Optimization of direct conversion of wet algae to biodiesel under supercritical methanol conditions

Biodiesel from Three Microalgae Transesterification Processes using Different Homogenous Catalysts

“…This is because algae have a higher photosynthetic yield (38%) than other plants (less than 1%), which makes them grow faster (13 doublings per day), sequestrate carbon dioxide much better, and accumulate a lipid yield of up to 50% (Patil et al, 2011). Moreover, algae can grow in arid land, swamps and saline or fresh water, which means they do not compete for land utilization against others crops, either for fuel or food production (Patil et al, 2011b). However, the problems associated with algae in biodiesel production are in its harvesting, due to its high water content, and in lipid extraction because of its cellular structure (Singh et al, 2014).…”

Sub and Supercritical Fluid Technologies for the Production of Renewable (Bio) Transportation Fuels

“…The algal biomass used in these studies has more unsaturated (~40-45%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (~10%); which are thermally unstable and causes the reduction of biodiesel yields at higher temperatures. The decomposition of PUFAs was observed at higher temperatures above the optimum reaction temperature in both studies [21,22]. When compared to biodiesel production using vegetable oils by supercritical alcohol process, nearly 2-3 times more alcohol is needed for algal biomass conversion.…”

Extraction by Subcritical and Supercritical Water, Methanol, Ethanol and Their Mixtures

“…Algae are a source of useful products when treated with supercritical fluids, e.g., supercritical methanol at 528 K that yields biodiesel from wet algae [105]. Direct transesterification of algal biomass under supercritical methanol at 533 K and microwave irradiation was compared [106].…”