José Carlos Lopes graduated in Chemical Engineering in 1977 at FEUP, the University of Porto Engineering School. That same year, he joined the Chemical Engineering Department of FEUP as a Teaching Assistant.
In 1979,
he started his Ph.D. studies at the University of Houston (Texas, USA) Department of Chemical Engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in Multiphase Fluid Dynamics in 1984 under the guidance of the late Professor Abe Dukler. He then joined Schlumberger Ltd. as a Research Scientist, where he worked at Schlumberger-Doll Research Center (Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA) until the end of 1986 and at Schlumberger Cambridge Research (Cambridge, UK) in 1987, conducting research in Well-Bore Multiphase Flows.
Returned to FEUP in 1989 and joined the R&D Unit LSRE.
In 2005he founded Fluidinova, a spin-off from FEUP, Portugal's first nanoparticle-based products company. Since 2010, he has been back at FEUP, teaching in the Chemical Engineering Department and pursuing research at the LSRE-LCM in Product Engineering.
Since 2012, he has been a delegate of the Working Party on Mixing, WPM, of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering, EFCE. In 2016, he co-founded a new spin-off company, MICE, commercializing novel methodologies for RIM, reaction injection molding, and plastics production technology.
In 2019, he was the founder of CoLAB Net4CO2 - Network for a Sustainable CO2 Economy, for the development of new processes and products using the NETmix technology.
Since September 2023, he joined as CTO the recently created  Portuguese STAR INSTITUTE - Science & Technology Applied Research Institute - focused on the automotive industry, led by Stellantis, a global automaker and provider of innovative mobility solutions.
Author of thirteen patent applications, with seven granted. Published >100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. Supervised 20 PhD theses and 13 MSc dissertations.


RESEARCH INTERESTS

Mixing in Chemical Reactors
CO2 Hydrates
Nanomaterials
Micro-Structured Materials
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Fluid Mechanics and Rheology

