Introduction to Hydrocarbonization

The book is a comprehensive exploration of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), addressing key aspects from its definition and historical relevance to its practical applications and environmental considerations. 

Throughout its sections, the reader will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of HTC, including the chemical reactions involved and the catalysts used. In addition, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of waste that can be utilized in the process, from organic sources to industrial and municipal solid wastes. Highlighting the importance in various industries and research areas, case studies illustrating successful applications are presented. A practical perspective is also provided, including exercises for students, exploring laboratory techniques and experiments related to hydrocarbonization. 

In addition, its focus on research and innovation, addressing current trends and emerging technologies, positions this book as a valuable source for students, researchers, and professionals interested in exploring and developing this field with an emphasis on its potential impact on energy, the environment, and sustainability. The conclusion provides a concise summary of key concepts, a discussion of the future of hydrocarbonization, and an encouragement for students to venture into research in this promising field.

Dr. Silvia Román Suero is a Full Professor at the Applied Physics Department of the University of Extremadura (UEX), in Spain. Her background is Chemical Engineering, and she got her PhD in the Applied Physics Department in 2009. During a postdoc at the University of Evora in 2010 she started working on HTC processes, alone or combined with activation processes. Since then, she has been working mainly on HTC, although also on pyrolysis, gasification and combustion processes, alone or combined.

Research stays in Portugal (University of Evora), Argentina (Universidad de Buenos Aires) and Reno (University of Nevada), as well as participation on joint calls, have allowed her to broaden a net of international collaborations on the thermochemical processing of biomass and the preparation of carbon materials. Today, Silvia is main researcher of two national projects, several contracts with companies, author of more than 70 papers on JCR and more than 100 participations in conferences.

Today, Silvia is the Manager of the Office for the Cooperation for Development of the UEX, coordinating several national and international Cooperation projects.

Dr. Beatriz Ledesma Cano is a researcher at the Applied Physics Department of University of Extremadura (Spain). She is Chemical Engineer and received her PhD degree from the Department of Applied Physics in 2013. During her PhD she worked mainly on the regeneration of activated carbons by physicochemical thermal processes. Currently, has an extensive research career in the field of the conversion of biomass waste into valuable materials, including applications as fuels, adsorbent or soil amendment. She has participated as a lecturer in several courses and seminars in various national and international centres and has been teaching in Applied Physics and the area of Machines and Thermal Engines with subjects related to energy management.

Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado obtained his degree in Chemistry and Ph.D. at the University de Extremadura, where he has been working as a researcher since 2015. With different interests (from minimally processed fruits and vegetables to biomass and biolubricant production) he has participated in more than 60 international conferences, being co-author of more than 50 published articles in international journals.

María Alonso Sánchez and José Manuel Díaz Rasero are Industrial PhD students, focused on the use of biomass residues as fuel or as activated carbon precursor, through the thermal process of hydrothermal carbonization, as well as on the application of porous carbon materials in adsorption processes in both liquid and solid phase.