Dr. Diakaridia Sangaré

Researcher in process engineering applied to bioenergy

Specialized in modeling, numerical simulation, and optimization of biomass conversion processes.

Dr. Diakaridia Sangaré — portrait

Biography

Diakaridia Sangaré is a researcher in process engineering applied to bioenergy and to the sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass and agro-industrial residues. He currently carries out his scientific work at the International Cooperation Center on Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), within the PERSYST department, in the BioWooEB Research Unit (UPR), in Montpellier, France.

He earned his chemical engineering degree at the Universidad de Oriente (UO), in Santiago de Cuba, where he began his research career studying the anaerobic digestion of agricultural residues to produce biogas. He then completed a research master’s in process engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), in Mexico, focused on the thermochemical conversion of biomass to produce synthetic fuels.

He carried out his PhD in process engineering jointly between the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP) and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS-ICARE), in Orléans, France. His doctoral research combined experimentation and numerical modeling to study thermochemical processes, particularly the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass.

He then undertook postdoctoral research at the Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA-CNRS), where he worked on the solid–liquid extraction of bioactive compounds obtained from plant materials, with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

His career also includes industrial experience at Orbia Advance Corporation as a process engineer and process-simulation consultant, as well as university teaching, supervision of young researchers, and international scientific collaboration.

Current research

My current research focuses on the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass and agro-industrial residues to produce bioenergy, syngas, biochar, hydrochar, bioactive compounds, and other bioproducts, with applications in energy and the chemical industry, as well as in water purification and the agronomic, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. This work combines experimentation with multiscale modeling, spanning design of experiments, kinetic studies, and the analysis of transport phenomena through to reactor simulation and process optimization. This approach helps clarify conversion mechanisms, improve the performance of processes and conversion systems, optimize the quality of the resulting products, and develop sustainable valorization pathways tailored to different resources and contexts.

The approach combines experiments with multiscale modeling: intrinsic kinetics at the macromolecular scale, heat and mass transfer at the particle scale, and hydrodynamics and reactions at the reactor scale.

The methods include kinetic models, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), process simulation, design of experiments, optimization, and machine learning, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), to develop predictive models and support process design and scale-up.

Education

PhD in Process Engineering Sciences — 2021

  • Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), Mexico
  • National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Orléans, France

Languages

  • Spanish
  • French
  • English
  • Portuguese
  • Bambara
  • Jula

Press and media

El Sol de San Luis
Diakaridia Sangaré receiving a research award at UASLP in 2017

UASLP doctoral student wins first place

Diakaridia Sangaré, a doctoral student in Chemical Engineering Sciences at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), within the Faculty of Chemical Sciences, won first place in the Technology category of the university’s research-project competition with the project “Fuels obtained from biomass—Agave salmiana bagasse—as new energy sources for a sustainable future.” The recognition was awarded as part of the 2017 University Prize for Socio-Humanistic, Scientific and Technological Research.

Read the original article

Patricia CalvilloEl Sol de San LuisNovember 2, 2017

Amanecer Huasteco
Image published with the Amanecer Huasteco article

UASLP graduate student proposes new energy sources

Diakaridia Sangaré, a postgraduate student in the Faculty of Chemical Sciences at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), received the University Prize for Socio-Humanistic, Scientific and Technological Research for a project focused on converting biomass into synthetic fuels. In the interview, the researcher from Mali explained that his work was being conducted through a collaboration between UASLP and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), with the objective of valorizing biomass as an alternative energy source for a sustainable future.

