Public defence in Chemical Engineering, MSc. Elham Khalati

Title of the thesis: Techno-economic assessment at different production scales for sustainable production of bio-based product

Thesis defender: Elham Khalati
Opponent: Prof. Tuomas Koiranen, LUT University, Finland
Custos: Prof. Pekka Oinas, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

The increasing environmental awareness and strict regulations on emissions are accelerating the global transition toward sustainable resources and processes. This thesis focuses on developing scalable green production technologies using renewable resources like lignin and green solvents such as supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂). The core of this research is inspired by studies that demonstrated promising laboratory-scale results, highlighting the potential for replacing conventional solvents and petroleum-based feedstock with eco-friendly alternatives. This thesis advances the pilot-scale production of colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) and designs a commercial-scale mobile scCO₂ extraction plant to bridge the gap between research and industrial application.

Based on the lab-scale results, transforming lignin into colloidal lignin particles improves its dispersibility and functional properties, leading to broader material applications. Meanwhile, the mobile scCO₂ extraction plant demonstrated enhanced extraction yields, minimized environmental impact, and promoted rural economic opportunities. This research contributes new insights into scaling up sustainable processes and highlights their potential for broad industrial adoption. The findings underscore the importance of systematic evaluation in advancing and commercializing green technologies that align with global environmental and economic goals.

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at Aaltodoc.