Doctoral themes 2023

Synthesis of biofuels from biomass resources 

Supervisors

Ana Cristina Silva Fernandes, anacristinafernandes@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Nuno Manuel R. M. Xavier, nmxavier@ciencias.ulisboa.pt

Registration Institution

Instituto Superior Técnico

Project description

With growing concerns about diminishing fossil resources, global warming and environmental pollution, the search for renewable resources has attracted worldwide attention. In this respect, biomass, which is widespread, abundant and inexpensive, is regarded to be an ideal substitute for fossil resources. Carbohydrates, the major component of biomass, are considered to be ideal feedstocks for the production of both biofuels and platform chemicals. For the effective conversion of carbohydrates into biofuels, the use of an appropriate catalyst plays a crucial role in achieving high conversion and high selectivity. 

In this work, new methodologies will be developed for the conversion of carbohydrates into relevant biofuel candidates such as 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), 2-methylfuran (2-MF), 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF), γ-valorolactone (GVL), ethyl levulinate and long chain hydrocarbon alkanes. To achieve this goal, a variety of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts containing earth-abundant and non-toxic metals will be applied. 

The PhD plan covers the areas of catalysis, organic synthesis, carbohydrates, and sustainable chemistry and its successful implementation will contribute to the valorization of biomass resources, for the sustainable production of biofuels and to improve the environment and the circular economy. This project fits into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda numbers 12 and 13.

Keywords

Biomass

Carbohydrates

Biofuels

Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.