Liquid chromatographic fractionation of bio-oil from sugarcane bagasse: influence of heating rate on bio-oil yield and quality

Abstract

Brazil stands out in the field of using biomass as a source of energy and biomaterials, due to its territorial extension, biodiversity and climatic conditions. In this sense, one can highlight the high potential of bio-products generated from biomass. This is the case of sugarcane bagasse, produced in large quantities allied to the sugar and alcohol industry. In Brazil, much research has been done to improve its amount of fiber, aiming at the production of alternative fuels and generating the so-called "energy cane". Thus, it was studied the use of sugarcane bagasse for the production of bio-oil through pyrolysis and the isolation of fractions for industrial application. A comparison was also made between two types of sugarcane, a commercial variety (Saccharum sp.) and a variety with some genetic improvement (Erianthus arundinaceus). The final pyrolysis temperature was set at 500 ° C by varying the heating rates (25, 45, and 65 ° C min-1). The bio-oils were fractionated using preparative liquid chromatography and their fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The fractionation of bio-oils increased the number of compounds identified by about 50%, besides allowing the isolation of apolar compounds. In addition, it was found that the genetic improved sugarcane presented higher bio-oil content, with higher hydrocarbon content, when compared to commercial sugarcane, demonstrating that the improvement process was efficient. Among the compounds identified were phenols, furfural derivatives and hydrocarbons, which indicates the potential use of bio-oil not only as bio-fuels, but also for industrial purposes.