Furfural and Its Derivatives as a Strategy for Utilization of Biomass of New Cane Varieties

• Grant number: 25/00137-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Jean Felipe Leal Silva
• Grantee: Leonardo Aparecido Ferreira Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11460-1 - Sugarcane and energy-cane genomics and biotechnology for the improvement of yields, future climate resilience and bioproducts, AP.TEM

Abstract

The transition to a low-carbon economy requires replacing fossil raw materials with renewable resources, such as those derived from biomass. Within this context, furfural, a heterocyclic aldehyde obtained from hemicellulose-rich biomass, emerges as a key product in renewable chemicals. Its versatility allows applications in resins, solvents, biopolymers, and biofuels, promoting sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This project evaluates the potential of new high-yield sugarcane varieties for furfural and derivative production in integrated biorefineries. The approach focuses on utilizing agro-industrial residues, such as sugarcane bagasse, reducing costs and adding value to by-products. The furfural synthesis process will be experimentally investigated, comparing hemicellulose conversion from conventional and high-yield sugarcane varieties. Aspen Plus simulations will integrate furfural production results with a biorefinery model, including green hydrogen generation for converting furfural into higher-value products. Additionally, technical-economic analyses and life cycle assessments of the biorefinery will evaluate the project's feasibility and sustainability. The study aims to determine optimal process conditions, estimate costs and environmental impacts, and identify high-value-added products for conventional and high-yield sugarcane bagasse. This work contributes to biomass valorization in Brazil, fostering diversification in the economic and energy matrix, aligned with global decarbonization goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).