Energy Reports (Nov 2023)
Bio-oil from microalgae: Materials, production, technique, and future
Abstract
Because of its low environmental impact and high production, microalgae bio-oil has quickly become a popular renewable fuel option. The process utilizes microalgae which are readily available in nature to produce an alternative to fossil fuel. Although microalgal bio-oil production mechanisms have been previously reviewed in recent studies, comparatively few of them emphasize the significance of algal bio-oil production through all available bio-oil conversion mechanisms from microalgae. Here we review the available and common bio-oil conversion processes from microalgae, bio-oil upgrading, and the commercial aspects of its utilization. The most efficient route to bio-oil production can be identified by analysing both the biomass feedstock and the final product. For example, pyrolysis can produce high-energy bio-oil, but it also produces large amounts of char and gas. Although hydrothermal liquefaction and gasification are more complex and costly, they have the potential to produce bio-oil with greater consistency. However, the expense of using bio-oil in a commercial context is a major concern. The cost of producing bio-oil from microalgae is typically higher than that of producing conventional fossil fuels. Several factors, including cost, availability, and necessary infrastructure, contribute to the uncertainty of bio-oil’s commercial feasibility. With the constant improvements in technology and government support, however, bio-oil has the potential to emerge as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
