MICROALGAESAF - Biofuels production through microalgae biomass pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading
Lead Research Organisation:
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
This project aims to develop sustainable catalysts to produce biofuels for aviation and transportation from microalgae biomass by upgrading the bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis using hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and to assess the environmental impact of the entire process. Lipid-derived biofuels have a higher energy density than other biofuels and could more easily provide renewable energy equivalent to conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading are promising processes to produce biofuels from microalgal biomass that are commutable with current engines. Novel catalytic processes will be tested using: (1) biochar that acts as energy susceptor in microwave-assisted pyrolysis to increase the bio-oil fraction and (2) molybdates as low cost alternatives to PGM HDO catalysts to convert oxygenated compounds in bio-oil to hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen. Aviation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, hence the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels to meet net-zero targets by 2030. To support the study of new technologies with quantitative data on a larger scale, life cycle assessment (LCA) will be conducted.
This project will be carried out at Cardiff University with Dr. Jonathan K. Bartley as supervisor, who is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI), School of Chemistry. Aiming to become an independent researcher, the candidate has set three objectives as a fellow: (1) practical skills training, (2) improving supervision skills, and (3) applying for grant funding. To reach the first goal, the researcher will have access to a variety of equipment training at CCI, to learn new techniques and develop skills in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. In addition, the candidate will attend a LCA course to later provide a workshop. Lastly, the researcher will be encouraged to support and co-supervise students and plans to apply for R&I funding by Horizon Europe.
This project will be carried out at Cardiff University with Dr. Jonathan K. Bartley as supervisor, who is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI), School of Chemistry. Aiming to become an independent researcher, the candidate has set three objectives as a fellow: (1) practical skills training, (2) improving supervision skills, and (3) applying for grant funding. To reach the first goal, the researcher will have access to a variety of equipment training at CCI, to learn new techniques and develop skills in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. In addition, the candidate will attend a LCA course to later provide a workshop. Lastly, the researcher will be encouraged to support and co-supervise students and plans to apply for R&I funding by Horizon Europe.
| Description | The project has made significant advances toward developing greener processes for biofuels production, particularly through the use of microwave-assisted pyrolysis for microalgae biomass conversion. Initial experimental results suggest that microwave-assisted heating improves energy efficiency and enhances bio-oil yield and quality, with optimized catalytic conditions leading to reduced oxygen content and increased hydrocarbon fractions. Although the research is ongoing, key objectives have been met in optimising reaction parameters and catalyst selection. A publication detailing these findings is expected in the first semester of 2025, as the work has been accepted for presentation at EUBCE 2025, which includes an associated conference publication. Future work will focus on refining product quality and assessing scalability for industrial applications. These findings will be taken forward through further experimental validation, collaborations with engineering researchers, and potential industrial partnerships. The collaboration with Prof. Daniel Slocombe (Cardiff University, School of Engineering) is expected to support the development of reactor design improvements and process efficiency assessments, strengthening the project's impact on sustainable fuel technologies. |
| Exploitation Route | As results continue to develop, this work has the potential to influence both industrial and academic approaches to biofuel production, aligning with sustainability targets and contributing to long-term decarbonization strategies. |
| Sectors | Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Transport |
| Description | This research contributes to global efforts toward sustainable energy by improving biofuel production methods. The adoption of microwave-assisted pyrolysis presents a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional thermal processes, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resource efficiency in biomass valorisation. While the project is still in progress, its impact is already being realized through knowledge transfer and capacity building. The supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research, particularly training in catalysis, characterization techniques, and lab skills, has strengthened research capabilities in the bioenergy sector. The project has also facilitated new academic collaborations, including the partnership with Cardiff University, which will help advance future biofuel process development. A key milestone will be the publication of the first paper, expected in the first semester of 2025, following the EUBCE 2025 presentation and associated conference proceedings. As results continue to develop, this work has the potential to influence both industrial and academic approaches to biofuel production, aligning with sustainability targets and contributing to long-term decarbonization strategies. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Energy |
| Description | Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass and Algae - Unicamp and Cardiff Collaboration |
| Organisation | State University of Campinas |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration supports the experimental validation of biomass and algae co-pyrolysis for biofuel and bioproduct development. Our contributions include: Providing experimental infrastructure at Cardiff University for pyrolysis tests; Training the FAPESP-funded student in fixed-bed pyrolysis reactor operation; Supporting biochar characterization using SEM-EDS, CHNS, and BET surface area analysis; Assisting in the validation of Unicamp's pyrolysis simulation models with real experimental data. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. Ingrid Motta's team at Unicamp is developing a simulation-based model to predict pyrolysis outcomes. Guilherme Iureschi's work involves comparing bio-oil and biochar yields from sugarcane residues, eucalyptus, and algae. The Unicamp team will integrate Cardiff's experimental results to refine and improve their computational pyrolysis simulations. |
| Impact | Guilherme Iureschi has been awarded a BEPE-IC scholarship by FAPESP to conduct a research internship at Cardiff University, focusing on experimental co-pyrolysis tests. The following outcomes are expected from the work: Experimental data supporting Unicamp's pyrolysis simulation models. New insights into biochar properties and applications. Improved understanding of co-pyrolysis interactions between lignocellulosic biomass and algae. The collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving Chemical Engineering (thermochemical process modelling and simulation) and Chemistry (catalysis, materials science). |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Microwave Pyrolysis for Biofuels - Research Partnership |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I initiated this collaboration to advance research on microwave-assisted pyrolysis for biofuel production, with a focus on catalyst optimization, reaction efficiency, and product characterization. Our key contributions include: - Developing optimized microwave-assisted reaction protocols for improving bio-oil yield and quality. - Characterizing reaction products using techniques such as GC-MS, SEM-EDS, and CHNS analysis to assess composition and fuel properties. - Investigating catalyst interactions under microwave conditions to enhance reaction efficiency. - Training and mentoring students in laboratory techniques for biofuel research. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. Slocombe brings expertise in microwave reactor technology and reaction engineering, contributing to: - Providing access to specialized microwave reaction systems for biofuel studies. - Enhancing process modelling and optimization to improve energy efficiency in microwave-assisted pyrolysis. - Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration between chemical sciences and engineering for sustainable biofuel development. |
| Impact | New insights into microwave-assisted pyrolysis mechanisms for biofuel production. Refinement of reaction conditions to improve process efficiency and scalability. Interdisciplinary research expansion, bridging chemistry, engineering, and renewable energy. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Undergraduate Research Supervision - BSc Dissertation (Dylan, 2024) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | As part of my research on biofuels and sustainability, I supervised Dylan, a BSc student, during his undergraduate dissertation. I provided training in catalysis, characterization techniques, and essential laboratory skills, supporting his development in experimental research and data analysis. The goal was to enhance his technical expertise in renewable energy research and prepare him for future academic or industry roles. The project was successfully completed and approved, reinforcing the value of undergraduate engagement in sustainability-driven research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |