Process Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Biomass Valorization to Biofuels and Biochemicals
A Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Analysis Approach
ID
MSCA_PF-KKarimi[01]
Supervisors
About the research Group
Chemical Engineering
Prof. dr. Keikhosro Karimi
Professor Keikhosro Karimi is a distinguished academic and researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), specializing in sustainable chemical engineering with a focus on innovative process modeling, simulation, development, and advanced analysis. His research centers on biorefineries, bioenergy, and green chemical engineering, employing technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of sustainable technologies.
As a globally recognized expert, Prof. Karimi has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. His impressive research output includes 300+ peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals and an h-index of 81 and over 26,000 citations. His leadership extends to editorial roles, serving as Associate Editor for the Biofuel Research Journal (Q1, IF: 14.4) and as a guest editor for several high-impact journals, where he promotes cutting-edge research dissemination.
Prof. Karimi’s excellence has earned him prestigious recognitions, including being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science (2020–2023) and ranking among the World’s Top 1% Scientists by Clarivate (2022). He led a dynamic 15-member research group and supervised 6 postdocs, 20 PhDs, and 35 MSc students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.
Prof. Karimi provides tailored guidance to help students and researchers publish in high-impact journals, secure funding, and build strong professional networks. His research group is an ideal environment for those passionate about developing real-world solutions for energy transition, waste-to-resource conversion, and sustainable industrial processes.
More Information
Project description
This research focuses on the sustainable conversion of lignocellulosic biomass and organic waste streams into value-added biofuels and platform biochemicals through advanced chemical engineering approaches. The work integrates multiscale process modeling, kinetic simulation, and system optimization with rigorous techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the feasibility of emerging biorefinery pathways.
The study develops first-principles and data-driven models for key biomass valorization technologies, including:
- Thermochemical processes (gasification, pyrolysis) for syngas and bio-oil production
- Biological pathways (fermentation, anaerobic digestion) for organic acid and alcohol biosynthesis
- Hybrid catalytic-biological systems for enhanced yield and selectivity
Process simulations (Aspen Plus) are coupled with experimental validation to optimize reactor design, separation systems, and energy integration. TEA evaluates capital/operating expenditures, minimum selling prices, and sensitivity to feedstock variability, while cradle-to-gate LCA quantifies climate change impacts, energy efficiency, and water footprint compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
The project specifically targets:
- Waste-to-energy systems utilizing agricultural residues and municipal solid waste
- Carboxylate platforms for C2-C6 biochemical production via anaerobic fermentation
- Catalytic upgrading of bio-oils to drop-in fuels
Outcomes will deliver optimized process configurations with >30% cost reduction potential and 50% lower GHG emissions than conventional routes, supporting commercial deployment of circular bioeconomy solutions.