Hydrothermal liquefaction for algal biorefinery: A critical review

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has recently received increasing attention due to its advantages in rapid reaction, using wet feedstocks with no lipid-content restriction. These characteristics make HTL especially suitable for conversion of algae into biocrude oil. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of HTL technologies from a perspective of algal biorefinery. In this review, we first summarize the updated researches and technologies of algae HTL. Specially, an “Environmental-Enhancing Energy” (E2E) paradigm based on algal biorefinery has been proposed and discussed. Second, the principles and crucial factors for algae HTL are discussed with focus on (1) algae species and characteristics including lipids, proteins and carbohydrates; (2) the operational parameters including total solids, holding temperature, retention time and catalysts; and (3) the critical principles of HTL reaction and the role of deoxygenation and denitrogenation. In addition, potential applications of HTL are discussed. Prospective and challenges of HTL for algal biorefinery are finally addressed including feedstock preparation, scale-up of algae HTL, and process integration.