Direct liquefaction of a marine alga, Chlorococcum sp., under various conditions has been studied. The effects of reaction gas medium, temperature, pressure, water to algae ratio, and catalyst on product conversion and product composition were investigated. Reactions were carried out in stainless autoclaves fitted with stainless steel liners and also with glass liners for comparison.  The marine algae produced high dicholoromethane (DCM) conversions (>75 wt% dmmf) and relatively high conversion to oil (>50 wt% dmmf) under preferred reaction conditions. An increase in temperature to around 400C generally improved the quality of the product in that the liquid fuel proportion increased. Above this temperature increased gasification occurred. The DCM soluble fractions produced from the reactions contained significant concentrations of hydrocarbons, aromatics, alkyl nitriles, fatty acids, and sterol derivatives.

Thermo-chemical conversion of Chlorococcum sp. for sustainable biofuel

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.