Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of Aquatic Macrophytes for Energy Applications and Development of Bio-Based Materials

• Grant number: 25/02010-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Michael Jones da Silva
• Grantee: Gabriela Oliveira Marques de Velasco
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia e Ciências (FEC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rosana. Rosana , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project is aimed at evaluating the potential of aquatic macrophytes as sustainable biomass for energy and the production of bio-based materials. Renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly solutions are in increasing demand, thereby reinforcing the need to explore alternatives to fossil fuels. Aquatic macrophytes are lignocellulosic materials classified as third-generation biomass, which are notable for their high productivity, low cultivation costs, and ability to restore the environment. Although their usage is little explored, especially in Brazil, where their excessive growth in hydroelectric reservoirs negatively impacts energy production and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, macrophytes will be collected from the Paraná River, an environment with a diverse range of cataloged species. The samples will be dried and ground for standardization and subsequently analyzed physically, chemically, and thermodynamically. As part of the analysis, moisture content, volatiles, fixed carbon, ash, and elemental composition (C, H, N, S, O) will be determined as well as higher (PCS) and lower (PCI) calorific values. Based on these properties, it will be possible to evaluate the quality of biomass as a biofuel and determine whether or not it is efficient and environmentally friendly. Several advanced techniques will be used to characterize biochars, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX) for identifying inorganic compounds, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for determining thermal stability and degradation parameters. During the course of the project, an analysis of the energetic and structural behavior of aquatic macrophytes and their derivatives will be conducted, along with an evaluation of the potential for biochars to act as adsorbents for organic pollutants and heavy metals in environmental remediation processes. In this interdisciplinary approach, solutions are being sought for the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix and the mitigation of the environmental impacts associated with the uncontrolled growth of these plants.