Hwai Chyuan Ong
University of Malaya, Malaysia
Title: Conversion of microalgal biomass to biochar using thermochemical conversion
Biography
Biography: Hwai Chyuan Ong
Abstract
Microalgal biomass is one of the suitable candidates for sustainable production of biofuels and other valuable green products such as biochar, biodiesel and bioethanol. Recently, microalgae are getting more research attention due to its applicability in biomass production and implications in carbon capture. Microalgae aid in the mitigation of greenhouse gases namely CO2 and this correspond to the reduction of global warming issue. With the high carbon fixing and photosynthetic efficiency, microalgae are beneficial for greenhouse gases emission reduction and simultaneous produce renewable feedstock for biofuels. Conversion of microalgal biomass into biochar is one of the approaches in context of bio-refinery where microalgal residue can be utilized for carbon sequestration or other applications. Thermochemical conversion, pyrolysis was used to produce a biochar yield of 26.9%. An alkaline pH value of microalgal biochar was determined and the H/C and O/C atomic ratios obtained were useful for application in carbon sequestration and soil. Microalgae biochar also revealed its potential as an alternative coal with the heating value of 23.42 MJ kg−1. The surface structure of microalgal biochar after pyrolysis can also be suggested for further application as bio-adsorbent. The production of microalgal biochar can be a potential approach towards microalgal bio-refinery for a sustainable environment.