PRH49.1 - An interdisciplinary approach to training human resources in oil, gas, and biofuels.

• Grant number: 24/10320-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: André Sarto Polo
• Grantee: André Sarto Polo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Aryane Tofanello de Souza

Abstract

PRH-ANP is an initiative of the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels dedicated to training professionals specialized in strategic themes for the development of the energy sector in Brazil. At the forefront of the energy transition, PRH-49 focuses its research projects on proposing new materials for the energy sector, studying and improving biofuels and other renewable energies, and applying biotechnology as an alternative to petrochemicals for energy generation. Clean, accessible, and sustainable. This initiative is aligned with the most recent trends in the country's new industrial policy. It results from a joint action between three significant areas of scientific knowledge, aiming to accelerate the energy transition. The proposal aims to contribute significantly to developing sustainable and innovative technologies with economic, environmental, and social impact, leveraging the capabilities of UFABC and its research centers to face contemporary challenges in energy and materials.Research areas highlighted in the proposal:Transformation of petroleum derivatives and biorenewables: Focus on the development of catalysts for the selective oxidation of organic compounds, which could potentially be applied to the valorization of petroleum derivatives and natural products, such as limonene and acetol, biodiesel byproducts.Methane activation: Studies on transforming MMethane (CH4) into higher value-added products, such as coal, methanol, and formaldehyde. Despite being a potent greenhouse gas, Methane is the fossil fuel that generates the least CO2 during combustion.High-performance computing: Modeling new materials and interfaces between solids and liquids, using supercomputers for classical and quantum simulations. Areas of study include catalytic processes and hydrogen generation.Artificial photosynthesis: Using the reducing power of excited semiconductors to transfer electrons and produce hydrogen and oxygen from water. Challenges include generating reduced power for CO2 reduction and creating efficient and stable artificial photosynthesis systems.Fuel cells: Research into solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for distributed electrical energy generation and applications in automotive vehicles. Development of SOFCs powered by ethanol and studies on converting MMethane into products of interest to the petrochemical industry. (AU)