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Bio-derived and Bio-inspired Advanced Materials for Sustainable Industries (VALUED)

Lead Research Organisation: Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemical Engineering

Abstract

The UK Government recently set targets for "net zero emissions" and "zero waste" as well as a 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Even so, the UK currently sources, processes and deploys advanced materials based on unsustainable practices, including the use of fossil fuels and scarce, geologically hindered raw materials. This contributes to over 30% of the UK CO2 emissions, especially considering the import of raw precursors and materials.

Our vision is to build our most important functional materials from bio-based resources which are locally available. These materials will lower CO2 emissions, helping the UK to reach the targeted zero emissions by 2050 while boosting high-performance, locally available technologies and creating new industries. They will form the cornerstone for a modern technology-dependent economy.

This programme grant brings together the best UK academics and key industrial partners involved in the development of a new supply chain for sustainable materials and applications. We will accelerate novel pathways to manufacture advanced materials out of available UK bioresources while boosting their performance working with stakeholders in key industrial sectors (chemical industry, advanced materials, energy, waste, agriculture, forestry, etc).

The combined food, forestry and agricultural waste in the UK amounts to approx.26.5m tonnes each year. There is no valuable economic chain in the UK to allow waste valorisation towards high value-added materials. Yet, by mass, functional materials provide the most viable route for waste utilisation, preferable over waste-to-energy. This Programme Grant will thus enhance the UK's capability in the critical area of affordable and sustainable advanced materials for a zero carbon UK economy, providing multidisciplinary training for the next generation of researchers, and support for a nascent next generation of an advanced materials industry

Publications

10 25 50
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Barrio J (2023) Carbon Nitrides from Supramolecular Crystals: From Single Atoms to Heterojunctions and Advanced Photoelectrodes. in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)

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Favero S (2024) Toward photovalorization of waste at scale? in Joule

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Frka-Petesic B (2023) Structural Color from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Chitin Nanocrystals: Self-Assembly, Optics, and Applications. in Chemical reviews

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Frka-Petesic B (2023) Electrohydrodynamic convection instabilities observed in suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals. in Cellulose (London, England)

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Frka-Petesic B (2025) Spray-assisted fabrication of cellulose photonic pigments on superhydrophobic surfaces

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Frka-Petesic B (2023) Structural Color from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Chitin Nanocrystals: Self-Assembly, Optics and Applications

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Frka-Petesic B (2023) Electrohydrodynamic Convection Instabilities Observed in Suspensions of Cellulose Nanocrystals

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Frka-Petesic B (2023) Electrohydrodynamic convection instabilities observed in suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals

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Giri D (2023) Ion Size-Dependent Electrochromism in Air-Stable Napthalenediimide-Based Conjugated Polymers. in ACS applied materials & interfaces

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Hongrutai N (2023) Sequential deposition of FeNC-Cu tandem CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts towards the low overpotential production of C 2+ alcohols in Journal of Physics: Materials

 
Description WP1: Sustainable extraction of bio-based precursors from biomass
KO1 Understanding the differences in cellulose structure from the same species (13C labelled
poplar) using two different extraction methods: ionosolv and making cellulose nanocrystals.
This was a collaboration between WP2(Silvia Vignolini) and WP1 (Paul Dupree and Jason
Hallett) (90% completed-paper in draft).
KO2 High throughput biomass fractionation using various ionic liquids to optimised biomass
fractionation. Collaboration between WP1 (Jason Hallett) and WP4 (Camile Petit) (5 %
completed)
KO3 LCA analysis on CNC and CMP extracted from soft wood (100% finished and paper is
being finalised for submission), ionosolv cellulose (60 % completed) and miscanthus
cellulose fibres, a collaboration between WP1, WP2 and WP5 (50% completed). A
collaboration between WP5 Polina Yaseneva and WP2 (Silvia Vignolini, Steve Eichhorn) and
WP1 (Jason Hallett)
KO4 Isolating chitosan, lignin, hemicellulose using ionosolv processes at scale in close
collaboration with Lixea company to be provided to WP2. Chitosan isolation from squid pens
achieved and published, 2 papers on large-scale ionic liquid biorefinery published and another
accepted. (80 % completed, 4 papers published rer 15-18, one accepted)
KO5 Characterising different lignin precursors obtained using different extraction methods
such as Kraft (Innventia partner), Organosolv (Fraunhofer partner) and Ionosolv (Lixea) and
understand the impact of the lignin structure on the lignin-derived carbon fibres in WP2 and
their supercapacitors performance in WP3 (collaboration with Agi Brandt-Talbot and Magda
Titirici) (100% completed, manuscript in preparation)
KO6 Extracting silica from miscanthus and chitosan from squid pens for composite materials
in WP2 by Julian Jones. Successful extraction of silica nanoparticles from miscanthus and
chitin from squid pens. Collaboration established with University of Namibia for rice husk
derived silica nanoparticles (70% completed)