Read the original article

Amanecer HuastecoAmanecer HuastecoNovember 5, 2017

Awards and Recognition

  • Best doctoral thesis award
    Best doctoral thesis award 2021, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico (2022).
    2022
  • Logo of the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP)
    “Summa Cum Laude” honorable mention for the doctoral thesis, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico (2021).
    2021
  • CONACYT logo
    CONACYT doctoral scholarship, Mexico (2018).
    2018
  • University award 2017
    University Award for Socio-Humanistic, Scientific and Technological Research, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico (2017).
    2017
  • Jamana ka ɲinini jara san 2016
    National Award for Scientific and Technological Research, university category, Mexico (2016).
    2016
  • Gold diploma medal
    Gold Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba (2014).
    2014
  • Universidad de Oriente
    Best International Student Diploma, Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba (2009–2014).
    2009–2014
  • Republic of Mali
    Study scholarship for university education in Cuba (2008).
    2008

Research Profile

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Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Engineering

Experimental approach

Experiments are designed according to the feedstocks, process, and target products. The first stage is biomass characterization, which establishes key properties and supports the selection of the most appropriate transformation route.

Biomass characterization

It includes elemental and proximate analyses, determination of heating value, and structural-composition analysis, particularly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These data support assessment of feedstock suitability for thermochemical conversion or extraction and help define the initial study conditions.

Thermochemical conversion

Hydrothermal carbonization is studied to produce hydrochar; pyrolysis to generate biochar, condensable fractions, and recoverable non-condensable gases; gasification to produce syngas or fuel gases; and combustion to generate heat and energy.

Extraction of bioactive compounds

Solid–liquid extraction is used to recover and characterize bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and related applications. The methods include static maceration, Soxhlet extraction, continuous-flow extraction, and Soxtec; the resulting data are used to compare conditions and optimize the process.

Modeling and simulation approach

In our research, modeling and simulation are cross-cutting tools for representing and predicting the behavior of valorization processes. We use them at different transformation scales, from laboratory to pilot scale. The models are parameterized and validated using experimental data before being used to simulate and interpret phenomena, compare different reactor configurations, optimize operating conditions, and support decision-making. Some of the modeling approaches we use are presented below.

Intrinsic kinetic model

Intrinsic kinetic models are used to determine kinetic parameters, identify reaction mechanisms and pathways, and establish the steps or phenomena that control the process. They can be formulated as single- or multistep reaction schemes to describe the chemical transformations of biomass constituents.

Physical models

Physical models include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and coupled multiphysics models. They resolve hydrodynamics, turbulence, species and particle transport, heat and mass transfer, radiation, and chemical reactions in reactors.

Thermodynamic models

In our research, we use thermodynamic models primarily to simulate steady-state processes. These models integrate the different unit operations of the process and combine material and energy balances with equations of state, phase-equilibrium relationships, and binary interaction parameters to represent mixture behavior and separation operations.

Design of experiments and statistical models

The workflow is organized in three stages: screening to identify influential factors; factor studies to quantify main effects and interactions; and response-surface methodology to build empirical models, locate optimal conditions, and validate them. Statistical analysis is used to assess significance, uncertainty, and goodness of fit.

Machine learning

In our research, we use machine-learning models to represent nonlinear relationships and generate predictions from experimental data, CFD simulation results, or hybrid datasets that combine both sources. The approaches employed include conventional artificial neural networks and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Unlike conventional neural models, PINNs incorporate constraints derived from physical laws during training. Once validated, these models can be used as surrogate models with low computational cost or integrated as components of digital twins.

Collaborations

Network

Current collaboration network

This network represents my current scientific and institutional collaborations. Each link corresponds to a working relationship established through co-authorship, joint projects, thesis co-supervision or cotutelle arrangements, student training and supervision, academic mobility, exchange of data and methodologies, or complementary use of experimental and numerical infrastructure. These interactions are coordinated from my research unit, CIRAD–UPR BioWooEB, in collaboration with universities, research centers, and other scientific units in different countries. The relational view identifies direct links among researchers, teams, and institutions, while the geographic view shows the international distribution of these collaborations and their reach by country.

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Main collaborating institutions

Forms of collaboration

  • Research projects and networks

    Development of joint research projects and preparation of national or international proposals.

    Participation in research networks, consortia, and other scientific initiatives.

  • Training, supervision and mobility

    Co-supervision of doctoral dissertations and master’s theses, student training, internship supervision, and mobility for students, researchers, or academic staff.

