Algae-based fuel could power vehicles of the future

Jan 23, 2012, 3:06 GMT

Munich - Algae-based fuel could power motor vehicles in the future, according to scientists at Munich Technical University (TUM) in Germany.

Professor Johannes Lercher and members of his team from TUM's chemistry department have developed a new catalytic process that they say allows the effective conversion of biopetroleum from microalgae into diesel fuels. The process was presented in the most recent issue of the German journal Angewandte Chemie (Applied Chemistry).

Experiments aimed at producing biofuel from algae are currently being conducted worldwide because algae can be cultivated anywhere and grow very quickly -- even in industrial wastewater. Previously known methods for refining oil from microalgae have various disadvantages. Among other things, the fuel has very high oxygen and poor flow properties at low temperatures.

The Munich scientists have now proposed a new process using a novel catalyst of nickel on a porous support material. 'The products are diesel-range saturated hydrocarbons that are suitable for use as high-grade fuels for vehicles,' Lercher said. Leftover algae from fuel production could be used as fertilizer to cultivate more algae.

The TUM project was supported by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). In a world first, a twin-engine airplane running on biofuel from microalgae took off at the Berlin Air Show two years ago. EADS spokesman Gregor von Kursell said new ways now had to be found to make algae-based fuel profitable.