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Results for “biofuels production”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Engineering of holocellulase in biomass-degrading fungi for sustainable biofuel production

Biofuels, such as bioethanol, are a clean and sustainable form of energy and have emerged as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Plant biomass is an important raw material for the production of clean and renewable energy. The holocellulose contained in the composition of plants may be broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose, which are fermented by yeast to produce bioethanol. The conversion of glucose polymers into fermentable sugars is accomplished by enzymes known as holocellulases, which are produced by lignocellulolytic fungi. These enzymes act synergistically for the efficient degradation of cellulose polymers, and the fine and coordinated regulation of this process is performed by transcription factors (TFs). TFs are regulatory proteins that bind to the promoter region of their target genes (CAZymes, sugar transporters, signaling proteins, other TFs, etc.) to induce or repress their transcription. This review aims to understand the main regulatory mechanisms involved in plant biomass degradation by the most studied lignocellulolytic fungi Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Neurospora crassa. In this context, the most studied TFs related to holocellulose degradation and genetic modification of TFs or promoters as a valuable tool to improve enzyme production for biotechnological purposes have been discussed. Furthermore, this review enables the expansion of knowledge on the regulation of the cellulolytic system of filamentous fungi and the application of this knowledge to the improvement of numerous bioproducts. Engineering TFs and promoters may yield more efficient strains that may be active in plant biomass hydrolysis. In this way, the technological processes for obtaining ethanol from lignocellulose may become more commercially viable.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improving the Productivity and Performance of Large-Scale Integrated Algal Systems for Wastewater Treatment and Biofuel Production

The goal of this project was to develop and demonstrate an integrated system for algal biofuel production system and wastewater treatment that can produce low-cost drop-in biofuels. Experimental data and techno-economic analysis showed the ability to produce drop-in biofuels from wastewater derived algal biomass at a cost of $3.32 and identified methods to further reduce costs. In particular, when accounting for wastewater treatment cost savings relative to conventional processes, the proposed integrated system can support a negative minimum fuel selling price. This means the normal costs of wastewater treatment are sufficient to cover all the costs of biofuel production with the integrated system.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Feasibility of Algal Biochar, a Byproduct of Biofuel Production, as a Supplemental Cementitious Material

Algal biochar, as the solid residue of biofuel production from algal biomass, is reported to explore disposition options, aiming to lessen the liability or obstacles to biofuel production processes. However, landfills and open combustion lead to adverse environmental impacts. One way to add value to such wastes is to use them as admixtures in cementitious construction materials. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of algae-derived biochar as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) at different water contents and mixture ratios. Algal biochar-cement composites were prepared with different algal biochar content as well as different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios, and the surface area, morphology, elemental, and mineralogical composition were characterized. To compensate for the high-water absorption of algal biochar, a small concentration of a superplasticizer was used since higher w/c ratios negatively impact strength. The mechanical performance of algal biochar-cement composites is compared with control composites using commercial silica fume as a typical commercial SCM. The findings suggest that algal biochar is a promising candidate to replace commercial SCM, like silica fume, since algal biochar-cement composites can reach comparable compressive strength and Young’s modulus to commercial pozzolan-cement materials with the same w/c ratio, though at later curing times, 33 days. Although the tensile strength of algal biochar-cement composites is statistically similar at 7 days, it is significantly lower at later curing times, and further investigation is required to improve this property. Algal biochar-based cement binders showed comparable embodied carbon to silica fume-based cement binders based on a cradle-to-gate lifecycle analysis. However, the ability of algal biochar to absorb large volumes of CO 2 over short periods of time, as measured in this study, makes this novel SCM an excellent alternative to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete structures cradle-to-grave at 1/10 of the cost. In conclusion, valorization of algae-derived solid waste provides great potential to reduce embodied carbon and brings credit to biofuel production and concrete-based construction.

algae-derived↗
DOE OSTI2025

pH adjustment increases biofuel production from inhibitory switchgrass hydrolysates

