Effect of operating conditions on yield and quality of biocrude during hydrothermal liquefaction of halophytic microalga Tetraselmis sp.

The biomass of halophytic microalga Tetraselmis sp. with 16%w/w solids was converted into biocrude by a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process in a batch reactor at different temperatures (310, 330, 350 and 370°C) and reaction times (5, 15, 30, 45 and 60min). The biocrude yield, elemental composition, energy density and severity parameter obtained at various reaction conditions were used to predict the optimum condition for maximum recovery of biocrude with improved quality. This study clearly indicated that the operating condition for obtaining maximum biocrude yield and ideal quality biocrude for refining were different. A maximum biocrude yield of ∼65wt% ash free dry weight (AFDW) was obtained at 350°C and 5min, with a severity parameter and energy density of 5.21 and ∼35MJ/kg, respectively. The treatment with 45min reaction time recorded ∼62wt% (AFDW) yield of biocrude with and energy density of ∼39MJ/kg and higher severity parameter of 7.53.

Chemical looping combustion of biomass-derived syngas using ceria-supported oxygen carriers.

Cu, Ni and Fe oxides supported on ceria were investigated for their performance as oxygen carriers during the chemical looping combustion of biomass-derived syngas. A complex gas mixture containing CO, H2, CO2, CH4 and other hydrocarbons was used to simulate the complex fuel gas environment derived from biomass gasification. Results show that the transfer of the stored oxygen into oxidants for the supported Cu and Ni oxides at 800°C for the combustion of syngas was effective (>85%). The unsupported Cu oxide showed high oxygen carrying capacity but particle sintering was observed at 800°C. A reaction temperature of 950°C was required for the supported Fe oxides to transfer the stored oxygen into oxidants effectively. Also, for the complex fuel gas environment, the supported Ni oxide was somewhat effective in reforming CH4 and other light hydrocarbons into CO, which may have benefits for the reduction of tar produced during biomass pyrolysis.

Characterization of ent-kaurene oxidase activity from Gibberella fujikuroi.

Cell extracts of wild-type and mutant strains of Gibberella fujikuroi were assayed for kaurene oxidase activity, using ent-[3H]kaurene as the substrate. Extracts from strain SG78 exhibited the highest specific activity, and were used in subsequent experiments. The microsomal enzyme activity was solubilized with buffers or salt solutions at a concentration of 400 mM. Both the soluble and microsomal preparations showed characteristic cytochrome P-450 spectra, ligand binding spectra with the substrate and with the plant growth regulator, paclobutrazol, and inhibition of enzymic activity by carbon monoxide. The addition of 20% glycerol to the extraction buffer stabilized the activity to some extent. Loss of enzymic activity on storage was accompanied by conversion of P-450 to P-420. Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters for the membrane-bound and soluble enzyme have been estimated, as have constants for the binding of ent-kaurene and paclobutrazol to the P-450 and P-420 forms of the protein.