The world is searching for renewable energy sources in the face of a global energy crisis. Biodiesel has proven to be a successful alternative to fossil fuels, and there is current research into the most sustainable and effective feedstocks. With fast growth rates and exceptional oil yields, microalgae are a viable feedstock option. This project investigated the ideal laboratory-growing conditions of <i>Chlamydomanas reinhardtii </i>algal colonies and their synthesis into biodiesel through acid-catalyzed transesterification. The results were integrated into Beloit College's chemistry curriculum.

Optimization of algae-derived biodiesel for use in undergraduate chemistry laboratories

249th National Meeting (2015)

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