Separation Processes and Materials Preparation following Green chemistry principles using supercritical fluids- Group 910632 at UCM

The group "Separation Processes and Materials Preparation Following Green Chemistry Principles Using Supercritical Fluids", ref 910632 is made up of multidisciplinary researchers from two departments: Chemical Engineering and Physical Chemistry at Complutense University of Madrid.

Dr. Lourdes Calvo Garrido, Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department will support the candidate (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lourdes-calvo-garrido-ba095620/).The following professors are also group members: Dr. Albertina Cabañas y Dr. Concepción Pando both from the Physical Chemistry Department.

The group develops Processes based on the use of Green Solvents, mainly supercritical fluids, including the thermodynamic behaviour and the modelling thereof:

1] Supercritical extraction

2] Preparation of advanced nanomaterials by various techniques: impregnation, SAS and SFEE. In this project we work in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Technology department for the characterization and functionality of the prepared materials.

3] Sterilization of sensitive materials, in the food, medical and military fields.

The team has a project from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ref RTI2018-097230-B-I00 in force. In the last 5 years, the group has published 1 patent, 34 JCR paper and supervised 5 PhD Thesis and many Master students.

Supercritical fluid extraction from natural products has received considerable attention as an alternative over traditional methods. The degradation of the product is minimized, and the extractions are faster and more efficient since the selectivity is very high. Hence, the process purification of the extract is very simple or even not necessary, versus conventional extraction with organic solvents that require long and costly concentration and purification steps (e.g. complex downstream). The solvent is easily recovered and recirculated; therefore, supercritical extraction can be considered a sustainable and intensive process.

The aim of the project is the extraction of various natural matrices (microalgae, wastes for revalorization, biomass) to obtain a specific fraction or a bioactive compound of high added value. Supercritical CO2 or pressurized water will be used depending on the polarity of the extract. Other food approved solvents could be also used. The Hansen Solubility Theory will be used to decide the best solvent. The optimization and modelling of the process will be performed to reduce operation and capital expenditures.

The group is seeking a candidate preferably from foreign universities, to favour its internationalisation. The candidate should have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Chemistry or related subjects. With respect to his/her scientific trajectory, the applicant must have experience on supercritical or conventional extraction and an excellent research record demonstrated by participation in competitive projects, scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. Preferably the candidate should demonstrate a track record in knowledge transfer, including participation in projects with companies.

Applicants should submit a letter of motivation and Curriculum Vitae.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates preferably from a foreign University, to favour the group internationalisation. The candidate should have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Chemistry or related subjects. The candidate must have an excellent research record demonstrated by