Biofuels derived from renewable and sustainable lignocellulosic biomass, such as switchgrass, offer a promising means to limit greenhouse gas emissions. However, switchgrass grown under drought conditions contains high levels of chemical compounds that inhibit microbial conversion to biofuels. Fermentation of drought switchgrass hydrolysates by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis results in lower ethanol production than does fermentation of hydrolyzed switchgrass from a typical rainfall year. Here, it is demonstrated that this inhibitory effect can be alleviated by altering the pH of drought switchgrass hydrolysates produced by two different pretreatment methods: Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX) and Soaking in Aqueous Ammonia (SAA). Fermentation rates and biofuel production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis were higher at pH 5.8 than at pH 5.0 from all feedstock years and following both pretreatment methods. SAA pretreatment of drought switchgrass furthermore enabled increased fermentation rates and biofuel titers compared to AFEX pretreatment. A synthetic mimic of switchgrass hydrolysate was developed and identified relief from pH-dependent inhibition by lignocellulose-derived inhibitors as the cause of increased biofuel production above a pH of 5.0. These results demonstrate that SAA pretreatment and pH adjustment can significantly improve fermentation and biofuel production from inhibitory feedstocks by industrial microorganisms.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utilization of microalgae for agricultural runoff remediation and sustainable biofuel production through an integrated biorefinery approach

Generally wastewater such agricultural runoff is considered a nuisance; however, it could be harnessed as a potential source of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in integrated biorefinery context. In the current study, microalgae Chlorella sp. S5 was used for bioremediation of agricultural runoff and the leftover algal biomass was used as a potential source for production of biofuels in an integrated biorefinery context. The microalgae Chlorella sp. S5 was cultivated on Blue Green (BG 11) medium and a comprehensive optimization of different parameters including phosphates, nitrates, and pH was carried out to acquire maximum algal biomass enriched with high lipids content. Dry biomass was quantified using the solvent extraction technique, while the identification of nitrates and phosphates in agricultural runoff was carried out using commercial kits. The algal extracted lipids (oils) were employed in enzymatic trans-esterification for biodiesel production using whole-cell biomass of Bacillus subtilis Q4 MZ841642. The resultant fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Subsequently, both the intact algal biomass and its lipid-depleted algal biomass were used for biogas production within a batch anaerobic digestion setup. Interestingly, Chlorella sp. S5 demonstrated a substantial reduction of 95% in nitrate and 91% in phosphate from agricultural runoff. The biodiesel derived from algal biomass exhibited a noteworthy total FAME content of 98.2%, meeting the quality standards set by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European union (EU) standards. Furthermore, the biomethane yields obtained from whole biomass and lipid-depleted biomass were 330.34 NmL/g VS added and 364.34 NmL/g VS added , respectively. In conclusion, the findings underscore the potent utility of Chlorella sp. S5 as a multi-faceted resource, proficiently employed in a sequential cascade for treating agricultural runoff, producing biodiesel, and generating biogas within the integrated biorefinery concept.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Technology Impact and Resource Assessment of Existing and Planned U.S. Biofuel Production: Life Cycle Water Consumption, Water Stress, Land Use, and Criteria Air Pollutants

Biofuels have the potential to strengthen the U.S. energy supply, enhance energy security, and promote economic development. As the United States continues to expand biofuel production, quantifying resource requirements and location-specific constraints is crucial for planning, siting, and technology development to support long-term viability. Accordingly, this work assesses the life cycle resource consumption (water consumption, and land use), water stress and criteria air pollutants associated with expanded U.S. biofuel production over the 2020–2035 period, based on producers’ plans. We perform a bottom-up technology impact assessment and resource assessment by integrating facility-level production statistics with Argonne’s Research and Development (R&D) GREET model and county-level water-stress characterization factors from Available Water Remaining for the United States (AWARE-US) model. Results suggest that by 2035, biofuels could meaningfully contribute to U.S. energy demand, driven primarily by first-generation and waste-based feedstocks with plans for substantial capacity expansion, although cellulosic and e-fuel technologies remain limited. However, growth must be managed to minimize impacts on water resources and land use. These impacts vary by fuel type and facility location, specifically, projected expansion increases water consumption and can elevate water-stress impacts in certain regions like Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Idaho, California and North Texas. Direct land use also increases overall, particularly for first-generation feedstocks such as corn and soybeans. These findings underscore the need for continued technological improvements and innovative strategies to manage resource demands as the industry scales and to support complementary deployment within the evolving U.S. energy system.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

