Fertilizers provide plants with important nutrients and are crucial for securing yields for a growing world population. However, their use poses ecological challenges in terms of avoiding long-term damage to the soil. Fertilizers are therefore coated to control the release of nutrients and minimize losses through leaching or volatilization. Dr Chigozie Francolins Uzoh develops and optimizes sustainable bio-based coating materials for coating of urea granules. He is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria and has extensive experience in this field as well as in process simulation and optimization. Uzoh will now devote himself to his research as a fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at Hamburg University of Technology. He will strengthen the team at the Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology.
It's all about the composition
Uzoh's research project aims to produce environmentally friendly, biodegradable and cost-effective coated urea fertilizers (CRCU) based on a bio-based polymer made from modified lignin and waste palm kernel fat in order to optimize nutrient-controlled release and reduce environmental impact. At the institute, Dr Uzoh uses a laboratory fluidised bed reactor for his research, which was procured as part of a DFG large-scale equipment grant. The fluidized bed reactor will be used to experimentally investigates and optimize the coating processes. He will also analyze their coating quality and release behaviour to enable industrial production. The project also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in particle technology and contributes to sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing countries.
Uzoh has published numerous scientific papers on topics such as coated fertilizers, polymer chemistry and environmental protection, is a member of various professional associations and has received several academic awards. In addition, the scientist is Head of the Petroleum Engineering Department, supervises postgraduate students and is involved in various research and teaching committees as well as international conferences and journals.
“We are helping to ensure a more food-secure future for generations to come – and I'm proud to be a part of this effort at Hamburg University of Technology“, says Chigozie Uzoh.
About the funding
The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships offer outstanding scientists from around the world the opportunity to carry out a long-term research project of their own choosing in cooperation with a research institution in Germany. Both postdocs and experienced scientists can apply for the six- to 24-month fellowships.