  • Knowledge sharing and infrastructure

    Exchange of knowledge, methods, and data, and complementary access to infrastructure.

  • Scientific production and dissemination

    Joint preparation of research articles, books, book chapters, and contributions to conferences, seminars, or scientific meetings.

If you would like to explore a possible collaboration, contact us.

Publications

Articles

2026

Mechanistic insights into microwave-assisted ethyl acetate extraction of natural astaxanthin from Paracoccus sp. for functional products and cost estimation

Mussagy C.U., Caicedo-Paz A.V., Alvarado-Holtheuer C.N., Sadek M.S., Mustafa A., Sangare D. — Process Biochemistry, 169, p. 214-225.

2026

Quantification of cashew nut shell pyrolysis products and the effect of extractives on the product distribution

Sangare D., Bouarfa N., Valette J., Thevenon F., Van De Steene L., Commandre J.M., Pinta F., Blin J. — Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 27, 15 p.

2026

Influence of ethanol on ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from cocoa pod husk and their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycemic activity

González-Alejo F.A., Carrera-Lanestosa A., Moscosa-Santillan M., Garcia-Alamilla R., Araujo-León J.A., Sangare D., Acevedo-Fernández J.J., Garcia-Alamilla P. — ChemEngineering, 10 (4), 26 p.

2026

Understanding the thermal degradation mechanisms of Cashew nut shell liquid constituents: Anacardic acids, cardanols and cardols (ACC)

Chung K.W.Y., Blin J., Sangare D., Valette J., Lanvin C., Van De Steene L. — Chemical Engineering Science, 322, 11 p.

2025

Mathematical modeling of multi-step kinetics of biomass pyrolysis applied to agave bagasse and char oxidation reactivity

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillan M., Belandria V., Valette J., De la Cruz Martínez A., Van De Steene L., Bostyn S. — Fuel, 391, 13 p.

2025

Thermal degradation and reactivity of cashew nut shell liquid constituents

Sangare D., Chung K.W.Y., Blin J., Lanvin C., Valette J., Van De Steene L. — Chemical Engineering Journal, 507, 15 p.

2025

Comparative analysis of CFD modeling and process Simulation for pyro-gasification of biomass

Sangare D., Belandria V., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M. — BioResources, 20 (2), p. 2844-2870

2025

Novel strategies for valorizing red araça pomace: Cyanidin-rich extracts recovery and sustainable bioenergy production

Mussagy C.U., Hucke H.U., Farias F.O., Tretina K., De Souza Mesquita L.M., Rostagno M.A., Valette J., Ahmad M., Mustafa A., Raghavan V., Sangare D. — Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 195, 11 p.

2025

CFD insights into microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent for the recovery of astaxanthin from bacteria Paracoccus carotinifaciens: From extraction to agricultural applications

Mussagy C.U., Caicedo Paz A.V., Cornejo P., Santander C., González F., Voloua R.G., Besoain X., Larach A., Salinas A., Godoy K., Sangare D. — Separation and Purification Technology, 360 (3), 12 p.

2025

Thermal decomposition of spent lithium-ion batteries pouch: Investigating kinetic and thermodynamic compensation effects

Jiang J., Yao Z., Tong J., Cui J., Kumar A., Gonçalves R.F.B., Reinmöller M., Sangare D., Manic N., Liu J., Bertelsen M. — Chemical Engineering Science, 316, 13 p.

2025

Lignocellulosic-based hydrochars: Synthesis, characterization and application in water decontamination

Sánchez-Silva J.M., Aguilar-Aguilar A., Sangare D., Ocampo-Pérez R. — Next Sustainability, 6, 16 p.

