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Optimised pyrolysis strategies for energy-dense bio-oil from Chlorella sp.

Gabriela F. Ferreira,James S. Hayward,M. Nelson,Daniel R. Slocombe,Jonathan K. Bartley

Published 2025 in Bioresource Technology

ABSTRACT

Microalgae are promising feedstocks for sustainable biofuels due to rapid growth, CO2 fixation, and non-reliance on arable land. This study investigates the pyrolysis of Chlorella sp. under non-catalytic, catalytic, and microwave-assisted configurations to optimise bio-oil composition and energy density. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions at 550 °C and 60 °C/min, yielding 43 wt% bio-oil. Catalytic pyrolysis with HZSM-5 and Na2CO3 improved deoxygenation and increased higher heating value (HHV) to 30.8 MJ/kg. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis at 80 W (∼80 W/g for 1 g sample) produced the best bio-oil, with 68.3 % C, 16.1 % O, and HHV of 33.4 MJ/kg. Carbon-rich biochar (∼80 wt% C) was also obtained, suitable for soil amendment or activation. Catalyst-dependent gas profiles were observed, with Na2CO3). Yielding 24.7 vol% H2. These results highlight the potential of tuning pyrolysis configuration to upgrade algal biomass without post-treatment. The study supports the development of drop-in microalgal biofuels and reinforces their role in circular, carbon-neutral energy systems.

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