Microwave-assisted two-stage catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of Enteromorpha prolifera to produce furfural

Abstract

To solve the increasingly energy shortage problem, the development of bioenergy from algal biomass has attracted much attention. Besides, algal blooms have caused serious environmental problems. The main purpose of this work is to produce furfural from hydrothermal liquefaction of Enteromorpha prolifera. The effects of reaction conditions (reaction temperature and reaction time) and catalyst types on furfural content are investigated. HZSM-5 catalysts modified with organic base TPAOH and composite catalysts loaded with Ni based on base modification are constructed. The results show that the highest furfural content of 45.4 %. The optimum reaction conditions are a reaction temperature of 180 °C, a reaction time of 30 min, and the catalyst selected is HZSM-5 modified with 1 mol/L TPAOH loaded with 5 wt% Ni. Response surface analysis is used to establish the relationship between furfural content and influencing factors. The results show that Ni loading is the most significant factor affecting furfural content.