IVIG/LDP-FAPERJ
The Applied Research Laboratory for Decarbonization and Pyrolysis of Waste is part of the International Virtual Institute for Global Change (IVIG/COPPE/UFRJ) and focuses on the development of innovative technologies aimed at valorizing waste , generating sustainable fuels, and capturing carbon.
The project is funded by FAPERJ – Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro) and has the institutional support of the UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) administration , which provides the physical space — a warehouse located in the University City, near Guanabara Bay — where the laboratory is installed and structured.
Biomethane Energy Generation System and Integration with Decarbonization Process
The laboratory has a biomethane-powered generator , used to supply electricity for experimental activities. Biomethane, a renewable fuel with high energy content , allows for the generation of electricity with lower carbon intensity compared to conventional fossil fuels.
The carbon dioxide (CO₂) resulting from combustion is captured and directed to a chemical absorption process in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution , being converted into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). In this way, the system integrates renewable energy generation and the reuse of emitted carbon , configuring an applied model of decarbonization on a laboratory scale.
Decarbonization: capturing CO₂ and creating new resources
The decarbonization plant transforms captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) into soda ash (sodium carbonate – Na₂CO₃ ), a product widely used by industry.
The process occurs through bubbling CO₂ through an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) , resulting in a chemical reaction that fixes carbon in a stable and safe manner.
The CO₂ sources used in the decarbonization process come from the exhaust gases generated in the pyrolysis reactor and the biomethane-powered generator, both operating in the laboratory itself.
Pyrolysis: clean energy from waste
Pyrolysis is a thermal process carried out without the presence of oxygen, which converts residual biomass (such as sugarcane bagasse, coconut husk, and açaí kernels) and plastic waste into three main products:
Pyrolytic oil: can be used as an industrial fuel or refined to produce solvents, gasoline, and diesel.
Combustible gases: reused for energy generation and heating of the process itself.
Biochar: a highly valuable carbonized material used as a fertilizer and carbon storage medium, generating carbon credits.
