The project aims the development of (i) data acquisition strategies for waste management systems, using the northeast of Portugal as a model region, and (ii) innovative technological solutions to valorise solid waste streams into carbon nanostructured materials (CNMs), with applicability in the treatment of leachate waters. Learning algorithms will be applied to characterize the waste, and optimization algorithms will be used to optimize waste transportation considering the consumer’s behaviour. Regarding waste valorization, CNMs will be prepared from plastic solid wastes by chemical vapor deposition. These as-synthesized CNMs will be employed as precursors to produce catalysts and membranes for advanced oxidation and separation technologies to treat landfill leachates. The project will be conducted in collaboration with a waste management company (Resíduos do Nordeste) dealing with the municipal solid waste generated in the northeast region of Portugal.

This proposal comes in line with the research carried out at the University of Aveiro on the development of new liners for lightweight energy absorption systems, eco-friendly materials and biomechanics of brain injuries. Following the guidelines of UN2030 goals (namely objectives 3, 5 and 16), this work aims to provide enhancements in the domains of biomechanical injury assessment, to validate the (to be proposed) new design solutions for helmets, with a specific focus on the particular requirements of urban commuters resorting to recent micro-mobility transport solutions.