Thermochemical Characterization of Algal Biomass

Thermochemical characterisation of algal biomass encompasses the systematic analysis of thermal degradation and energy conversion pathways of microalgae and macroalgae. Key properties such as moisture content, ash fraction, volatile matter and fixed carbon are determined through proximate and ultimate analyses. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal multi-stage decomposition behaviour, with primary devolatilisation yielding gases and bio-oils, and secondary reactions producing biochar and residual ash. Pyrolysis under inert atmosphere generates a spectrum of energy carriers, while gasification in controlled oxygen environments produces syngas rich in H₂, CO and CO₂. Reaction kinetics are studied via model-free and model-fitting methods to derive activation energies and reaction orders, supported by advanced modelling tools such as neural networks. Hydrothermal liquefaction offers an alternative route for wet biomass, converting lipids and carbohydrates into bio-crude. Global drivers include renewable energy demands, carbon sequestration, valorisation of seaweed blooms and integration with wastewater treatment. Practical applications range from power generation and fuel production to soil amendment and carbon trading. Ongoing challenges centre on feedstock heterogeneity, salt and mineral content, scale-up of reactors and optimisation of pre-treatment protocols.

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Thermochemical Characterization of Algal Biomass publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in thermochemical characterization of algal biomass across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): Measurement of mass change in a sample as temperature increases under controlled atmosphere.

Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, yielding biochar, bio-oil and gas.

Activation energy: Minimum energy threshold required to initiate a chemical transformation.

Biochar: Carbon-rich solid residue produced by pyrolysis of biomass.

Calorific value: Total energy released per unit mass upon complete combustion of a fuel.

Kinetics: Study of reaction rates and the mechanisms by which chemical reactions proceed.

References

1. Characterization and Analysis of Malaysian Macroalgae Biomass as Potential Feedstock for Bio-Oil Production. Energies (2019).
2. Bioenergetic valorization of Sargassum fluitans in the Mexican Caribbean: The determination of the calorific value and washing mechanism. AIMS Energy (2022).
3. Assessment of CO2 biofixation and bioenergy potential of microalga Gonium pectorale through its biomass pyrolysis, and elucidation of pyrolysis reaction via kinetics modeling and artificial neural network. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2022).