2025

Hydrochar of Prunus persica: Green promoter of radical species to degrade methylene blue with visible irradiation

Sánchez-Silva J.M., Sangare D., Belmonte-Vázquez J.L., Aguilar-Aguilar A., Padilla-Ortega E., González-Chávez R., Ocampo-Pérez R. — Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32, p. 8481-8497

2024

Hydrothermal carbonization of cocoa shell: Hydrochar characterization, kinetic triplets, and thermodynamic aspects of the process

Sangare D., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M., Belandria V., Garcia-Alamilla P., Gökalp I. — Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14, p. 93-108

2024

Pyro-gasification of lignocellulosic biomass: Online quantification of gas evolution with temperature, effects of heating rate, and stoichiometric ratio

Sangare D., Belandria V., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M., Gökalp I. — Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14, p. 9763-9775

2024

Multi-step kinetic mechanism coupled with CFD modeling of slow pyrolysis of biomass at different heating rates

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillan M., Bostyn S., Belandria V., De la Cruz Martínez A., Van De Steene L. — Chemical Engineering Journal, 479, 14 p.

2024

Numerical modeling and evaluation of solid-liquid extraction with pressurized hot water extraction applied to Robinia Pseudoacacia wood

Sangare D., Caré F., Buron F., Lafite P., Bostyn S. — Chemical Engineering and Processing, 195, 14 p.

2024

Eco-sustainable biorefinery to the management of winery waste by integrating sequential ready-to-use pigments and bioenergy through advanced multi-step kinetic slow pyrolysis

Mussagy C.U., De Souza Mesquita L.M., Rostagno M.A., Haddad F.F., Dos Santos J.L., Scarim C.B., Herculano R.D., Valette J., Sangare D. — Industrial Crops and Products, 221, 12 p.

2024

Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass: experimental study, energy balance, process simulation, design, and techno-economic analysis

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillan M., Aragón Piña A., Bostyn S., Belandria V., Gökalp I. — Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14, p. 2561-2576

2023

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of static maceration in view to optimize continuous flow extractions of robinetin and dihydrorobinetin from Robinia pseudoacacia wood

Caré F., Sangare D., Bostyn S., Atwi-Ghaddar S., Lafite P., Buron F. — Food and Bioproducts Processing, 141, p. 185-198

2023

Pyrolysis kinetics of Byrsonima crassifolia stone as agro-industrial waste through isoconversional models

Sánchez-Silva J.M., Ocampo-Pérez R., Padilla-Ortega E., Sangare D., Escobedo-Bretado M.A., Domínguez-Arvizu J.L., Hernández-Majalca B.C., Salinas-Gutiérrez J.M., López-Ortiz A., Collins-Martínez V. — Molecules, 28 (2), 20 p.

2022

Comparative pyrolysis studies of lignocellulosic biomasses: Online gas quantification, kinetics triplets, and thermodynamic parameters of the process

Sangare D., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M., Garcia-Alamilla P., Belandria V., Gökalp I. — Bioresource Technology, 346, 11 p.

2022

Kinetic studies of hydrothermal carbonization of avocado stone and analysis of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contents in the hydrochars produced

Sangare D., Chartier A., Moscosa-Santillan M., Gökalp I., Bostyn S. — Fuel, 316, 12 p.

2021

Quantification and kinetic study of the main compounds in biocrude produced by hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass

Sangare D., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M., Belandria V., Gökalp I. — Bioresource Technology Reports, 15, 12 p.

2021

Hydrodynamics, heat transfer and kinetics reaction of CFD modeling of a batch stirred reactor under hydrothermal carbonization conditions

Sangare D., Bostyn S., Moscosa-Santillan M., Gökalp I. — Energy, 219, 12 p.

2020

Modeling of Agave Salmiana bagasse conversion by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) for solid fuel combustion using surface response methodology

Sangare D., Missaoui A., Bostyn S., Belandria V., Moscosa-Santillan M., Gökalp I. — AIMS Energy, 8 (4), p. 538-562

Book Chapters

2023

Thermogravimetric analysis and kinetic modeling of Nanche stone BSC pyrolysis: A potential agro-industrial waste for bioenergy production

Sánchez-Silva J.M., Ocampo-Pérez R., Padilla-Ortega E., Sangare D., Escobedo-Bretado M.A., Domínguez-Arvizu J.L., Hernández-Majalca B.C., Morales-Mendoza J.E., López-Ortiz A., Collins-Martínez V. — In: Abd Wahab Noor Zarina (ed.). Prime archives in molecular sciences. Hyderabad: Vide Leaf, p. 1-40.

