Evaluation of the influence of cosolvents on the optimization of bio-oil yield obtained from the hydrothermal liquefaction of industrial citrus residue

• Grant number: 25/13271-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Giovana Tommaso
• Grantee: Isac Antonio Alcantara Queiroz
• Supervisor: Yuanhui Zhang
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/17827-7 - Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Methanogenesis in the Valorization of Solid Waste from Orange Juice Production, BP.MS

Abstract

With the need to diversify the energy matrix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, researchinto biofuel production processes and new energy sources is essential. Hydrothermal liquefaction(HTL), a process that enables the use of wet biomass, allows for the incorporation of various typesof residual lignocellulosic biomass to obtain bio-oil. As one of the world's leading producers oforange juice, Brazil generates more than 8 million tons of citrus solid waste (CSW) per year. CSWpresents characteristics that make it attractive for reuse and application in HTL for biofuelproduction. However, studies are needed to determine the optimal operating conditions toachieve the highest possible yields and bio-oil quality using CSW. The parameters employedduring HTL directly influence the composition of the bio-oil, and the use of co-solvents increasesthe yield of bio-oil obtained at the end of the process. Therefore, this project aims to determinethe optimal operating conditions for HTL using co-solvents that enhance bio-oil yield, based on a2³ experimental design with six central points. The independent variables will be reaction time(10-30 min), temperature (260-300°C), and type of co-solvent (methanol or ethanol). An indepth study of the composition and characteristics of the generated bio-oils will be conducted,with the goal of selecting parameters based on the quality of the resulting bio-oil. (AU)