INPROQUIMA
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Aurora Santos
ORCID (link)
Researcher ID (link)
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Chemical Science
Department
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials
Research Area
Chemistry (CHE), Environmental Sciences and Geology (ENV)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
Yes
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Research Team / Research Group Name (if any)
INPROQUIMA
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
INPROQUIMA focuses its research activities on sustainable development in the field of industrial and environmental processes. The group's research lines aim to enhance product quality, energy efficiency, process safety, and environmental sustainability. The evolution of the group is strongly driven by the growing demand for knowledge and innovation in industrial and environmental process engineering.
Currently, INPROQUIMA collaborates with various private companies (EMGRISA, SARGA, DISEPROSA, EthicalChem, etc.), public organizations (Government of Aragón, Government of Madrid), and research institutions, maintaining a broad network of international partnerships.
The group has published more than 120 scientific articles in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, biotechnology, water resources, and environmental sciences. Additionally, it has participated in 15 national competitive projects, one European project, and 20 industry-funded projects, some of which are highly significant in the chemical and environmental sectors.
Research Team
Dra. Aurora Santos, Full Professor | Scopus ID: 7402214017
Dr. Arturo Romero, Full Professor, Academician, Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences | Scopus ID: 56210133200
Dra. Mercedes Martínez, Full Professor | Scopus ID: 7404594186
Dr. Sergio Rodríguez, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 55955160400
Dr. Salvador Cotillas, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 42261192200
Dra. Carmen M. Domínguez, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 56733088200
Dr. David Lorenzo, Assistant Professor | Scopus ID: 55253619400
Dr. Jose Leandro Da Silva Duarte, Postdoctoral Researcher | Scopus ID: 57197057762
Dra. Patricia Sáez, Postdoctoral Researcher | Scopus ID: 57204135851
D. Andrés Sánchez, PhD Student
D. Alejandro Pérez, PhD Student
Dña. Ana Hayat, PhD Student
Dña. Yaiza Moreno, PhD Student
D. Mario Navarro, Researcher
Currently, INPROQUIMA collaborates with various private companies (EMGRISA, SARGA, DISEPROSA, EthicalChem, etc.), public organizations (Government of Aragón, Government of Madrid), and research institutions, maintaining a broad network of international partnerships.
The group has published more than 120 scientific articles in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, biotechnology, water resources, and environmental sciences. Additionally, it has participated in 15 national competitive projects, one European project, and 20 industry-funded projects, some of which are highly significant in the chemical and environmental sectors.
Research Team
Dra. Aurora Santos, Full Professor | Scopus ID: 7402214017
Dr. Arturo Romero, Full Professor, Academician, Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences | Scopus ID: 56210133200
Dra. Mercedes Martínez, Full Professor | Scopus ID: 7404594186
Dr. Sergio Rodríguez, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 55955160400
Dr. Salvador Cotillas, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 42261192200
Dra. Carmen M. Domínguez, Associate Professor | Scopus ID: 56733088200
Dr. David Lorenzo, Assistant Professor | Scopus ID: 55253619400
Dr. Jose Leandro Da Silva Duarte, Postdoctoral Researcher | Scopus ID: 57197057762
Dra. Patricia Sáez, Postdoctoral Researcher | Scopus ID: 57204135851
D. Andrés Sánchez, PhD Student
D. Alejandro Pérez, PhD Student
Dña. Ana Hayat, PhD Student
Dña. Yaiza Moreno, PhD Student
D. Mario Navarro, Researcher
Research lines / projects proposed
INPROQUIMA is a research group dedicated to the development of innovative and sustainable chemical and environmental processes. Its current research lines focus on addressing critical environmental challenges and industrial process optimization, aiming to develop efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. The group's research areas include:
- Soil and Groundwater Remediation. This line focuses on the removal of organic contaminants from soil and groundwater using chemical oxidation and reduction technologies. Advanced chemical processes, including Fenton reactions, persulfate activation, and zero-valent iron applications, are investigated for their ability to degrade persistent pollutants.
- Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) Removal from Compost and Water by Physical-Chemical and Electrochemical Technologies. Addressing the growing concern of micro- and nanoplastics pollution, this research line explores physical-chemical and electrochemical processes for MNPs removal.
- Water Treatment by Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). This line investigates advanced oxidation technologies for the degradation of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other refractory organic pollutants.
- Biochar Synthesis and Its Application in Environmental Processes. The synthesis and functionalization of biochar from waste biomass are explored for various environmental applications, including adsorption of organic pollutants, soil amendment, and catalytic processes. The group investigates the influence of pyrolysis conditions and post-treatment modifications on biochar performance.
- Caprolactam Manufacturing Processes and Cyclohexanone Purification.This research focuses on industrial process intensification for caprolactam synthesis, a key precursor for nylon-6 production. The group works on improving cyclohexanone purification processes to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Research Facilities and Resources
INPROQUIMA operates four fully equipped laboratories, three dedicated to environmental research and one focused on industrial process intensification. The facilities allow for:
- Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions under a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions.
