A review of different technologies to produce fuel from microalgal feedstock

Abstract

In present times, non-renewable energy resources are dwindling at a faster rate. It has, therefore, become very essential to develop new alternative sources of energy to overcome this problem. The use of microalgae and its biomass as a starting material has received much interest in recent years because of its eco-friendly nature, biodegradability and lower net carbon cycle and these features are in sharp contrast with those of conventional petroleum fuels. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms which accumulate chemical energy during their vegetative propagation. Utilizing these microalgae as a feedstock to produce renewable fuel is an emerging trend. The present work starts with a discussion on the different culturing techniques followed by an in-depth evaluation of the various processes that use microalgae and its biomass for biofuel production. This review also gives a glance of the current scenario and the merits and demerits of every process. The entire process of developing biofuel from algal mass is being carried out at research level. More works are yet to be conducted to overcome the difficulties in implementing the process of full-fledged exploitation of micro-algae for biofuel production at industry level. • Review on techniques for culturing microalgae to facilitate production of biofuel. • Reviews different processes for using microalgae and its biomass for biofuel production. • Discussion on current trends, merits and demerits of every process. • Discussion on future prospects of using microalgae as a potential source of biofuel.