Aalto University · Charles Cai research group
Unraveling the efficient fractionation of plant biomass
to design affordable bioproducts and biofuels.
School of Chemical Engineering
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
From molecular complexity to infinite possibility
Plant biomass is the most abundant form of biogenic carbon on earth. It's made of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin together in a complex structure. We study how solvent environments help us to isolate and capture these components so they can be transformed into cost-efficient bioproducts and renewable liquid fuels.
We advance CELF Co-solvent enhanced lignocellulosic fractionation
Explore the molecular scienceConceptual illustration of biomass fractionation.
Inspired by published molecular research; not simulation data.
01 / Research
We connect biomass deconstruction with applied chemistry, materials science and chemical process design to give each component a new purpose in a future bioeconomy.
Solvent-enabled deconstruction, CELF pretreatment and molecular understanding of biomass. Recovering cellulose, sugars and lignin from agricultural and forestry residues.
Foundational workSolvents · Structure · SeparationNew uses for lignin and cellulose, from polyurethane foams and dye adsorbents to pulp for textiles. Linking fractionation chemistry to material performance.
Lignin-based polyurethane foamsLignin · Cellulose · FunctionFermentation and catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived intermediates. Evaluating integrated routes to renewable fuels through economics and life-cycle assessment.
Biorefinery economics and climate impactCatalysis · Fermentation · Systems02 / People
Established at Aalto University in 2026, our biomass refining research group is led by Charles Cai.
Group leader
Tenured Associate Professor
Sustainable Bioproducts and Processes
Charles develops technologies that convert plant biomass into fuels and functional materials. He is the inventor of the patented CELF process and previously held a research professorship at the University of California, Riverside.
03 / Selected publications
Selected work by Charles Cai and collaborators, including research conducted before he joined Aalto.
04 / Perspectives
Explore Charles Cai’s earlier research and career at UC Riverside.
CELF research and sustainable textiles at UC Riverside.
Watch on YouTube 02 / Research environmentEnvironmental research at UCR’s CE-CERT.
Watch on YouTube 03 / Meet CharlesCharles Cai’s 2017 UCR Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Watch on YouTubeEarlier group profile: UCR B³ · Archived snapshot
05 / Contact
For research collaborations and enquiries about the group, contact Charles Cai.
charles.cai@aalto.fiAalto University
School of Chemical Engineering
Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Espoo, Finland
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