WP2: Bio-derived advanced materials and processes
KO7 Lignin derived carbon fibres with a high degree of graphitisation without the addition of a
metal catalyst based on the understanding the lignin structure in WP1. Collaboration between
Agi Brand Talbot (WP2) and Magda Titirici (WP2) and Rob Hunter (WP1) (100% completed,
paper in draft)
KO8 Lignin derived carbon fibres with tailored pores, functionalities and degree of order
(graphitisation degree) and correlation with the lignin chemical structure (WP1) for energy
storage applications (with WP3) performed by Rpb Hunter (100% completed, paper in draft);
Collaboration between Lixea, RISE, Fraunhofer, Rob Hunter, Agi Brand Talbot and Magda
Titirici.
KO9 Cellulose and chitosan derived hard carbon materials and cellulose derived separators
for energy storage linking WP1 (Jason Hallett) with WP2 (Magda Titirici) and WP3 (Magda
Titirici) (20% completed)
KO10 Cellulose nanocrystals optimised via data driven approaches and scrutinised by LCA
(purification and hydrolysis linking WP1 Paul Dupree with WP2, WP3-Silvia Vignoloni WP4
Alexei Lapkin and WP5 Polina Yaseneva) (80% completed, paper in draft)
KO11 Porous carbons with ordered pores from 5-20 nm via block copolymer templating of a
lignin-glyoxal resin (100% completed 2 papers published; collaboration within M Titirici
group).
KO12 Composite materials based on CNC, chitosan and silica, 3D printed. Pilot studies
complete with porous gyroid composites printed by Haffsah Iqbal and Julian Jones, containing
10% CNC. (30% completed).
KO13 Spun cellulose fibres from cellulose nanofibrils and CNCs by Steve Eichhorn. Fibres
have been spun from various miscanthus feedstocks and including some materials from WP1
(Jason Hallett) linking WP1 with WP2. (50% completed)
KO14 Conjugated polymers based on furfural functionalised with PEG groups (by Marin
Heeney WP2 ) to be tested ion organic aqueous batteries in WP3 by Jenny Nelson (60%
completed).

WP3 Applications of bioderived sustainable materials from WP2 from WP1 precursors
Na ion batteries:
KO 15 Understanding the effect of closed/open pores in hard carbon anodes from lignin in Na
ion batteries (100% completed, paper published ref 1), linking work from Rob Hunter in WP1
and Mengnan Wang in WP3
KO16 Making an all biomass derived VALUED battery based on a hard carbon cellulose anode,
a cellulose based separator a lignin derived organic cathode and a biomass (gamma Valero
lactone) derived electrolyte (10% completed); link between WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP5 by
Niamh Hartley
KO17 Upscaling of hard carbon anodes from biomass for Na ion batteries for pouch cells
including understanding the difference in precursor and the effect on the hard carbon features
(10% completed) by Mengnan Wang.

Catalysts for fuel cells:
KO18 Making a mesoporous carbon from xylose and loading Pt and compare the performance
in a gas diffusion with commercial counterparts; understanding the effect of ionomer
interaction with Pt (100% completed, paper published ref 2, 3) by Mengnan Wang linking
WP1 and WP3
KO19 Single atom catalysts based on nitrogen-iron-carbon as a substitute for Pt catalysts for
the Oxygen Reduction Reaction made from xylose; Understanding the origin of electrocatalytic
activity and a comparison of environmental impact with Pt-link with WP5 (100% completed,
paper published-ref 6) by Jesus Barrio in WP3.
Chemicals from the electrolysis of waste
KO20 Conversion of glycerol waste into lactic acid with high selectivity and understanding the
reaction mechanism (80% completed, one paper published ref 4, one in preparation); work
started now by Sushila Marlow linking WP3 with WP4
KO21 Conversion of ethylene glycol derived from plastic waste into glycolic acid with high
selectivity; Understanding mechanism on different catalysts (70% completed, one paper in
preparation)

Supercapacitors:
KO22 Understanding the effect of carbon structure disorder carbons with similar pore size in
supercapacitors (80% completed, paper in draft); links WP1 with WP2 and WP3 by Robert
Hunter.
KO23 Understanding the influence of lignin structure (WP1) on the properties on carbon fibres
(WP2) and their performance in supercapacitors (90% completed, manuscript in
preparation) linking WP1, WP2 and WP3, work by Robert Hunter.

Organic batteries
KO24 Diketopyrrolopyrrole-furan (DPP-F)-based conjugated polymers (M. Heeney WP2)
were characterised and tested in aqueous batteries but showed limited stability compared to
less sustainable thiophene based in WP3 (Jenny Nelson) (25% completed).

