Wei Liao Research Group

Michigan State University

How can organic residues be biologically converted into usable bioenergy and chemical products at practical scales? The Liao Research Group cultivates freshwater algae with animal waste to remove nutrients and accumulate biomass for downstream uses. The group evaluates co-digestion strategies at commercial dairy anaerobic digesters to improve methane recovery and waste stabilization. Researchers assess solid digestate from anaerobic digestion as a potential feedstock for ethanol production using biochemical conversion methods. The center integrates solar, biological, and electrochemical technologies to develop novel waste utilization systems that combine capture, conversion, and product synthesis.