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Exploring alkaline pre-treatment of microalgal biomass for bioethanol production

Author

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  • Harun, Razif
  • Jason, W.S.Y.
  • Cherrington, Tamara
  • Danquah, Michael K.

Abstract

We have investigated, for the first time, the alkaline pre-treatment of microalgal biomass, from the species Chlorococcum infusionum, using NaOH for bioethanol production. This pre-treatment step aims to release and breakdown entrapped polysaccharides in the microalgae cell walls into fermentable subunits. Three parameters were examined here; the concentration of NaOH, temperature and the pre-treatment time. The bioethanol concentration, glucose concentration and the cell size were studied in order to determine the effectiveness of the pre-treatment process. Microscopic analysis was performed to confirm cell rupturing, the highest glucose yield was determined to be 350mg/g, and the maximum bioethanol yield obtained was 0.26g ethanol/g algae using 0.75% (w/v) of NaOH and 120°C for 30min. Overall, the alkaline pre-treatment method proved to be promising option to pre-treat microalgal biomass for bioethanol production.

Suggested Citation

  • Harun, Razif & Jason, W.S.Y. & Cherrington, Tamara & Danquah, Michael K., 2011. "Exploring alkaline pre-treatment of microalgal biomass for bioethanol production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(10), pages 3464-3467.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:88:y:2011:i:10:p:3464-3467
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2010.10.048
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