Colour and Structural Colour:
KO25 Ink jet printing of cellulose nanocrystals ion WP2 made by Vignolini in collaboration with
DOMINO for sustainable packaging (100% completed, paper published in reference 20)
KO26 Cellulose pigments made from CNCs by Vignolini were assembled by spray-drying a
suspension onto a superhydrophobic surface and led to structurally coloured microballs with
low iridescence and tuneable colour across the visible range (100% completed, paper
published in ref 21)
KO 27 Discovered a method to enhance the vibrancy of photonic CNC films, e.g. via
lamination to maximise optical performance through structural optimisation.
(100% completed, patent filed by Vignolini , in the process to be licenced to Sparxell)
KO 28 Synthesis of cellulose-based block-copolymers for bio-based pigment dispersing
agents, in collaboration with Domino UK.; (Patent application filed; 100% completed)
publication to follow)

Mechanically strong composites:
KO29 Sodium hydroxide-treated miscanthus fibres have been successfully spun into
continuous fibres by Steve Eichhorn, demonstrating a preliminary tensile strength of 160 MPa
and a tensile modulus of 9 GPa. (40% completed)

WP4 Optimisation using high throughput experimentation and machine learning
KO 30 Building instrumentation needed for HT electrocatalysis based in a membrane
electrode assembly for WP3 glycerol and ethylene glycol oxidation (100% completed); link
Wp3 and WP4 by Camille Petit and Sushila Marlow
KO 31 A. Lapkin and J. Zheng developed the initial code for implementing the Bayesian
optimisation algorithm using Summit package and established a GitHub repository for code
sharing and collaboration in glycerol electrooxidation in HT (100% completed). Published a
paper on extending BO methodology to account for experimental errors (Ref 12).
KO32 J. Zheng supports WP3 and collaborate with Kevin Ballu in WP2 and WP3 on using
machine learning for cellulose hydrolysis to CNC kinetics study (50% completed)
KO 33 J. Zheng supports WP1 on cellulose structure investigation from Dupree using machine
learning for NMR analysis (5 % completed)

WP5: Life cycle and technoeconomic assessment of most promising VALUED
application driven processes
KO34 Development of general sustainability frameworks to guide assessments and practices
across various case studies: (1) a multilevel integrated sustainability assessment framework
and (2) the VALUED sustainability screening tool (100% completed, manuscript published
ref 14)
KO35 LCA and TEA on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) recycling to Terephthalic Acid
(TPA), glycolic acid and H2 linking with WP3 and WP4 developed by Rukkaya Muazu (100%
completed, manuscript in preparation)
KO36 Detailed modelling and LCA for the hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) for anodes in Na
ion batteries developed by by Rukkaya Muazu (link between WP2 and WP3) ( 50% completed)
KO37 LCA for the production of wet spun carbon fibres from Lignin -linking with WP2
developed by by Rukkaya Muazu (100% completed, paper in preparation)
KO38 Polina Yasenava developed a detailed process and life cycle assessment (LCA) models
have been developed for processes with higher technology readiness levels (TRLs) and
greater data availability and certainty, such as semi-industrial CNC production from woody
biomass and ionosolv fractionation of miscanthus (70% successful)
Exploitation Route Future Plans:
Our future plans related to the completion of the remaining % of the KO. In the last part of the
grant, we will focus our attention on the most promising aspects of our developed technologies
with focus on upscale translation around:
1. Biomass derived hard carbons for Na ion batteries anodes
2. Biomass to chemicals, electrochemically and in high thruput
3. Lignin-derived carbon and cellulose fibers for composites and energy storage
4. CNCs production and processing at scale for packaging with structural colour
More fundamental research will continue on conjugated polymers from biomass and
chitosan/cellulose CNC/CNF composites.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Construction

Electronics

Energy

Transport
 
Description Petronas Industrial Collaboration
Amount £1,300,000 (GBP)
Organisation Petronas 
Sector Private
Country Malaysia
Start 03/2023 
End 04/2025
 
Title Research data supporting "Angle-resolved optical spectroscopy of photonic cellulose nanocrystal films reveals the influence of additives on the mechanism of kinetic arrest" 
Description Supporting data for the article "Angle-resolved optical spectroscopy of photonic cellulose nanocrystal films reveals the influence of additives on the mechanism of kinetic arrest", published in Soft Matter (2024). The data is provided within a structured set of folders compressed in zip, each correlating to a specific figure in the article and supplementary information. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/366887
 
