Marco Zeppilli

Researcher
Biography
Graduated in Industrial Chemistry, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering from the 28th cycle. Employed in the development of bioelectrochemical processes for environmental applications such as green hydrogen production, CO2 conversion into valuable compounds, biogas refining, and remediation of contaminated groundwater. The research activity involves the development of biological processes at the laboratory scale, their characterization in both continuous and batch modes using instrumental analytical techniques and electrochemical investigation methods. The research is conducted within the Chemical Processes and Plants group and is entirely framed within national and international research contexts. Teaching activities are carried out in the Bachelor's program in Chemical Sciences (L-27), where I am responsible for the course Processes and Plants I and recently for the course Processes and Plants II.
Research activity
Scientific area: 
Industrial chemistry
Research activity: 
My research activities is focused on the development of innovative biological approaches for wastewater and groundwater treatment known as bioelectrochemical systems. The bioelectrochemical systems allowed to stimulate the microorganism’s metabolism through the application of a fixed potential or current by using devices named microbial electrolysis cell. The wastewater valorization through microbial electrolysis cell was investigated in different microbial electrolysis cell configurations in which the organic matter contained in synthetic and real wastewaters was oxidized into electrons which were utilized in the cathodic chamber for the generation of reduced compounds like biofuels or chemicals using biological or abiotic cathodes. Different reactor’s geometric and sizes have been explored with the main aim of maximizing wastewater oxidation, biofuels production and nutrients recovery. More recently the bioelectrochemical approach has been applied in the bioremediation of contaminated groundwater treatment with the development of a pilot scale installation of 420 L.

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