The purpose of this research is to convert algae, Chlorella, to bio-oil through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). This particular algae blend is readily accessible, and can be produced on a large scale. The selected biomass is a broken cell powder that contained a mixture of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that belong to the genus Chlorella that utilizes CO2 for photosynthesis and emits O2 as a by-product. The carbon fixating properties of the biomass feedstocks could neutralize or reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted when burning oils for fuel. Based on its carbohydrate and protein content, and lipid density, Chlorella was chosen for its potential to have a high yield of bio-oil with energy contents. The production of bio-oil from Chlorella provides a solution to the exploitation our planet’s nonrenewable resources by accelerating the natural process of oil production - theoretically making oil a “renewable resource”. The further study of catalytic effects on the hydrothermal liquefaction has led to higher yields of oil with similar energy content of about 34 KJ/g based on CHNO analysis and bomb calorimetry. Catalysts tested include homogeneous catalysts, such as Ca(NO3)2 with 1, 2, and 5% loadings, KOH with 1, 2, and 5% loadings, and heterogeneous catalysts, such as Y Zeolite of 1, 2, and 5%. The reaction temperatures range from 275 to 350C. The various bio-oil samples were compared by their yield after HTL, and analyzed via Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer, as well as CHNO and energy content analyses. The characteristics of the bio-oils will be summarized and discussed.

Catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of Chlorella into bio-oil

255th National Meeting (2018)

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