PATENTS

J.C.B. Lopes, V.J.P. Vilar, M.F.C. Moreira, M.M.G.Q. Dias, Ricardo R.J.N. Santos, R.F.S. Maia, Electrochemical device and respective uses. Portuguese Patent 20232005089326, June 2023.
J.A.C.C. Santos, J.C.B. Lopes, F.G. Almeida, Closure plate for preloading a plate reactor, plate reactor and manufacturing method thereof. PCT/IB2020/062568, December 2030. EU Patent 19220292.7, December 2019. Portuguese Patent 116039, December 2019.
J.C.B. Lopes, M.M.G.Q. Dias, M.F.S. Costa, C.A.M. Teixeira, R.J.N. Santos, Continuous production of clathrate hydrates from aqueous and hydrate-forming streams, methods and uses thereof. PCT/IB2020/062552, December 2020. US Patent 17786968, June 2022. EU Patent EP4084894, December 2019. Portuguese Patent 116038, December 2019.
J.C.B. Lopes, M.M.G.Q. Dias, M.F.S. Costa, R.J.N. Santos, C.A.M. Teixeira, Network heat exchanger device, method and uses thereof. PCT/IB2018/052463, April 2018. US Patent 11 484 862, October 2019, granted November 2022.
J.C.B. Lopes, R.J.N. Santos, A.F.T.M. Teixeira, M.R.P.F.N. Costa, Production Process of Plastic Parts by Reaction Injection Moulding and Related Head Device. PCT/IB2005/000886, April 2005. US Patent 7708918 B2, granted May 2010. EU Patent 1732747, December 2006, granted December 2006. Portuguese Patent 103101, April 2004.
J.C.B Lopes, P.E.M.S.C. Laranjeira, M.M.Q. Dias, A.A.A.Martins, Network Mixer and Related Mixing Process. PCT/IB2005/000647, February 2005. US Patent 8434933 B2, September 2008, granted May 2013. EU Patent 1720643, September 2006, granted October 2008. Portuguese Patent 103072, February 2004, granted December 2009.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Almeida C.F., Manrique Y.A., Lopes J.C.B., Martins F.G., Dias M.M.. Recovery of ergosterol from Agaricus bisporus mushrooms via supercritical fluid extraction: A response surface methodology optimisation. Heliyon, 10, e21943, 2024 Morais D.F.S., Lopes J.C.B., Dias M.M., Vilar V.J.P., Moreira F.C.. e–NETmix: A pioneering electrochemical flow reactor with enhanced mass transfer. Chemical Engineering Journal, 481, 148244, 2024 Fernandes I.S., Dias M.M., Lopes J.C.B., Santos R.J.. A new reduced geometric model for simulation and design of NETmix reactors: LoopNUB. Chemical Engineering Science, 293, 120061, 2024 A. Ribeiro, Y.A. Manrique, F. Barreiro, J.C.B. Lopes, M.M. Dias. Continuous production of hydroxyapatite Pickering emulsions using a mesostructured reactor. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 616, 126365, 2021 A.C.G. Moreira, Y.A. Manrique, I.M. Martins, I.P. Fernandes, A.E. Rodrigues, J.C.B. Lopes, M.M. Dias. Continuous Production of Melamine-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Using a Mesostructured Reactor. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 59, 18510−18519, 2020 J. Matos, M.S.C.A. Brito, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, R.J. Santos. Lagrangian mixing simulation and quantification of scales. Chemical Engineering Science, 192, 199-210, 2018 M.S.C.A. Brito, L.P. Esteves, C.P. Fonte, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, R.J. Santos. Mixing of fluids with dissimilar viscosities in Confined Impinging Jets. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 134, 392-404, 2018 M.F. Costa, C.M. Fonte, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. Heat Transfer Performance of NETmix — A Novel Micro-Meso Structured Mixer and Reactor. AIChE Journal, 63, 2496-2508, 2017 M.J. Lima, C.G. Silva, A.M.T. Silva, J.C.B. Lopes, M.M. Dias, J.L. Faria. Homogeneous and heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of antibiotics using an innovative static mixer photoreactor. Chemical Engineering Journal, 310, 342–351, 2017 B.A. Marinho, R. Djellabi, R.O. Cristóvão, J.M. Loureiro, R.A.R. Boaventura, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, V.J.P. Vilar. Intensification of heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalysis using an innovative micro-meso-structured-reactor for Cr(VI) reduction under simulated solar light. Chemical Engineering Journal, 318, 76-88, 2017 G. Ruphuy, A. Saralegi, J.C. Lopes, M.M. Dias, M.F. Barreiro. Spray drying as a viable process to produce nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (n-HAp/CS) hybrid microparticles mimicking bone composition. Advanced Powder Technology, 27, 575–583, 2016 N.O. Gomes, C.P. Fonte, C.C. Sousa, A.J. Mateus, P.J. Bártolo, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, R.J. Santos. Real time control of mixing in Reaction Injection Moulding. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 105, 31-43, 2016 C.P. Fonte, R.J. Santos, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. An Elastic Analog Model for Controlling the Impingement Point Position in Confined Impinging Jets. AIChE Journal, 62, 2200-2212, 2016 M.P. Fernández-García, J.M. Teixeira, P. Machado, M. Enis Leblebici, J.C.B. Lopes, C. Freire, J.P. Araujo. Monitoring in real time the production of Fe-oxide nanoparticles. Chemical Engineering Science, 138, 600-606, 2015 C.P. Fonte, B.S. Pinho, V. Santos-Moreau, J.C.B. Lopes. Prediction of the induced gas flow rate from a self-inducing impeller with CFD. Chemical Engineering & Technology, 37, 571-579, 2014 M.A. Sultan, K. Krupa, C.P. Fonte, M.I. Nunes, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, R.J. Santos. High-Throughput T-Jets Mixers: An Innovative Scale-Up Concept. Chemical Engineering & Technology, 36, 323-331, 2013 C.M. Fonte, M.E. Leblebici, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. The NETmix reactor: Pressure drop measurements and 3D CFD modeling. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 91, 2250-2258, 2013 I.P. Fernandes, J.S. Amaral, V. Pinto, M.J. Ferreira, M.F. Barreiro. Development of chitosan-based antimicrobial leather coatings. Carbohydrate Polymers, 98, 1229-1235, 2013 M.I. Nunes, R.J. Santos, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. Micromixing assessment of confined impinging jet mixers used in RIM. Chemical Engineering Science, 74, 276-286, 2012 P.E. Laranjeira, A.A. Martins, M.I. Nunes, J.C.B. Lopes, M.M. Dias. NETmix®, a new type of static mixer: Experimental characterization and model validation. AIChE Journal, 57, 1020-1032, 2011 P.J. Gomes, V.M.T.M. Silva, P.A. Quadros, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. A Highly Reproducible Continuous Process for Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Synthesis. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 9, 3387-3395, 2009 R.J. Santos, A.M. Teixeira, J.C.B. Lopes. Study of Mixing and Chemical Reaction in RIM. Chemical Engineering Science, 60, 2381-2398, 2005 R.J. Santos, A.M. Teixeira, M.R.P.F.N. Costa, J.C.B. Lopes.. Operational and Design Study of RIM Machines. International Polymer Processing, 42, 387-394, 2002 V.G. Mata, J.C.B. Lopes, M.M. Dias. Porous Media Characterisation Using Mercury Porosimetry Simulation. 2: An Iterative Method for the Determination of the Real Pore Size Distribution and the Mean Coordination Number. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 40, 4836-4843, 2001 P. Spicka, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes. Gas-Liquid Flow in a 2D Column: Comparison between Experimental Data and CFD Modelling. Chemical Engineering Science, 56, 6367-6383, 2001 Z.P. Lu, M.M. Dias, J.C.B. Lopes, G. Carta, A.E. Rodrigues. Diffusion, Convection and Reaction in Catalysts Particles: The Analogy between Slab and Sphere Geometries. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 32, 1839-1852, 1993 J.C.B. Lopes, A.E. Dukler. Droplet Dynamics in Gas-Liquid Vertical Annular Flow. AIChE Journal, 33, 1013-1023, 1987 J.C.B. Lopes, A.E. Dukler. Droplet Entrainment in Gas-Liquid Annular Flow and its Contribution to Momentum Transfer. AIChE Journal, 32, 1500-1515, 1986

