About Dries
Dries returned to UHasselt -his Alma Mater- after completing a master’s in chemistry at the KU Leuven. After specializing in polymer chemistry, he was eager to broaden his experience at the ACC research group, where his passion for instrumental analytical techniques is combined with the societal relevance of striving to ‘greenify’ chemistry. When not in the lab, Dries writes a website about fountain pens (yes, those still exist!) and all things related to the not-quite-forgotten art of writing with pen and paper! Netflix-binging, listening to (loud) music, and hiking are ways for him to relax and clear his mind.
Extraction and recuperation of valuable compounds from biomass side streams using natural deep eutectic solvents
Since 2020, Dries has focused on establishing research on Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES, in short) within the ACC group, under supervision of Prof. Dr. Dries Vandamme. His project focuses on the recuperation of valuable nutrients from biomass streams, in particular the waste products obtained from beer production. As all facets of industry steadily transition towards a circular economy, the goal is to achieve full utilisation of the side stream: from extraction of valuable compounds (such as antioxidants) using NADES solvents, to preparation of activated carbon from the extracted biomass, and finally separation of the valuable components and NADES through filtration using the biomass-based AC adsorbers.