Conference Communications

2023

Innovative processes for natural active ingredients extraction and their online functionalization using flow chemistry

Caré F., Sangare D., Bostyn S., Routier S., Lafite P., Buron F. — 14th European Congress of Chemical Engineering and 7th European Congress of Applied Biotechnology, Berlin, Germany. Oral.

2023

Online eco-friendly processes: from biomass to enhanced natural ingredients

Sangare D., Routier S., Bostyn S., Lafite P., Buron F. — 5th Cosm'Innov, Orleans, France. Oral.

2022

Pyrolysis Kinetics of Hydrochars derived from Agricultural residues using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Semaan J.N., Belandria V., Sangaré D., Gökalp I., Bostyn S. — Low Carbon Combustion, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Oral.

2018

Optimization of agave salmiana bagasse conversion by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)

Sangare D., Missaoui A., Bostyn S., Belandria V., Moscosa-Santillán M., Gökalp I. — International Symposium of energy from biomass and waste. Proceeding 7TH VENICE, Italia. Oral.

2017

Optimization of agave salmiana bagasse conversion by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)

Sangare D., Missaoui A., Bostyn S., Belandria V., Moscosa-Santillán M., Gökalp I. — Chimiomètrie XVIII, Paris, France. Poster.

2017

Synthetic fuels obtained from biomass (agave salmiana bagasse) as new energy sources for a sustainable future

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillán M., Bostyn S. — Regional Graduate Student Conference, UASLP-SLP, Mexico. Oral.

2017

Hydrothermal carbonization for biomass energy densification

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillán — Catalytic Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Energy, Fuels and Chemicals, UASLP-SLP, Mexico. Poster.

2016

Production of synthetic fuels from biomass (agave salmiana bagasse)

Sangare D., Moscosa-Santillán M., Bostyn S., Ocampo R. — Regional Graduate Student Conference, UASLP-SLP, Mexico. Oral.

2016

Thermal characterization and kinetic studies of pyrolysis and gasification of Agave Salmiana bagasse

Sangare D., Missaoui A., Bostyn S., Belandria V., Moscosa-Santillán M. — UASLP Chemical Engineering Faculty Graduate Seminar, SLP, Mexico. Oral.

Thesis

2021

Experimental and simulation study of the hydrothermal carbonization of biomasses for the production of synthetic fuels

Sangare D. — Thèse de doctorat, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (Mexique).

Dissertations and final-year reports

2017

Producción de combustibles sintéticos a partir de biomasa (bagazo de Agave salmiana)

Sangare D. — Mémoire de master, UASLP.

2014

Obtención de biogás con fines energéticos a partir de la metanogénesis de mezclas de residuo orgánico y excretas animales

Sangare D. — Rapport de fin d'études, Universidad de Oriente (Cuba).

Peer Review

Ongoing projects

Ongoing projects combine experimental work and computational simulation in bioenergy, agro-industrial residue valorization, biochar production, and predictive-model development.

BIOSTAR — Bioenergy for SMEs in West Africa

Period2020–2026

StatusOngoing

My roleOptimization of the design of an oxidative pyrolysis reactor and a pyrolysis-gas burner by means of CFD modeling.

FocusDecentralized bioenergy for small and medium-sized enterprises in West Africa.

Countries of applicationBurkina Faso and Senegal

Countries of disseminationMali, Côte d’Ivoire and Niger

WebsiteView site

VITI-VALMO INTERREG SUDOE

Period2025–2028

StatusOngoing

FocusValorization of local agricultural residues to contribute to the development of more resilient viticulture.

Participating countriesFrance, Spain and Portugal.

My roleDevelopment of kinetic models coupled with CFD to predict the yield and properties of pyrolysis products, with particular attention to biochar properties, including specific surface area and porous structure.