The phycosphere and its role in algal biofuel production

Oleaginous microalgae have become a focus for large-scale biofuel production due to their ability to accumulate large quantities of lipids. However, production is currently limited by cost and predation. At present, algal biofuel cultivation is optimized through starvation, supplementing media with nutrients, or genetic engineering; these methods can often be costly with little to no increase in lipid production or the culture’s defense. Investigating the phycosphere of algal-bacterial interactions may overcome these current barriers to large-scale production. The phycosphere of algal-bacterial interactions have formed over millions of years through mutualistic and symbiotic relationships and can provide a more direct source of nutrients compared to adding the nutrients in bulk. The most promising of these interactions include the production of phytohormones and quorum signaling compounds that alter the behaviors of the consortia. Phytohormones can improve algal growth rates, lipid production, and stress resistance. Quorum signaling could create consortia capable of warding off invaders—such as rotifers—while self-regulating and altering behavior based on population density. Mechanisms within the algal phycosphere present many opportunities for the development of novel engineering strategies to further improve algal lipid production and operational costs. This review outlines previous preliminary phycosphere research as well as posing possible opportunities to be pursued in future biofuel production.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uncertainties in greenhouse gas emission factors: A comprehensive analysis of switchgrass‐based biofuel production

Abstract This study investigates uncertainties in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors related to switchgrass‐based biofuel production in Michigan. Using three life cycle assessment (LCA) databases—US lifecycle inventory (USLCI) database, GREET, and Ecoinvent—each with multiple versions, we recalculated the global warming intensity (GWI) and GHG mitigation potential in a static calculation. Employing Monte Carlo simulations along with local and global sensitivity analyses, we assess uncertainties and pinpoint key parameters influencing GWI. The convergence of results across our previous study, static calculations, and Monte Carlo simulations enhances the credibility of estimated GWI values. Static calculations, validated by Monte Carlo simulations, offer reasonable central tendencies, providing a robust foundation for policy considerations. However, the wider range observed in Monte Carlo simulations underscores the importance of potential variations and uncertainties in real‐world applications. Sensitivity analyses identify biofuel yield, GHG emissions of electricity, and soil organic carbon (SOC) change as pivotal parameters influencing GWI. Decreasing uncertainties in GWI may be achieved by making greater efforts to acquire more precise data on these parameters. Our study emphasizes the significance of considering diverse GHG factors and databases in GWI assessments and stresses the need for accurate electricity fuel mixes, crucial information for refining GWI assessments and informing strategies for sustainable biofuel production.

Kim, Seungdo↗
DOE OSTI2023

Improved Biofuel Production through Discovery and Engineering of Terpene Metabolism in Switchgrass

