FURI | Fall 2018

Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Micro-algae to Produce Liquid Biofuels

Algae biofuel is a carbon neutral alternative to fossil fuels, the main source of carbon dioxide emissions. Biocrude can be extracted from algae through hydrothermal liquefaction and higher percentages of carbon and hydrogen result in higher quality oil. The objective of the research is to upgrade algae-derived crude oil to determine which species of algae and catalyst will produce the highest quality biofuel product, as well as to establish algal-derived fuel as a competitive alternative to predominantly used fossil fuels. Using biofuel commercially will reduce the cost of production and ultimately decrease additional carbon emissions.