Oxidative torrefaction performance of microalga Nannochloropsis Oceanica towards an upgraded microalgal solid biofuel

Congyu Zhang, Shih Hsin Ho, Wei Hsin Chen, Rupeng Wang, Pau Loke Show, Hwai Chyuan Ong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for carbon-neutral biofuel production due to their superior cellular composition. Alternatively, oxidative torrefaction has been recognized as a potential thermochemical technique for microalgal solid biofuel upgrading. Herein, by using microalga N. oceanica as a feedstock, several characterizations are adopted for evaluating the potential of oxidative torrefaction towards microalgal solid biofuel production. The oxidatively torrefied microalgae can be upgraded as lignite. After in-depth analysis, significant change in the surface microstructure of oxidatively torrefied microalgae is largely changed (via wrinkle and fragmentation) The hydrophobicity, thermal decomposition, thermal stability, and aromatization of oxidatively torrefied microalgae can be largely enhanced as the oxidative torrefaction severity increase. With the increasing torrefaction temperature, the hydrophobicity of oxidative torrefied microalgae gradually improved. The decomposition of C-2/3/5, and −OCH3, the CO[dbnd] bonds of CH3CO-, and the aromatization occurs via oxidative torrefaction according to the NMR analysis. For XPS analysis, torrefaction operation significantly decreases the carbide carbon and enhances the graphitization. As a result, the thermal stability of oxidatively torrefied microalgae is improved. Conclusively, the information obtained in this study can provide insights into the evaluation of oxidative torrefaction performance and fuel properties of microalgal solid biofuel, which may help accelerate the advancement of oxidative torrefaction industrialization.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)81-90
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Biotechnology
Volume338
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Sep 2021

Keywords

  • C NMR analysis
  • Fuel properties
  • Microalgae and biochar
  • Oxidative torrefaction
  • Solid biofuel upgrading
  • XPS analysis

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