Project Objectives - Of the myriad specialized metabolites that plants deploy to adapt to environmental challenges, terpenes form the largest group. In many major crops, unique terpene blends serve as key stress defenses that directly impact plant fitness and yield. In addition, terpenes, such as bisabolene and pinene, are used for producing renewable biofuels. Essential to advancing a broader use of terpenes for biofuel feedstock engineering is a system-wide knowledge of the diverse biosynthetic machinery and defensive potential of often species-specific terpene blends. The proposed project would merge genome-wide enzyme discovery with comparative –omics, protein structural and plant microbiome studies to define the biosynthesis and stress-defensive functions of the switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) terpene network. These insights would be combined with developing and applying non-transgenic genome editing tools to design plants with desirable terpene blends for higher productivity and biofuel production on marginal lands. As a dedicated lignocellulosic feedstock for U.S. biofuel production with high net energy yield, stress tolerance, and available genome resources, switchgrass is well-suited for devising new avenues for biofuel production. Project Description – The diversity of plant terpene defenses is governed by species-specific families of terpene synthase (TPS) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) enzymes. Mining of the switchgrass genome (genotype Alamo) identified ~100 TPS and P450 candidate genes, and combinatorial biochemical analysis of synthesized TPSs and P450s revealed more than a dozen enzymes with common and novel activities. In addition, several identified terpene metabolites and the corresponding transcripts were up-regulated in response to abiotic stressors. These findings demonstrate a unique switchgrass terpene network with probable importance to abiotic stress tolerance, thus providing a large chemical portfolio for optimizing crop resistance, yield, and biofuel composition. Leveraging these preliminary data, we propose to generate a genome-wide map of the switchgrass terpene metabolic network through multi-gene co-expression analyses that allow the efficient cross-validation of TPS and P450 functions. Key enzymes would further be applied to structure-function studies via X-ray protein crystallography, homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis to gain mechanistic insight into the catalytic specificity of switchgrass terpene metabolism and provide gene and amino acid targets for genome editing. In tandem with terpene pathway discovery, system-wide metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics studies in switchgrass accessions of contrasting drought tolerance would define the role of switchgrass terpene metabolism in conferring abiotic stress resilience. Metabolic changes would be assessed in a combined approach of targeted (terpenes) and untargeted metabolite profiling using a high-resolution LC-MS/MS approach, differential gene expression analyses through multiplexed Illumina RNA sequencing, and quantitative analysis of high-priority pathway enzymes using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Drawing on these insights, knock-down/out mutants of stress-associated pathway nodes would be generated by optimizing transient virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 systems under control of the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV). The resulting mutant lines would then be analyzed for stress susceptibility and the impact on the root microbiome to define gene functions in planta. Knowledge of terpene pathways, enzyme mechanisms and bioactivities would be applied to enhance switchgrass stress resilience and to tailor-make terpene blends for biofuel production. Here, TRV-enabled CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, including allele-specific knock-out of redundant genes, engineering of enzyme specificity via structure-guided point mutations, and overexpression of terpene genes relevant to stress-protection or biofuel production, would be used to increase metabolic flux toward desired pathways. Broader Impacts - Integrating the system-wide discovery, mechanistic analysis and non-transgenic genome engineering of the switchgrass terpene network aligns the required steps to unlock the chemical potential of this important metabolite class to generate crops that are more resistant to stress and provide advanced biofuel production in light of rising climate pressures as foreseeable challenges for bioenergy crop cultivation. The proposed project would further offer interdisciplinary student training through active involvement in the project and integration of research concepts and outcomes into newly-developed graduate and undergraduate courses on Plant Biotechnology.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of integrated screening, cultivar optimization, and verification research (DISCOVR): A coordinated research-driven approach to improve microalgal productivity, composition, and culture stability for commercially viable biofuels production

To address major knowledge gaps and barriers to the commercial development of algal biomass for biofuels and co-products, a collaborative consortium, Development of Integrated Screening, Cultivar Optimization, and Verification Research (DISCOVR), was established in 2016. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), this consortium constitutes a partnership between four DOE national laboratories - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) - and the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI) at Arizona State University. To address the barriers of strain selection for achieving high seasonal productivities with a suitable composition and culture resilience, a tiered strain down-selection pipeline is implemented. At Tier I, the temperature and salinity tolerance of strains is determined in flask cultures; at Tier II, the areal biomass productivity and composition is determined in climate-simulation photobioreactors; at Tier III, the productivity and culture stability are determined in outdoor raceways. The top performing strains move forward to long-term testing at the algae testbed site at AzCATI to generate annual biomass productivity data. Concurrent to the strain down-selection in the DISCOVR pipeline, hypotheses for increasing biomass productivity, shifting biomass composition to enhance intrinsic value, and improving culture stability and resistance to pests are also tested. Techno-economic analyses are carried out to determine whether promising findings from laboratory studies or proposed modifications in outdoor pond cultivation conditions translate into reductions in the minimum biomass selling price (MBSP). Notably, in the three years following the launch of DISCOVR, annual biomass productivity has increased from 11.7 to 17.6 g m -2 day -1 , resulting in an MBSP decrease from 824 to 611 $ ton -1 .

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Viability of Reclaiming Municipal Wastewater for Potential Microalgae-Based Biofuel Production in the U.S.