Title Research data supporting "Inkjet Printed Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal Patterns" 
Description Supporting data for the article "Inkjet Printed Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal Patterns", published in Advanced Materials (2023). The data is provided within a structured set of folders compressed in zip, each correlating to a specific figure in the article and supplementary information. Spreadsheets are provided as '.xlsx' , or as '.mat' for angle resolved spectroscopy; images as '.jpg', '.tif' '.bmp' and '.png'. Nb. The individual ticks of the scale bar images corresponds to a spacing of 10 µm. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/360758
 
Title Research data supporting "Structural Color from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Chitin Nanocrystals: Self-Assembly, Optics and Applications" 
Description see summary provided as pdf. Figure041 - transmission spectra from integrating sphere and UV-vis; reflection spectra from integrating sphere and double-ended probe. Figure044 - angle-resolved optical spectroscopy spectra for specular, scattering and tilt modes. Figure046 - POM for reflection (R) and transmission (T) from the same region of interest (ROI 4). Figure047 - POM for bright field (BF) and dark field (DF) at the same region of interest (ROI 3). Figure048 - POM at various magnifications (5x, 10x, 20x) at the same region of interest (ROI 2). Figure049 - POM and spectra in various imaging modes (unpolarised UP, parallel polarisers PP, crossed polarisers XP, circular polarisation LP and RP) at the same region of interest (ROI 2). Figure050 - POM in bright field (BF) in various imaging modes (reflection R or transmission T, or both RT) and polarization (unpolarized UP, parallel PP or crossed polarizers XP) 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/357024
 
Title Research data supporting 'Electrohydrodynamic Convection Instabilities Observed in Suspensions of Cellulose Nanocrystals' 
Description The research dataset contains images and sequences of images of the corresponding videos. Please refer to the pdf EC_CNC_OpenData for abstract and details of the Research Data. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/357026
 
Title Research data supporting: "Spray-assisted fabrication of cellulose photonic pigments on superhydrophobic surfaces" 
Description Supporting data for the article "Spray-assisted fabrication of cellulose photonic pigments on superhydrophobic surfaces", published in Advanced Materials (2025). The data is provided within a structured set of folders compressed in zip, each correlating to a specific figure in the article and supplementary information. they include the original images and photos used to produce the composed figures, as well as all the data points in .xlsx (MS Excel) duplicated into equivalent .csv files. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2025 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/379255
 
Description Johnson Matthey Battery Technology Centre 
Organisation Johnson Matthey
Department Johnson Matthey Technology Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution QMUL was responsible for the development of anode materials for Na-ion batteries from biomass derived precursors in terms of synthesis, characterisation and performance analysis. QM's involvement in the project was definitely beneficial as the vast expertise of Prof Titirici's in the synthesis of sustainable and low cost carbons with various characteristics (pore size, functionality, level of graphitisation) was constructive on the decision making on the progress of developing the anode materials and corresponding half cell testings.
Collaborator Contribution Johnson Matthey's involvement in the LOCONIBs project was on the development of the cathode materials and the half and full cell testing. They have succesfully achieved the milestones set, which were: - To develop cathodes materials based on reduced or substitution of critical raw materials with more abundant, lower cost, elements while maintaining the performance - To develop a protocol to test sodium ion batteries - To investigate ways to maximise the electrochemical performance.
Impact Significant results have been achieved in this one year long feasibility project for the development of low cost electrodes for sodium ion batteries. The promising results in terms of electrochemical performances show the materials's potential use as electrodes in Na-ion batteries and are believed to be close to the level required for practical applications. Significant knowledge and experience have been gained concerning materials preparation, scaling up and testing protocols. Additionally, the project was presented in UK Energy Storage (UKES) Conference and an entry was made for Rushlight Awards. Excellent feedback was received from both. A poster prize was achieved in UKES with the title of "Biomass-Derived Low Cost Negative Electrodes in Na-Ion Batteries." Three manuscripts are also being worked on to be published in specialised journals
Start Year 2016
 
Description Working together on Na anode free batteries 
Organisation Petronas
Country Malaysia 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We are investigating new ways to achieve high energy density and sustainable Na ion batteries
Collaborator Contribution Petronas i s funding a research project with me as PI and 2 PDRAs
Impact we are working towards a patent
Start Year 2023
 
Description upscaling Na ion battery cathodes and manufacturing of pouch cells 
Organisation The Faraday Institution
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution upscaling hard carbon anodes and pouch cells manufacturing
Collaborator Contribution providing cathodes for pouch cells
Impact we will upscale our hard carbon anodes and provide to all NEXGENA partners and we manufacture pouch cells with various nextgena cathodes
Start Year 2023
 
Description Many scientific conferences, MRS, ACS, MC-16, Commonwealth Conferences, etc 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact I have given over 150 talks at various conferences/events on disseminating my research results
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022,2023,2024
 
Description Outreach for general public 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact We organised a meeting on food waste, raising awarnence and explaining ways to convert waste into battery materials
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023