Completed projects

Integrated Eco-Responsible Processes for Cosmetic Ingredients (PIERIC)

Period2020–2023

StatusCompleted

My roleResponsible for the implementation of a continuous-flow reactor and the optimization of operating conditions for continuous-flow extractions, coupling CFD modeling and design of experiments.

FocusEco-responsible processes for obtaining cosmetic ingredients.

WebsiteView site

Re-design of the Stripping Column for Plasticizer Purification

Period2018–2020

StatusCompleted

My roleProcess simulations to determine the optimal stabilization conditions of the stripping column and support for the start-up of a continuous process.

FocusProcess optimization for plasticizer purification.

Energy, Biofuels, and Clean Technologies for Sustainable Development

Period2012–2015

ContextVLIR-UOS project program in scientific research.

StatusCompleted

My roleDesign and development of laboratory-scale mini-reactors and digesters to obtain preliminary data for scale-up toward industrial applications.

FocusEnergy, biofuels and clean technologies for sustainable development.

Supervision

Mohammed Nafiu Adamu

Production and valorization of biomass-derived biochar: catalytic cracking of tars and soil amendment.

Doctorate — CIRAD / Université de Technologie de Compiègne · Since 2025 (Ongoing) · Role : Main supervisor

Maximiliano Ruiz Alba

Application of machine learning to the simulation of hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Doctorate — Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí · Since 2023 (Ongoing) · Role : Main supervisor

Luis Arturo Arroyo Ibarra

Numerical simulation of hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Research master’s — Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí · 2023 (Completed)

Xiaohui Ji

Numerical simulation of the combustion of pyrolysis gases: optimization of energy performance and emissions.

Internship — CIRAD · 2025 (Completed)

Ikram Laribi

Development and optimization of a protocol for the selective isolation of the main compounds of lignocellulosic biomass.

Internship — CIRAD · 2025 (Completed)

Mathis Lourenco

Modeling of the air-flow distribution in a natural-rubber pilot dryer.

Internship — CIRAD · 2024 (Completed)

Muhammad Hafiq Zaiful Razuan

Solid–liquid extraction applied to Robinia pseudoacacia.

Internship — ICARE-CNRS · 2022 (Completed)

Isabela Ferreira Moreno

Analysis and quantification of the main compounds present in the liquids from hydrothermal carbonization of biomass.

Internship — ICARE-CNRS · 2020 (Completed)

Xavier Gosse

Valorization of organic residues and plastic waste through gasification.

Internship — ICARE-CNRS · 2020 (Completed)

Andrea Cárdenas Sánchez

Optimization of a desorption column for DOP purification.

Internship — Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí · 2019 (Completed)

Infrastructure

In our laboratory (UPR BioWooEB), we have experimental equipment and modeling capabilities at different scales, from laboratory to pilot scale. These resources support research from feedstock preparation and physicochemical characterization to conversion processes and final-product analysis. For more information, consult .

Laboratory installation with multiple Soxhlet extraction systems
Soxhlet Extraction System

One of the available solid–liquid extraction systems is a Soxhlet unit. It extracts bioactive compounds and other extractable fractions from biomass and plant residues, depending on the solvent and operating conditions, and prepares the extracts for subsequent chromatographic characterization.

Principal analytical capabilities

  • Solid–liquid extraction with selection of solvent and operating conditions.
  • Recovery and preparation of fractions rich in bioactive compounds for analysis.

Research applications

  • Comparison of extraction yields and biomass fractionation using different solvents.
  • Recovery of fractions containing bioactive or chemically relevant compounds.
Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 HPLC system in the laboratory
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography System (HPLC)

Our Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 HPLC system separates and quantifies nonvolatile or thermally sensitive compounds in biomass extracts, depending on the column, detector, and calibration method used.

Principal analytical capabilities

  • Targeted separation, identification, and quantification using calibrated methods.
  • Analysis of extracts obtained by Soxhlet or other extraction methods.

