The research group for advanced biomass strategies and technologies; part of the Charles Parsons Initiative at the University of Limerick. We envisage a future whereby our energetic and chemical needs can be met sustainably from renewable, non-fossil, resources and that biomass will play an important role in enabling this. Our expertise covers a range of disciplines including: chemical enginnering, analytical chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, soil sciences, agronomy and feasiblity studies. Please visit the appropriate pages to learn more about our Research Areas and Current Projects and feel free to browse among our Personnel. Some files of interest can be downloaded from the site and more material can be sought by contacting the appropriate member.
Latest News
Carbolea researchers have been active for some time in the field of biomass conversion to high-value end products and fuels (biorefining). Work here covers the evaluation and development of biorefining feedstocks and technologies
There are excellent facilities at the University of Limerick that facilitate our analytical work. Analytical protocols being conducted at Carbolea include: lignocellulosic components of potential biorefining materials; soil organic matter composition; biochar properties; and the products of conversion and catalytic processes
Pyrolysis and gasification offer exciting new ways to obtain energy from biomass in a cleaner and more efficient manner than simple combustion processes allow. Furthermore, they offer the potential for a variety of co-products/conversion-products, such as bio-oils and chars, that offer alternatives to their fossil-fuel derived analogues.