Advanced analytical tools to evaluate the potential for obtaining bio-oil from sugarcane bagasse and evaluation of the catalytic improvement for industrial applications

Abstract

Considering the current geopolitical and economic scenario, it is necessary to develop research in strategic areas, such as prospecting for energy and new products from renewable sources of biomass. This knowledge can help diversify the Brazilian energy matrix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, in addition to opening new opportunities in the Brazilian chemical market. More specifically, the lignocellulosic residue from the sugar and ethanol industries is considered the main source of biomass available in the country. This abundant biomass can be used in thermal transformation processes for the production of bio-oils, among other complex mixtures produced in this process. Thus, bio-oil is touted as a candidate in the direction of accelerating progress towards a greener and more sustainable circular economy. In addition, little is known about the composition of the aqueous fraction resulting from the thermal conversion, which may also contain important compounds for the chemical industry, and given that there is still a lack of Brazilian research groups that dedicate their activities to the expanded study of production, improvement and chemical characterization of bio-oils, leaving the country deficient in the development of scientific and technological innovations in this area. The main objective of this project is to carry out analytical developments aimed at the production and investigation of the improvement of sugarcane bagasse bio-oils obtained with a view to industrial application in the sugar-energy sector.The multidisciplinary project has three axes of action, namely: sustainable technologies, advanced analytical technologies and artificial intelligence. Among the planned activities, we highlight the optimization of the process and obtaining bio-oils from sugarcane bagasse in a microscale reactor and semi-pilot scale reactor to carry out catalytic or non-catalytic experiments, study of methodologies based on liquid chromatography (LC-HRMS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HRMS) for the analysis of bio-oil and other residues of commercial interest, aiming at a comprehensive chemical characterization at the molecular level. Also, artificial intelligence concepts will be applied to predict multiple oil properties as proof of concept. These results will be important to improve the understanding of the best use of sugarcane bagasse for the production of bio-oils by different methods, allowing to infer the best process of thermal conversion and its feasibility of use in the sugar-energy sector of plants in the states of Pernambuco and São Paulo, therefore, the proposal has the formal support of plants in the mentioned states, which issued letters of support. (AU)