Ceramic materials and sustainability

Rui Novais is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering and CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials at University of Aveiro (UA). He obtained his PhD in Polymer Science and Composites, in 2012 from the University of Minho. He has expertise in materials science, geopolymers synthesis & waste valorisation. His research line covers all topics associated with Materials and Sustainability. He has been at the forefront of developing ceramics for solar thermochemical CO2 splitting and H2 production, eco-friendly activated carbons and zeolites. He has published ca. 110 papers, comprising 86 SCI papers, being 1st authors of a review paper on geopolymer foams published in Progress in Materials Science (IF 33.6). He coauthored a recently launched book “Materiais e Sustentabilidade” (2025). His publications also include 7 book chapters, > 130 presentations (oral and poster) at international conferences. This body of work has garnered ca. 3600 citations and an h-index of 36 (SCOPUS).

Dr. Rui Novais
Universidade de Aveiro (Portugal)

Abstract

The lecture will reflect on challenges and strategies for achieving sustainability in material usage, addressing implications for industrial practices and the development of alternative solutions. The unique properties of ceramics, which position them as key contributors to addressing global sustainability issues, will be emphasized. Cutting-edge applications in sustainable construction, wastewater treatment, renewable energy, and waste management will also be showcased.