The five approved projects have been proposed by National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Tehcnological University (NTU) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), and were selected from 67 proposals submitted by 31 August 2009. The projects chosen focus on energy recovery, resource recovery and special waste treatment.
1. Nanyang Polytechnic - Led by Ms Sim Gia Wen, the project will develop lower cost Cerium Dioxide (CeO2) catalyst elements to remove gaseous air pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Presently, catalyst materials are based on the more expensive Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). This innovation could lead to further improvement in air quality and lower the cost of air pollution control solutions for waste incinerators, power stations and industrial combustion processes.
3. Nanyang Technological University - A project led by A/P Wang Jing-Yuan will convert mixed plastic waste into higher value biodegradable polymers known as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). PHA is the basic building block for making biodegradable materials for e.g. in medical applications such as surgical threads. The process involves a first stage plastic-to-oil thermal conversion and second stage oil-to-PHA synthesis using PHA accumulating microbes. The research will determine and optimize the efficiency of the process in preparation for upscaling. The researchers expect PHA materials produced from waste to be much cheaper than those produce from sugar or glucose and this could bring about better environmental, economic and social benefits.
5. Nanyang Technological University – Prof Ng Wun Jern and his research team will develop technologies to accelerate landfill stabilisation and to tap the landfill as a source of energy by using an enhanced biological process. The researchers will also be using Incineration Bottom Ash as a material for landfill capping and liner membrane to gainfully utilise a residue and allow large structures on completed landfill sooner. Redevelopment of a landfill site can be in a much shorter time frame of 10 to 15 years instead of 30 to 40 years. This is the anticipated result of deploying a sequence of microbial processes for the initial conversion of complex organic matter to short fatty acids, followed by methane generation, and thereafter biogenic gases so generated will be sequestered into polymers for enhanced stabilisation and energy recovery. These can add benefits to a business model which includes increased revenue from sale of recovered energy and reduce landfill aftercare costs. The project’s benefits also include the development of chemical binding additives with IBA for landfill lining and capping materials. This will not only help address the issue of IBA disposal but will reduce subsequent costs of construction during redevelopment by reducing the need for additional reinforcement on the soil foundation. It is anticipated the project will have commercial potential in regional markets as there is growing demand to rehabilitate old landfills near urban cities for higher value real estate developments.
