Microalgae can be converted to an energy-dense bio-oil via pyrolysis; however, the relatively high nitrogen content of this bio-oil presents a challenge for its direct use as fuels. Therefore, hydrothermal pretreatment was employed to reduce the N content in Nannochloropsis oculata feedstock by removing proteins without requiring significant energy inputs. The effects of reaction conditions on ...

Microbial electrosynthesis of multi-carbon organic compounds is a promising novel technology for converting electricity into renewable organic molecules as well as for storing electrical energy. This project explored the breath of possible platform organisms to be used in this emerging technology and identified the potential as well as the limitations. Of the multiple microorganism and experime...

Cathodic and anodic overpotentials were measured using current interruption and AC impedance spectroscopy for two separate solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The fuel cells used yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the electrolyte, strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM) as the cathode, and a porous YSZ layer impregnated with copper and ceria as the anode. The Cu/CeO2/YSZ anode is active for the ...

Botryococcus braunii, a green colonial microalga, is an unusually rich renewable source of hydrocarbons and other chemicals. Hydrocarbons can constitute up to 75% of the dry mass of B. braunii. This review details the various facets of biotechnology of B. braunii, including its microbiology and physiology; production of hydrocarbons and other compounds by the alga; methods of culture; downstrea...

The green microalga Botryococcus braunii is considered a promising biofuel feedstock producer due to its prodigious accumulation of hydrocarbon oils that can be converted into fuels. B. braunii Race L produces the C40 tetraterpenoid hydrocarbon lycopadiene via an uncharacterized biosynthetic pathway. Structural similarities suggest this pathway follows a biosynthetic mechanism analogous to that...

A theoretical method for predicting the smoke point of pure hydrocarbon liquids is presented. The method is based on a structural group contributions approach and does not require any experimental procedures or information of fuel properties, other than the molecular structure of the fuel molecules. The proposed correlation is presented in the form of a multivariable regression. The average dev...

We propose a conceptual study of prototype strained hydrocarbon molecules as high energy density additives for hybrid rocket fuels to boost the performance of these rockets without compromising safety and reliability. Use of these additives could extend the range of applications for which hybrid rockets become an attractive alternative to conventional solid or liquid fuel rockets. The objective...

The massive consumption of fossil fuels and associated environmental issues are leading to an increased interest in alternative resources such as biofuels. The renewable biofuels can be upgraded from bio-oils that are derived from biomass pyrolysis. Catalytic cracking and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) are two of the most promising bio-oil upgrading processes for biofuel production. Heterogeneous cat...

The combustion and emission characteristics of ethyl levulinate (EL)– diesel blended fuels were investigated using engine bench tests. Blended fuels properties, including the kinematic viscosity (KV), density, EL proportions, oxygen content, cetane number (CN), and lower heating value (LHV) were considered. The combustion and emission characteristics of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), a...

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main gases produced by human activity and is responsible for the green house effect. Numerous routes for CO2 capture and reduction are currently under investigation. Another approach to mitigate the CO2 content in the atmosphere is to convert it into useful species such as hydrocarbon molecules that can be used for fuel. In this view, copper is one of the most...