Bio-oil Production from Different Algae: Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Spirulina, Cyanophyta and Enteromorpha Prolifera

Abstract

Abstract. Bio-oil based on algae has good development foreground and its manufacturing technology is the key problem for industrialized application. This study investigated HTL process and reaction mechanism of Spirulina, Enteromorpha prolifera (EP) and Cyanophyta through analysis and comparison of yields, HHV and organic compositions of bio-oil comprehensively. We found that Spirulina had the highest bio-oil yield of 30.4%. Severe conditions benefited more light bio-oil fraction and less heavy bio-oil fraction. HHV of bio-oil was nearly twice than algae feedstock and the highest value was 37.69 MJ/kg from Cyanophyta at 350℃, 30 min and a/w 1/4. GC-MS results showed that bio-oil from Spirulina and Cyanophyta mainly contained more amides, amines, phenols. Bio-oil from Cyanophyta and EP which had much carbohydrate could contain a portion of ketones, which could be intermediate products of Maillard reaction in HTL process.