- Continuous, batch, and semi-continuous operation modes for process optimization.
- Wastewater treatment research, particularly in advanced oxidation technologies for organic pollutant degradation.
- Soil remediation studies with specialized equipment for in situ chemical treatments.
- Computational modeling and optimization of chemical and environmental processes.
Opportunities for a Postdoctoral Researcher
A postdoctoral researcher joining INPROQUIMA would have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to any of the group's research lines, depending on their background and interests. The candidate could:
- Enhance existing methodologies by incorporating new experimental approaches or modeling techniques.
- Develop novel hybrid treatment processes, combining AOPs with biochar-based adsorption or electrochemical methods for organic pollutants (and CECs) removal.
- Optimize reaction conditions in industrial and environmental processes using advanced analytical and computational tools.
- Collaborate with industry and government partners, applying research findings to real-world challenges.
By integrating their previous experience and knowledge, the postdoctoral researcher would maximize the impact of ongoing projects, develop new research directions, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable chemical and environmental technologies.
- Soil and Groundwater Remediation. This line focuses on the removal of organic contaminants from soil and groundwater using chemical oxidation and reduction technologies. Advanced chemical processes, including Fenton reactions, persulfate activation, and zero-valent iron applications, are investigated for their ability to degrade persistent pollutants.
- Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) Removal from Compost and Water by Physical-Chemical and Electrochemical Technologies. Addressing the growing concern of micro- and nanoplastics pollution, this research line explores physical-chemical and electrochemical processes for MNPs removal.
- Water Treatment by Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). This line investigates advanced oxidation technologies for the degradation of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other refractory organic pollutants.
- Biochar Synthesis and Its Application in Environmental Processes. The synthesis and functionalization of biochar from waste biomass are explored for various environmental applications, including adsorption of organic pollutants, soil amendment, and catalytic processes. The group investigates the influence of pyrolysis conditions and post-treatment modifications on biochar performance.
- Caprolactam Manufacturing Processes and Cyclohexanone Purification.This research focuses on industrial process intensification for caprolactam synthesis, a key precursor for nylon-6 production. The group works on improving cyclohexanone purification processes to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Research Facilities and Resources
INPROQUIMA operates four fully equipped laboratories, three dedicated to environmental research and one focused on industrial process intensification. The facilities allow for:
- Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions under a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions.
- Continuous, batch, and semi-continuous operation modes for process optimization.
- Wastewater treatment research, particularly in advanced oxidation technologies for organic pollutant degradation.
- Soil remediation studies with specialized equipment for in situ chemical treatments.
- Computational modeling and optimization of chemical and environmental processes.
Opportunities for a Postdoctoral Researcher
A postdoctoral researcher joining INPROQUIMA would have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to any of the group's research lines, depending on their background and interests. The candidate could:
- Enhance existing methodologies by incorporating new experimental approaches or modeling techniques.
- Develop novel hybrid treatment processes, combining AOPs with biochar-based adsorption or electrochemical methods for organic pollutants (and CECs) removal.
- Optimize reaction conditions in industrial and environmental processes using advanced analytical and computational tools.
- Collaborate with industry and government partners, applying research findings to real-world challenges.
By integrating their previous experience and knowledge, the postdoctoral researcher would maximize the impact of ongoing projects, develop new research directions, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable chemical and environmental technologies.
Key words
Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
To apply for a postdoctoral position with the INPROQUIMA research group, interested candidates must submit the following documents for evaluation:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV). A detailed CV including academic background, research experience, publications, conference presentations, projects, and technical skills. List of previous research projects related to environmental engineering, chemical process intensification, water treatment, or catalysis (if applicable). Scopus/Google Scholar profile link (if available).
- Letter of Motivation (1–2 pages). Explanation of the candidate’s research interests and experience related to the group's topics. Justification of how their expertise aligns with INPROQUIMA’s research lines. Future research goals and how this postdoctoral position would support their career development.
- Research Proposal (Optional but Recommended). A brief (1-2 pages) proposal outlining a potential research project within one of INPROQUIMA’s research areas. Proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and possible collaboration with existing projects.
- Two Reference Letters. At least one from a previous research supervisor or collaborator.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV). A detailed CV including academic background, research experience, publications, conference presentations, projects, and technical skills. List of previous research projects related to environmental engineering, chemical process intensification, water treatment, or catalysis (if applicable). Scopus/Google Scholar profile link (if available).
- Letter of Motivation (1–2 pages). Explanation of the candidate’s research interests and experience related to the group's topics. Justification of how their expertise aligns with INPROQUIMA’s research lines. Future research goals and how this postdoctoral position would support their career development.
- Research Proposal (Optional but Recommended). A brief (1-2 pages) proposal outlining a potential research project within one of INPROQUIMA’s research areas. Proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and possible collaboration with existing projects.
- Two Reference Letters. At least one from a previous research supervisor or collaborator.
One Page Proposal
You can attach the 'One Page Proposal' to enhance the attractiveness of your application. Supervisors usually appreciate it. Please take into account your background and the information provided in Research Team & Research Topic section to fill in it.
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