Study of process intensification for the production of biogas and second-generation ethanol from carbohydrate fractions derived from lignocellulosic biomass

• Grant number: 25/08441-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Silvio Silvério da Silva
• Grantee: Kiara Alejandra Garcia Bustos
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/09789-8 - Decarbonization of transport for the benefit of society: enhancing sustainability with the integration of biochemical and thermal routes in the integral use of biomass, AP.TEM

Abstract

This doctoral research plan proposes the application of methodologies to optimize the production processes of ethanol and biogas, using the main fractions (cellulosic and hemicellulosic) of biomass derived from the sugar-energy sector. The goal is to broaden the scope of current methodologies by conducting research focused on process intensification across multiple stages (pretreatment and hydrolysis; simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation; or anaerobic digestion), aiming to develop a process adaptable to technologies already established in both the Brazilian and global markets.To achieve these objectives, advanced technological processes will be developed, involving the processing of lignocellulosic material, optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources for the cost-effective production of ethanol and biogas, and the implementation of different fermentation approaches. Initially, different fractions of lignocellulosic biomass will be obtained through acid and alkaline pretreatments assisted by hydrodynamic cavitation. These fractions will then be used for the production of ethanol (from cellulose and hemicellulose) and biogas (from slurries), along with the evaluation of various alternative nitrogen sources (e.g., rice bran and soybean meal) with the aim of reducing operational costs.The processes will be optimized through statistical experimental designs, focusing on both the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio at the bench scale and the operational parameters of each stage, including their application in bioreactor systems. (AU)