Transforming industrial residues into valuable resources—shaping the future of a sustainable bioeconomy

We, as the Biorefinery Working Group, develop innovative processes for isolating valuable compounds from biobased process streams, ensuring sustainable raw material utilization throughout production chains. Our research supports the transition from fossil-based to biobased economies, focusing on biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts.

A key area is the separation of lignin from pulping processes, where we refine methods for Kraft lignin and lignosulfonate recovery. Additionally, we explore the isolation of carboxylic acids from industrial effluents, aiming to utilize these compounds. By combining process design, hydrodynamic simulations, and industrial integration, we contribute to a more resource-efficient bioeconomy.

Responsible Person
Assoc.Prof. Marlene Kienberger
Head of Working Group

Check out our group's latest publications
Paul Demmelmayer, Lena Steiner, Hansjörg Weber and Marlene Kienberger Thymol-menthol-based deep eutectic solvent as a modifier in reactive liquid–liquid extraction of carboxylic acids from pretreated sweet sorghum silage press juice
Silvia Margareta Maitz, Lukas Wernsperger and Marlene Kienberger Isolation of Carboxylic Acids and NaOH from Kraft Black Liquor with a Membrane-Based Process Sequence
Marlene Kienberger, Christoph Weinzettl, Viktoria Leitner, Michael Egermeier and Paul Demmelmayer (Selective) Isolation of acetic acid and lactic acid from heterogeneous fermentation of xylose and glucose
Paul Demmelmayer, Jia Wen Foo, Dominik Wiesler, Georg Rudelstorfer and Marlene Kienberger Reactive liquid-liquid extraction of lactic acid from microfiltered sweet sorghum silage press juice in an agitated extraction column using a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as modifier
Alexander Kaufmann, Lukas Maier and Marlene Kienberger Solvent screening for the extraction of aromatic aldehydes