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Nanotechnology for improved production of algal biofuels: a review

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Abstract

Fossil fuel depletion and carbon dioxide emissions are calling for carbon neutral energies such as algal biofuels, yet actual production of agal biofuels is limited by costly and energy-intensive manufacturing. This issue could be partly solved by adding nanomaterials to algal cultures in order to increase algal growth and lipid content, and to enhance lipid extraction. Here we review nanotechnologies to improve biofuel production from microalgae. We discuss microalgae as a source of fuel, food supplements, and CO2 for biorefineries that produce biomethane, biohydrogen, and bioethanol. Then we compare nanocatalysts for biodiesel production with enzymatic catalysts. The major nanomaterials used are metallic, magnetic, metal oxide or acid-functionalised nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes.

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Funding

The authors acknowledge the support of ANID through the project ANID/FONDAP/15110019. This work was also supported by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, Malaysia [FRGS/1/2019/STG05/UNIM/02/2], MyPAIR-PHC-Hibiscus Grant [MyPAIR/1/2020/STG05/UNIM/1] and Kurita Water and Environment Foundation.

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All authors contributed to the review and writing and resources. ST, SR, and LG were involved in the conceptualisation; DTT and NKN were involved in the validation; ST, DTT, and NKN contributed to the visualisation; ST and LG contributed to writing—original draft preparation; SR, KWC, and HDT helped in writing—review and editing; SR, PLS acquired the funding; KWC, HDT, and PLS contributed to the resources; SR and PLS contributed to the supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript

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Correspondence to Saravanan Rajendran or Pau Loke Show.

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Thanigaivel, S., Rajendran, S., Gnanasekaran, L. et al. Nanotechnology for improved production of algal biofuels: a review. Environ Chem Lett 21, 821–837 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01529-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01529-3

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