I like lignin and comics, so here's a presentation that covers both

Nov05Wed

I like lignin and comics, so here's a presentation that covers both

Wed, 05/11/2025 - 13:00 to 14:00

Location:

Speaker: 
Nathan Skillen
Affiliation: 
HWU
Synopsis: 

Part 1: Unlocking the value of biomass towards value-added and platform chemicals production has become a key area of interest within sustainability and the Net Zero transition. Leveraging value from biomass, however, is increasingly dictated by the ability of technologies to valorise lignin, a complex aromatic biopolymer, representing one of the most abundant global renewable resources available. The valorisation of lignin into high-value aromatic compounds has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential to replace petroleum-based chemicals and contribute to a more sustainable bioeconomy. One of the methods that has been increasingly studied is the use of semiconductor-mediated photocatalysis for biomass conversion. In our work to date, the primary objective has remained the same: to determine the role that photocatalytic technology can play in lignin valorisation for biomass reforming. This presentation will give an overview of that work and discuss the key findings which influence the design of current and future work.
Part 2: Comics aren't just for kids. They're a fantastic medium for communicating and disseminating information... while occasionally suspending reality. This presentation covers the role that comics can play in scientific communication and looks at the examples I've been involved with and a current ongoing project too.

Institute: