Carlos Driemeier
Carlos Driemeier is a research scientist at the Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE), which integrates the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM). Concluded bachelor (2004) and doctorate (2008) degrees in Physics from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, with a research intern period at the University of Texas. Held a post-doctorate (2009) in photovoltaic systems at the Institute of Energy and Environment from the University of São Paulo. Works mainly with Condensed Matter Physics, specifically with surfaces, interfaces, physical chemistry of water, crystallography, and image analysis. Recent research has focused on the multiscale architecture of lignocellulosic biomass and its influence in biomass processing. Has a broad interest in data-intensive analyses, biomass valorization technologies, renewable energies, and the transformation of the global energy system.
Pretreatment interactions with the multiscale architecture of sugarcane bagasse
Lignocellulosic biomass such as sugarcane bagasse have multiscale architecture, ranging from coarse particles (centimeters) down to sugar units (sub-nanometer). In the production of cellulosic ethanol, relevant phenomena occur across all these length scales. In this work, we present our understanding of the following critical phenomena: (1) trapping of mineral particles in the biomass structure; (2) nanoscale changes promoted by the high-temperature pretreatments; (3) role of mechanical action on the biomass; (4) nanostructural differences between bagasse treated in hydrothermal or in mild alkaline deacetylation conditions. Against this background of results, we discuss the prospects for pretreatments.