SELECTED PROJECTS

Cat4GtL - Continous Catalytic reactor for the Gas-to-Liquid process using NETmix technology. Reference: POCI-01-0247-FEDER-069953. Funded by: ANI – Agência Nacional de Investigação, I&DT - Projectos de I&DT em Todos os Domínios Científicos. Starting Date: 2020/09/01. Duration: 36 months. Valor Natural - Natural Resources through the Extraction of High Added Value Ingredients for Applications in the Food Industry. Reference: NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-024479. Funded by: ANI – Agência Nacional de Investigação, P2020|COMPETE - Programas Mobilizadores. Starting Date: 2018/09/01. Duration: 48 months. GALP7/Hidrogas - Reaction Process for CO2 and CH4 Hydrate Formation. Reference: FEUP/EXPOENTEDECADA/2018-73065. Funded by: Expoentedécada, Lda, . Starting Date: 2018/08/01. Duration: 17 months. FluCOREDin - Development of a Dynamic Thermal-Hydraulic Network Model (FluCOREdin) for Core-Type Power Transformers. Reference: FEUP/EFACEC/2016-70815. Funded by: EFACEC Energia Starting Date: 2016/07/01. Duration: 18 months. HydraGTS - Novel GTS technology for carbon capturing and transportation. Reference: 6_2015_IP133_HydraGTS. Funded by: KIC InnoEnergy SE, European Institute of Technology. Starting Date: 2015/10/01. Duration: 20 months. SIMALGA - CO2 Capture and Biomass Production through Industrial Production of Microalgae. Reference: FEUP/A4F/2010-2013. Funded by: ALGAFUEL, SA, Portugal Starting Date: 2010/11/01. Duration: 36 months. CFD Simulation of Pilot Stirred Reactors. Reference: FEUP/IFPEN/2013. Funded by: IFP Energies Nouvelles Starting Date: 2013/01/31. Duration: 16 months. FluSHELL - Development of a Thermo-Hydraulic Network Model for SHELL Type Power Transformers. Reference: FEUP/EFACEC/2011/03. Funded by: EFACEC Energia Starting Date: 2011/04/29. Duration: 24 months. PILLS - Process Intensification Methodologies Applied to Liquid-Liquid Systems in Structured Equipment. Funded by: European Comission, FP7-NMP. Starting Date: 2009/01/01. Duration: 36 months. NETmix-NanoHAp - NETmix Reactor for Production of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles. Reference: DEMTEC 70/00224. Funded by: ANI – Agência Nacional de Investigação, DEMTEC - Projectos Demonstradores. Starting Date: 2007/07/01. Duration: 24 months. CFDapi-ID - Application of CFD in building environment and industrial processes. Reference: NITEC 71/00184. Funded by: ANI – Agência Nacional de Investigação, NITEC - Criação de Núcleos de I&DT nas Empresas. Starting Date: 2007/07/01. Duration: 24 months. RIM - Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM): Controlled Mixing and Novel Design Concepts in a New Prototype Machine. Reference: PTDC/CTM/72595/2006. Funded by: FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I&DT - Projectos de I&DT em Todos os Domínios Científicos. Starting Date: 2008/01/01. Duration: 36 months. Hydrodynamics and Chemical Reaction in an Ozonation Tank at Water Treatment Plant in LEVER. Reference: FEUP/AdDP/2004. Funded by: Águas do Douro e Paiva, S.A. Starting Date: 2004/01/01. Duration: 12 months.
José Carlos Lopes
Prof. Associado Aposentado
lopes@fe.up.pt