2026 — QuadriE has initiated a research collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) focused on the electrochemical valorisation of organic residual streams. The collaboration explores whether electrochemically active compounds naturally present in organic waste — such as sewage sludge — can be identified, recovered, and applied as functional materials in electrochemical systems.
The initiative builds on QuadriE’s expertise in organic electrochemistry and membrane technology, and on WUR’s leading capabilities in biorefinery and organic residual stream processing. Together, the two organisations are investigating a new approach to resource recovery — one that could turn waste streams into a source of value for the circular economy.
Why Organic Residual Streams?
Organic residual streams — including sewage sludge, fermentation residues, and agricultural by-products — contain a wide variety of organic molecules, some of which are electrochemically active. Conventional waste processing largely ignores this potential, treating these streams as a disposal problem rather than a resource opportunity.
QuadriE’s approach is to systematically screen these streams for electrochemically active compounds, characterise their properties, and assess whether they can be valorised — either as redox-active materials for flow batteries, or as feedstocks for other electrochemical applications.
Next Steps
The collaboration with WUR is in early stages. QuadriE and WUR are currently preparing a formal research proposal, with the aim of securing public funding through STOWA and other relevant programmes. Updates will be shared on this page as the project develops.