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HEStaff exchange2023–2026

VALZEO · Valorisation of agro-industrial waste to obtain zeolite-based composite materials and their use in environmental remediation and biofuel production

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-01-01 → 2026-12-31
EU contribution
€883,200
Participants
9
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Valorisation of agro-industrial waste to obtain zeolite-based composite materials and their use in environmental remediation and biofuel production

Globally, 750 million tons of rice husks (RH) are produced annually, generating significant volumes of rice husk ash (RHA). Improper disposal of RHA causes pollution, health risks, and wastes high-silicon by-products. VALZEO transforms RHA into zeolite-based composite materials for environmental and energy applications. Persistent pollutants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes, and heavy metals contaminate water, threatening ecosystems and public health. Current water treatment systems struggle to address these pollutants. VALZEO employs advanced photocatalysis using zeolitic materials to degrade pollutants, contributing to SDG 6 and the EU Green Deal. Increasing CO2 emissions highlight the need for clean energy alternatives. Waste cooking oil (WCO), a by-product of vegetable oil consumption, offers a sustainable biodiesel source. VALZEO develops cost-efficient zeolitic catalysts to convert WCO into biodiesel, supporting SDG 7 and EU renewable energy goals. The project addresses pollution and energy challenges by integrating expertise to promote a circular economy and boost EU competitiveness. Objectives: 1. Develop zeolite-based materials for water remediation and biodiesel production. 2. Use photocatalysis to degrade pollutants with sunlight. 3. Create affordable catalysts for biodiesel production. 4. Transform agro-industrial waste into valuable products. 5. Enhance research capacity and collaboration through international partnerships. 6. Engage stakeholders to scale VALZEO technologies effectively. Impact: • Environmental: Reduce pollution and restore ecosystems. • Economic: Drive RHA market growth and foster innovation. • Social: Provide scalable water and energy solutions. • Policy: Support the EU Green Deal, SDGs, and Circular Economy Strategy. • Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships and promote open science.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

In EU, an average of 3.1 million tons of paddy rice is produced (ca. 450.000 ha). Around 80% of the EU rice production takes place in Italy and Spain, with a further 12% in Greece and Portugal. Globally, 750 million tons of rice husk (RH) are yearly produced, and it is estimated a continuous increase of 1.1% each year. Each ton of rice can produce 20% of RH, that must be eliminated since it accumulates in the environment due to its low degradability. RH generates 18-20% of RHA through a combustion process. The inadequate deposition of RHA pollutes the environment and deteriorates the respiratory system of humans and animals. During RH incineration, the burnt ash can spread into a large area facilitated by air, causing environmental pollution. According to these figures, large volumes of RHAs with low density are becoming a major challenge to the surroundings of dumping environment and dump fill areas. VALZEO intends to employ RHAs as raw supplies to produce composite materials based on hierarchical zeolites modified by metal oxide nanoparticles (MON) and metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with a double purpose, the removal of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, dyes and microorganisms in water, and the catalytic production of biodiesel. To address such challenge, VALZEO will promote the exchange of researchers from participating institutions to enhance the exchange of knowledge, best practices, know-how, innovative ideas, experience, cooperation, and culture of work. VALZEO will foster, improve and develop permanent international and inter-sector collaboration between academic research centers, and private sector, enhancing the exchange of knowledge, best practices, know-how, innovations, experience, mutual cooperation and culture of work at different regions and countries (ES, IT, UK and CU) through a series of scheduled secondments.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA · Cerdanyola Del VallesCoordinatorSpain
  • AERIS TECNOLOGIAS AMBIENTALES SL · CERDANYOLA DEL VALLESSpain
  • Instituto de Investigaciones de Granos · ArtemisaCuba
  • MINISTERIO DE EDUCACION SUPERIOR · LA HABANACuba
  • SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES LIMITED · DublinIreland
  • UNIVERSIDAD DE LA HABANA · PLAZACuba
  • UNIVERSIDAD PABLO DE OLAVIDE · SevillaSpain
  • UNIVERSITA POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE · AnconaItaly
  • Z PRIME LIMITED · RuislipUnited Kingdom

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union