Research applications

  • Study of phenolic compounds, organic acids, sugars, and other compatible analytes.
  • Comparison of extract composition and extraction conditions.
METTLER TOLEDO TGA/DSC 1 analyzer in the laboratory
Micro-TGA/DSC System

The Micro-TGA/DSC analyzer works with milligram-scale samples at atmospheric pressure. It simultaneously records mass variation and thermal effects under controlled temperature programs and atmospheres.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Simultaneous acquisition of TG/DTG profiles and the DSC signal.
  • Control of temperature, heating rate, and test atmosphere.
Research applications
  • Thermal characterization of biomass, char, and residues.
  • Identification of decomposition stages and generation of data for kinetic studies.
Agilent 7010C triple-quadrupole GC–MS/MS system in the laboratory
Gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system (GC–MS/MS)

Our GC–MS/MS system identifies organic compounds and provides targeted quantification of more than 85 compounds, using an internal-calibration method, in the condensable liquid fraction from biomass pyrolysis. The analyzed families include phenolic compounds and methoxyphenols, sugar derivatives, alcohols, furans, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, hydrocarbons, PAHs, and other oxygenated compounds.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Separation and identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
  • Targeted quantification of more than 85 compounds by internal calibration.
Research applications
  • Chemical characterization of pyrolysis condensates and bio-oils.
  • Comparison of pyrolysis conditions and chemical-family distributions.
Custom high-pressure Macro-TGA designed and built by the laboratory engineering team
Macro-TGA System

The Macro-TGA works with gram-scale samples at pressures of up to 50 bar. It can be coupled to a micro-GC to quantify non-condensable gases and recover the liquid fraction for subsequent analysis.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Mass-loss monitoring with gram-scale samples at pressures of up to 50 bar.
  • Control of temperature, pressure, and atmosphere, with gas analysis by micro-GC.
Research applications
  • Study of gasification, activation, and char reactivity.
  • Generation of data under conditions representative of pilot-scale reactors.
PyroLab laboratory-scale horizontal tubular pyrolysis reactor
Horizontal Tubular Reactor System (PyroLab)

PyroLab is a horizontal tubular reactor for biomass-pyrolysis experiments up to approximately 800 °C under controlled temperature and atmosphere. A fresh sample can be introduced once the reactor reaches the target temperature, after which biochar, gases, and condensates are recovered separately.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Introduction of a fresh sample into a tubular zone previously stabilized at the test temperature.
  • Separate recovery of solid, gaseous, and condensable fractions.
Research applications
  • Study of the effect of operating conditions on product yields.
  • Production of biochar and condensates for subsequent characterization.
ALIGATOR laboratory fixed-bed reactor (CIRAD biomass-energy platform) with its data-acquisition system
Fixed-Bed Reactor System (ALIGATOR)

ALIGATOR is a two-in-one fixed-bed reactor with two independently controlled thermal zones. The first can be used for biomass torrefaction, pyrolysis, or gasification, while the second is used for thermal or catalytic cracking of pyrolysis gases and vapors. The system can be coupled to a micro-GC for online gas analysis.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Operation in two independent thermal zones under a controlled atmosphere.
  • Coupling to a micro-GC for online gas analysis.
Research applications
  • Study of thermochemical conversion and char reactivity.
  • Evaluation of thermal or catalytic cracking of pyrolysis gases and vapors.
Anton Paar Autosorb iQ automatic gas physisorption analyzer in the laboratory, with its control workstation
Specific Surface Area Analysis System (BET)

The BET analyzer characterizes the specific surface area and pore structure of solid materials by gas physisorption. It provides BET surface area, total pore volume, and pore-size distribution.

Principal analytical capabilities
  • Acquisition of adsorption–desorption isotherms.
  • Determination of specific surface area, pore volume, and pore-size distribution.
Research applications
  • Characterization of char, biochar, hydrochar, and activated carbons.
  • Evaluation of catalysts, adsorbents, and other porous materials.

