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agricultural chemistry

Valorization of agro-industrial waste through the extraction of silica for use in catalytic applications involved in CO2 capture

The objective of my recent doctoral research is to develop advanced silica materials from rice husk ash, a renewable and abundant agro-industrial waste. Using alkaline extraction chemical methods followed by sol-gel synthesis, the applied methodology allowed the production of nanometric silica with extraction yields above 90%. This silica was then used as a support material for the development of nickel-based catalysts applied in CO2 hydrogenation reactions.

Green Ammonia (STAMI) and Green Hydrogen Solutions

Nextchem is an Italian company within the Maire Tecnimont Group and is dedicated to Sustainable Technology Solutions. The company's expertise in nitrogen, hydrogen & circular carbon, fuels & chemicals, and polymers, allows Nextchem to deliver groundbreaking solutions and processes to fully support energy transition. Building on the group's 70+ years of operation, Nextchem is dedicated to developing and offering technology solutions, processes, basic engineering designs, proprietary equipment, and catalysis to drive global decarbonization forward.

Miraterra, Soil Measurement Platform for Precision Fertilization

Miraterra is a cutting-edge technology platform in soil measurement and precision fertilization. Developed by the company Terramera, this innovative platform integrates remote sensing with proximal sensing and advanced modeling techniques to offer a comprehensive approach to soil management. By combining these technologies, Miraterra reduces the cost and complexity of soil testing while increasing accuracy and minimizing uncertainty. The platform features the Digitizer, a state-of-the-art tool that enables precise and cost-effective soil analysis.

Biotrinsic® Z15 -- Bionemiticide for Corn and Soybean Crops

Biotrinsic® Z15 is a bionematicide that makes corn and soybean crops nematode-resistant. It is a microbial seed treatment that combines defense and protective actions to inhibit nematodes' development and reproductive life cycle, all without negatively impacting soil health or beneficial nematodes. Parasitic nematodes, or roundworms, are a huge problem in the agricultural industry, causing over $1.5 billion in losses annually. Indigo AG, the company that developed this technology, isolates a naturally occurring strain of Streptomyces sp from corn.

Synthetic Pheromones for Pest Control

Synthetic pheromones for mating disruption for crop protection ––  a more sustainable and safer alternative to protect food supplies without toxic residues. By saturating an environment with synthesized artificial sex pheromones, reproduction can be drastically reduced by preventing male insects from finding female insects. Unlike traditional pesticides, synthesized pheromones are highly species-specific, making them safe for non-target insects.

Herman Frasch Foundation Grants

The Herman Frasch Fund for Chemical Research is a trust created under the will of Elizabeth Blee Frasch, administered by Bank of America, N.A. as Trustee. The American Chemical Society advises the Trustee on the Frasch program. The purpose of the Foundation is to award grants to nonprofit incorporated institutions to support research in the field of agricultural chemistry which will be of practical benefit to the agricultural development of the United States.

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