Center for research em graphitized lignin for transformation of agriculture and environmental soils.

• Grant number: 24/01069-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Stanislav Moshkalev
• Grantee: Stanislav Moshkalev
• Host Institution: Centro de Componentes Semicondutores (CCS). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Clóvis José Fernandes de Oliveira Júnior ; Francides Gomes da Silva Júnior ; Mariana Conceição da Costa ; Moacir Tuzzin de Moraes
• Associated researchers: Antonio Bliska Junior ; Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri ; Ciro Abbud Righi ; Domingos Savio Rodrigues ; Edgar Fernando de Luca ; Fernando Dini Andreote ; Francisco Ruiz ; Jarbas Honorio de Miranda ; Karine Cappuccio de Castro ; Larissa Giorgetti Mendes ; Lucia Helena Innocentini Mei ; Luciana Duque Silva ; Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú Alleoni ; Norbert Arthur Frauz ; Silvia Vaz Guerra Nista ; Tiago Osório Ferreira

Abstract

The main objective of the project is the development of new technologies for converting lignin into a graphitized material for transforming agricultural and environmental soils. Lignin is a by-product of the paper and cellulose manufacturing process produced in large quantities, which can be graphitized using microwave processing. Ultrafast microwave heating is an emerging technique with high energy efficiency and low-cost, large-scale continuous production capacity.The graphitized lignin will be used as an additive for soil conditioning, creating an analogue of "terra preta", found in the Amazon. The black earth of the Amazon is characterized by high productivity and wide availability of mineral and organic nutrients. Recent research confirms that the presence of micro- and nanographitic materials is essential for the formation of this type of soil. Terra preta has a superior capacity for absorbing and maintaining water, carbon dioxide (thus contributing to carbon sequestration), phosphorus, nitrogen and other elements vital for plant growth. The effects of soil transformation with additives based on graphitized lignin and other structuring components will be evaluated in terms of physical and chemical properties, and their interactions with crops in agricultural and forestry systems. In summary, the project aims to improve soil quality and productivity, promote greater carbon sequestration, reduce erosion and contribute in various ways to sustainable development.The main challenges to be faced in the project include the development of new technologies for manufacturing micro- and nanographite materials from lignin using ultrafast microwave heating; search for catalytic materials and other additives to obtain greater efficiency in the lignin graphitization process; methods of preparation and physical, chemical and biochemical characterization of soils enriched by graphitized materials in comparison with unconditioned soils; characterization of soil productivity; general assessment of the efficiency of the proposed approach for reforestation purposes, application in agribusiness and sustainability of agricultural systems.The ultimate objective is the development of new materials for soil transformation purposes, at a reduced cost and produced on a large scale, meeting the demand for an ecologically correct sustainable economy. (AU)