Hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae

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Abstract: 

Hydrothermal carbonization is a process in which biomass is heated in water under pressure to create a char product. With higher plants, the chemistry of the process derives primarily from lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose components. In contrast, green and blue-green microalgae are not lignocellulosic in composition, and the chemistry is entirely different, involving proteins, lipids and carbohydrates (generally not cellulose). Employing relatively moderate conditions of temperature (ca. 200 C), time (<1 h) and pressure (<2 MPa), microalgae can be converted in an energy efficient manner into an algal char product that is of bituminous coal quality. Potential uses for the product include creation of synthesis gas and conversion into industrial chemicals and gasoline; application as a soil nutrient amendment; and as a carbon neutral supplement to natural coal for generation of electrical power.

Author(s): 
Kenneth J. Valentas
Marc G. von Keitz
Frederick J. Schendel
Michael J. Sadowsky
Paul A. Lefebvre
Lindsey R. Jader
Steven M. Heilmann
H. Ted Davis
Keywords: 
Hydrothermal carbonization
Hydrothermolysis
Algae
Synthetic coal
Algal coal
Article Source: 
biomass and bioenergy 34 (2010) 875–882
Category: 
Basic Biology
Processing methods
Uses of Seaweeds: Fuel or Energy