Co-liquefaction of microalgae and lignocellulosic biomass in subcritical water

Bioresour Technol. 2015 Jun:185:240-5. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.015. Epub 2015 Mar 7.

Abstract

This study investigated co-liquefaction of microalgae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa, CP) and lignocellulosic biomass (Rice husk, RH) in subcritical water for bio-oil production. The effects of liquefaction temperature (200-350°C), residence time (10-90min), solid concentration (10-30wt.%) and mass ratio of CP/RH on product distribution were investigated. The results showed that the highest yield of bio-crude oils at the combination of 50% CP with 50% RH was obtained at 300°C temperature, 60min residence time and 20wt.% solid concentration. The oil yields increased gradually with the increased mass ratio of CP/RH. The major compounds identified in bio-crude oils from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of RH were cyclic oxygenates (20.62%), followed by esters, ketones and alcohols (17.19%). As for CP, the main components were straight & branched amides (28.38%). A synergistic interaction was observed between CP and RH during co-liquefaction, resulting in decreased acidity and nitrogen content of bio-crude oils.

Keywords: Bio-oil; Hydrothermal liquefaction; Lignocellulosic biomass; Microalgae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amides / chemistry
  • Biofuels*
  • Biomass*
  • Biotechnology
  • Chlorella
  • Lignin / chemistry*
  • Microalgae*
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Amides
  • Biofuels
  • Water
  • lignocellulose
  • Lignin
  • Nitrogen