Characterization of bio-oil and its sub-fractions from pyrolysis of Scenedesmus dimorphus

• Microalgae Scenedesmus dimorphus was reported for alternate energy generation.
• Pyrolysis was investigated for microalgae sample Scenedesmus dimorphus at 300–600 °C.
• Characterization ensures feasibility of biofuel production (Bio-oil).
• Carbon sequestration and recalcitrance for biochar were determined.

In the present study, microalgae Scenedesmus dimorphus was reported for pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor to determine the effects of temperature on products yield and the chemical compositions of the liquid and solid products. Experiments were carried out at a temperature range of 300–600 °C with heating rate of 40 °C/min and nitrogen flow rate of 100 ml/min. The yield of bio-oil was found to be maximum (39.6%) at the temperature of 500 °C and was further fractionated into n-hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate and methanol sub-fractions by using liquid column chromatography. Various characteristics of bio-oil and its sub-fractions were determined by 1H NMR, FTIR and GC–MS. The biochar produced as a co-product can be a potential soil amendment with multiple benefits including soil fertility and C-sequestration. The present investigation suggests the suitability of Scenedesmus dimorphus as a potential feedstock for exploitation of energy and biomaterials through pyrolytic conversion.

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