Reclaimed municipal wastewater is a crucial component in biofuel production, especially in regions experiencing increasing freshwater scarcity. However, accurately estimating the potential for fuel production is challenging because of the uneven distribution of biofuel feedstock regions and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study assesses the viability of using reclaimed municipal water for algal biomass production in pond systems co-located with WWTPs under scenarios driven by biomass production and based on water transport logistics. We performed state- and county-level analysis of reclaimed water resources throughout the United States based on WWTP facility data. We overlaid these data onto estimated algae facility sites and examined the temporal resource availability to address seasonal variations in cultivation demand. Our findings reveal that 2694 billion liters per year of reclaimed water could potentially be used to produce 42.2 million metric tons (ash-free dry weight) of algal biomass, equivalent to 29.2 billion liters of renewable diesel equivalent (RDe). The use of reclaimed water would double current national water reuse and expand such reuse significantly in 455 counties across the United States. However, when we limit the construction of algae facilities to counties that can fully meet their water demand in order to minimize water transport burdens, the available supply decreases by 80%, to 512 billion liters, resulting in annual production of 12.2 billion liters of RDe, which still doubles current biodiesel production. Our analysis highlights the degree to which the location and flow of WWTPs and water transport affect the deployment of algae biofuel facilities and tradeoffs. These findings underscore the importance of improving the current WWTP infrastructure for reclaimed water reuse, especially in southern states.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Expansion of Carbon Calculator for Land Use and Land Management Change from Biofuels Production (CCLUB) to Address Induced Land Use Changes and Other Indirect Effects of Clean Fuel Production for R&D GREET ® 2024

Since the late 2000s, biofuel life-cycle analysis (LCA) has included induced land use change (ILUC) and other indirect effects (I-effects) of large-scale feedstock production for biofuels. In ILUC and I-effect emissions modeling, economic models are used to simulate the area of land conversion among different land types and other I-effects such as non-feedstock crop production and livestock production that are driven by the scenarios of biofuel production volume shocks. On the other hand, emission factors (EF) models estimate carbon stock changes and GHG emissions associated with these changes. Finally, the area and type of ILUC and I-effects are combined with the EFs to estimate the biofuel ILUC/I-effect GHG emissions in the unit of grams of CO 2 equivalent per MJ biofuel produced (g CO 2 e/MJ).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling uncertainties in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors related to switchgrass-based biofuel production

This study investigates uncertainties in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors related to switchgrass-based biofuel production in Michigan. Using three life cycle assessment (LCA) databases— US lifecycle inventory database (USLCI), GREET, and Ecoinvent—each with multiple versions, we recalculated the global warming intensity (GWI) and GHG mitigation potential in a static calculation. Employing Monte Carlo simulations along with local and global sensitivity analyses, we assess uncertainties and pinpoint key parameters influencing GWI.

greenhouse ga emmission↗
DOE OSTI2023

Supplementary spatial data for Available Land for Cellulosic Biofuel Production: A Supply Chain Centered Comparison

Collection of the underlying spatially explicit data for Available Land for Cellulosic Biofuel Production: A Supply Chain Centered Comparison. Includes raw biomass yield data and soil carbon sequestration potential data for three types of marginal land for the USA midwest at the field level including field areas. Collection also includes raw land rasters for the three types of marginal land, model parameters for the MILP model used in the study, and results used to generate the figures in the paper.

bioenergy landscape design↗
DOE OSTI2022

Direct Air Capture of CO 2 and Delivery to Photobioreactors for Algal Biofuel Production (Final Report)

