Advances in Biodiesel Production from Microalgae

Abstract

Biofuels, as a renewable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective energy source, can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. The researchers considered different approaches for obtaining high biodiesel yields from microalgae biomass. This work aims to present an overview of the feasibility of microalgae use in biodiesel production. Therefore, biodiesel production from microalgae oil via the transesterification process was explained in detail. The application of non-catalytic transesterification and catalytic transesterification was reviewed. The achievements in the application of homogenous catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts, and enzymatic catalysts for microalgae oil transesterification were discussed. The present technologies for biodiesel production from microalgae need more improvements to increase their efficiencies and reduce costs. Therefore, future research should focus on the development of effective catalysts for biodiesel production from microalgae biomass.

Axenic green microalgae for the treatment of textile effluent and the production of biofuel: a promising sustainable approach

“…Based on the biomass production rate of 3.80 kg m 3 , Chlorella sorokiniana ASK25 has the potential to produce approximately 416.1 tonnes of dry biomass annually. Moreover, considering the conversion yields of lipid to biodiesel (90%) and total sugar to fermentable sugar followed by bioethanol conversion (90% and 78%, respectively) as reported in recent studies (Neag et al 2023 ; Dong et al 2016 ; Mhlongo et al 2021 ; Lee et al 2015 ; Pancha et al 2015 ), this biomass could yield approximately 122.53- and 56.48 tonnes of biodiesel and bioethanol per year, respectively. 1 tonne of dried biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana ASK25 could potentially yield 0.43 tonne (430.24 kg) of biofuel, comprising approximately 0.295 tonne (294.47 kg) of biodiesel and 0.135 tonne (135.74 kg) of bioethanol.…”

Microalgal polyunsaturated fatty acids: Hotspots and production techniques

“…Chemical catalysts can be categorized into homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, which can be further subdivided into alkaline and acid catalysts (Neag et al, 2023). Commonly used homogeneous catalysts include NaOH, CH 3 ONa, KOH, concentrated HCl, or H 2 SO 4 (Neag et al, 2023).…”

“…Chemical catalysts can be categorized into homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, which can be further subdivided into alkaline and acid catalysts (Neag et al, 2023). Commonly used homogeneous catalysts include NaOH, CH 3 ONa, KOH, concentrated HCl, or H 2 SO 4 (Neag et al, 2023). Heterogeneous catalytic processes are suitable for raw materials containing more polar components, such as CaO/MgO, KF/CaO, magnetic nanoscale KOH/Fe 2 O3-Al 2 O 3 (Kazemifard et al, 2019), CaMgO/Al 2 O 3 , zirconia (ZrO 2 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), zeolites, ion exchange resins (Hidalgo et al, 2013), and algae carbon-based solid acid catalysts (Cao et al, 2021).…”

Kernel-Based Biodiesel Production from Non-Edible Oil Seeds: Techniques, Optimization, and Environmental Implications

“…Kernel-based oil extraction not only increases the oil yield but also enhances the Biodiesel production from microalgae has vast advantages, and it is classified as a thirdgeneration biofuel. Microalgae can use atmospheric carbon dioxide and different types of wastewater, accumulate lipids, and survive in extreme weather and offer a potential source for the extraction of valuable compounds [37]. Transesterification and thermo-pressure transformations are the two most common methods of producing microalgal biodiesel [38].…”