chemical characterisations, the materials have been evaluated in electrochemical tests. Through the studies, we have observed that nanocellulose has a great potential to act on the different cell components, and although the results are considered improvable, the electrochemical results shown by the cellulose separators have been outstanding, comparable to conventional polymer-based separators, thus achieving both technical and environmental competitiveness compared to traditional materials, with a commitment to materials of great global availability and of renewable origin.
Final results
Following its participation in the ECO-SMART BATT project, ENSO has broadened its expertise in obtaining cellulose nanofibres; starting from different types of biomass, applying different types of pre-treatment and treatment, and deepening the drying process to avoid particle agglomeration. All this, accompanied by an improvement, control and process optimisation, selecting those routes with a balance between fibre quality, energy consumption and cost. At the same time, this project has allowed ENSO to achieve greater involvement in the battery and automotive sector; developing itself anode materials, electrolytes and separators by introducing nanocellulose in them, achieving a potential improvement in the cells energy density, improving batteries sustainability by replacing materials from fossil sources with a renewable source, and seeking final product economic competitiveness by optimising the obtaining materials processes.
ENSO INNOVATION’s Strategic Innovation Plan: Improving organisational and process innovation in the production of cellulose nanoparticles.
Objectives:
File number: 014_IN848D_2017_2334158.
CELLU-TECH has been subsidised by the Agencia Gallega de Innovacion through the Innova Peme Programme by financing the activities integrated in the innovation plans framed in the strategic priorities of the RIS3 with the co-financing of the Fondo Europeo de desarrollo regional (FEDER)in the framework of the FEDER Galicia 2014-2020 operational programme.
