Multimodal imaging of the intrinsic and extrinsic inorganic components of sugarcane bagasse and straw

• Grant number: 18/07033-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo Driemeier
• Grantee: Djanira Rodrigues Negrão
• Home Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50884-5 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioethanol, AP.TEM

Abstract

Sugarcane is the main energetic biomass cultivated in Brazil. The inorganic components present in sugarcane bagasse and straw have been shown to hinder the energetic use of the biomass. Historically, mineral components have caused problems in the boilers used in biomass combustion and, more recently, minerals have created problems in the production of cellulosic (2G) ethanol. This project will employ advanced imaging techniques to map the location of mineral components present in sugarcane bagasse and straw. Three classes of minerals are considered: (1) plant cell wall constituents; (2) mineral particles (phytoliths) of biological origin; and (3) mineral impurities originated primarily from the soil. Imaging will be done by using the techniques of synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) and micro-fluorescence (µXRF) as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy in scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS). In addition to composing a broad review of the available literature, this project will expand the experimental knowledge in this topic that is critical for the advancement of biorefineries with usage of the whole sugarcane biomass.