Renewable source hydrocarbons obtaining from microalgae by catalytic deoxygenation

Abstract

In line with global demand for greenhouse gas reduction, the aviation industry has invested in biofuels development. A source feedstock that deserves special mention for this process is microalgae, because of its cultivation of renewable biomass with high yields, low cost, and high CO2 sequestering potential. This research aimed the study of microalgae culture with hard potential for biofuel production and its obtaining through catalytic deoxygenation to renewable source hydrocarbons in C12–C18 range. Thus, the oils of the Scenedesmus acuminatus and Cosmarium sp. species were cultivated and identified. Scenedesmus acuminatus oil is the majority composition of palmitic acid (C16:0) and has a higher production and yield than Cosmarium sp. oil. Scenedesmus acuminatus oil was then submitted to catalytic deoxygenation by the semi-batch reaction using the 5% Pd/C catalyst. The obtained results showed a selectivity of 82.9% and n-alkane yielding of 36.6%, placing the specie as potential biojet fuel precursor.