A mobile DAC system was designed and constructed to pair with photobioreactors growing algae for biofuel production. The DAC system was designed as a versatile research system, rather than a compact production unit. The system was constructed and mounted on a mobile skid to facilitate transportation to the algae production site. Within the DAC system, CO 2 was captured using amine-loaded monoliths that allow for high CO 2 uptake with low pressure drop. The CO 2 is collected using a Global Thermostat patented temperature/vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. Amine sorbents and process conditions were optimized to produce 10 to >20 g CO 2 .h-1. The stability of the amine sorbents was also studied, with sorbent modifications made to improve stability to degradation by oxidation. An Algenol-developed Spirulina strain (Arthrospira platensis AB2293) was selected as the production cyanobacterial strain. AB2293 cultured was inoculum for outdoor production following PBR installation by Algenol. The PBR system was composed of three independent PBRs, with each PBR composed of four hanging bags internally recirculated by a liquid turnover pump. The PBRs were operated outdoors in Atlanta, GA, and integrated with the DAC system. Algae were grown with similar productivity using DAC-CO 2 as algae grown using pure CO 2 obtained commercially (Airgas). Throughout the experimental duration, no discoloration was observed, and cellular morphology was consistent between the two experimental treatments. An LCA including lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, full life cycle inventory of the Algenol system and the DAC system and integrated DAC+PBR system was developed. Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for capture of carbon dioxide using input from Global Thermostat and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Three scenarios for energy provision were evaluated: a natural gas combined heat and power system sized to meet the electricity requirement, a natural gas combined heat and power system sized to meet the process heat requirements, and a system without on-site power that procures the electricity from the grid. In all three cases, as expected, the major contributor to the emissions is the energy consumption associated with the desorption step of the DAC process. The LCA quantified the reduced potential energy and greenhouse gas emissions of heat and mass integration of DAC and Algenol compared to unintegrated DAC and Algenol systems. A life cycle assessment of the role of sorbent productivity and lifetime was also developed. The development of more robust, oxidation resistant DAC sorbents may enable small reductions in energy requirements and in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. NREL performed techno-economic analysis (TEA) to identify the integration scenario most likely to achieve a 15% cost reduction target versus the baseline. Heat and mass integration of DAC and the PBR is critical to minimizing the MFSP. The baseline case utilizes no heat and mass integration, and the DAC system provides 100% of the CO 2 required by the photobioreactors (20 tonnes/hr), operating for 12 hours/day capturing 40 tonnes CO 2 /operating hour. The minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of ethanol calculated from the baseline case was $10.68/gal ethanol. This corresponds with a targeted MFSP of $9.07/gal ethanol (or 15% reduction). This target was achieved by integration Option 2a with the greatest cost reduction of 17.8% (or $8.78/gal) and integration Option 2b with a cost reduction of 16.4% (or $8.93/gal). Reductions in MFSP are attributed to two primary process considerations: (a) CO 2 storage at night reduces the capital expenses associated with DAC (i.e., increasing on-stream time); and (b) distributed DAC scenarios (DAC-PBR integration Options 2a and 2b) make use of boiler and DAC CHP flue gas CO 2 (free). Direct air capture on-stream time was one of the largest contributors to MFSP reduction.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Biofuel production from palm oil deoxygenation using nickel-molybdenum on zirconia catalyst using glycerol as a hydrogen donor

The growing demand for renewable energy has generated interest in biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels. Second-generation biofuels, derived from deoxygenating fats and oils, have garnered a higher level of interest from industry and academia due to their potential for direct replacement of diesel and jet fuels. Palm oil, mostly cultivated in Thailand and composed of C16 and C18 fatty acids, is a primary feedstock sought for biofuel production. Palm oil deoxygenation contains several pathways that may or may not require hydrogen gas. This study aimed to produce biofuels in different fuel ranges, such as gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel, through palm oil deoxygenation using glycerol as a hydrogen source. Glycerol, a low-value byproduct, was used as a hydrogen donor, whereas nickel-molybdenum-supported catalysts were chosen for their high efficiency in deoxygenation and cost-effectiveness. The study investigated the impact of reaction time, temperature, and catalyst activation method on palm oil deoxygenation. Catalyst characterization methods, including XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, TGA, and nitrogen-sorption, were employed to understand the role of catalysts’ activity during palm oil upgrading. Findings indicated that alkane hydrocarbons are the major components in liquid products. The presence of excess hydrogen in post reaction gaseous phase proves the hydrogen donation capability of glycerol. Increased reaction time and temperature facilitated the removal of oxygen from palm oil. Nickel-molybdenum on zirconia activated by sulfidation demonstrated higher stability than by reduction activation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