Pilot-Scale Platform

Semi-industrial reactors

The 600 m² Energy Platform houses R&D pilot systems for biomass pyrolysis, torrefaction, combustion, and gasification. Tests are conducted at scales from 10 to 100 kWh to study process behavior before industrial transfer.

Semi-industrial pilot installation for autothermal oxidative pyrolysis
Custom-built continuous fixed-bed pilot system

This continuous pilot-scale autothermal oxidative-pyrolysis reactor is designed to recover thermal energy from biomass. Biomass enters at the top and descends by gravity. Air 1 partially oxidizes the condensable vapors and supplies the energy required to maintain the pyrolysis zone under autothermal conditions. Air 2 promotes partial oxidation of char in the lower zone, facilitates biomass descent, and contributes additional heat. The pyrolysis gases then pass to a combustion chamber supplied with additional air. The released energy is recovered through a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for different thermal applications, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. Learn more.

Operating capabilities
  • Continuous fixed-bed operation with gravity-fed biomass and controlled Air 1, Air 2, and combustion-air inputs.
  • Integrated combustion chamber and shell-and-tube heat exchanger for thermal-energy recovery.
Research applications
  • Study and optimization of autothermal oxidative pyrolysis and pyrolysis-gas combustion.
  • Assessment of heat recovery for decentralized thermal applications, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.
CarboLift pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor for biomass carbonization and pyrolysis
Pilot-scale fixed-bed carbonization and pyrolysis reactor

CarboLift is a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor for biomass carbonization and pyrolysis under a controlled atmosphere. It operates in batch or continuous mode at temperatures of up to approximately 1,000 °C, with an adjustable heating rate. In batch mode it produces biochar by lot; in continuous mode, production can reach approximately 1 kg·h⁻¹, depending on biomass density and operating conditions.

Operating capabilities
  • Fixed-bed operation, temperature up to approximately 1,000 °C, adjustable heating rate, and controlled atmosphere.
  • Batch or continuous operation, with gas quantification and condensate recovery for analysis.
Research applications
  • Pilot-scale biochar production and characterization.
  • Study of the effects of temperature, heating rate, and residence time.
CharLift pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor for biochar activation and char-reactivity studies
Pilot-scale fixed-bed biochar activation and char-reactivity reactor

CharLift is a pilot-scale fixed-bed reactor operating in batch mode at temperatures of up to approximately 1,000 °C under a controlled atmosphere. It can use N₂ as an inert gas and steam or CO₂ as activation agents. These conditions produce biochars with different activation levels and allow controlled development of micro-, meso-, and macroporosity.

Operating capabilities
  • Batch fixed-bed reactor, temperature up to approximately 1,000 °C, and controlled atmosphere.
  • Physical activation with steam or CO₂ and controlled development of micro-, meso-, and macroporosity.
Research applications
  • Activation and characterization of activated biochars.
  • Study of pore-structure evolution and gas–solid reactivity of biochar.

Modeling and Simulation

Workstation

Dell Precision 7875 Tower Workstation
  • AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 7965WX processor
  • 24 CPU cores | 48 threads
  • 4.2 GHz base frequency
  • 256 GB DDR5 RAM
  • NVIDIA RTX™ 4000 Ada Generation
  • 20 GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics memory

This workstation supports computational simulation, parallel processing, and machine-learning workflows that require substantial memory and a professional GPU.

Dell Precision 7875 Tower workstation with monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Dell Precision 7875 Tower Workstation

The workstation supports advanced computational workflows in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), multiphysics and multiscale simulation, chemical kinetics, and process modeling. These approaches enable the analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport phenomena, coupled physical processes, reaction mechanisms, and interactions occurring across different spatial and temporal scales.

Its multi-core architecture and large memory capacity support complex numerical models, parallel calculations, parameter estimation, and the processing of large scientific datasets. The platform is also used for Design of Experiments (DoE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM), scientific programming in Python and MATLAB, and machine-learning workflows for predictive modeling, surrogate models, data analysis, and process optimization.

Software

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