Thermal and catalytic decomposition studies of microalgal residue using pyrolysis-GC/MS and TG/MS

The marine algal biomass is one of the most promising candidates for the raw material of sustainable biofuel production. Biofuels of different phases can be converted by bio- or thermochemical methods. In this study thermogravimetry/mass spectrometry (TG/MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) were used to analyze the main decomposition products of the deoiled algal cake (DAC). Two mesoporous silica catalysts (SBA-15 and FSM-16) were applied to modify the composition of the evolving gas phase products. The yield of the evolving volatile gas products was enhanced by the use of the SBA-15. This catalyst promoted the decomposition of the inorganic carbonates into carbon dioxide. The formation of hydrocarbons during the fast pyrolysis simple alcohol molecules were formed from the deoiled algal residue. The yields of the anhydro-sugar derivatives were strongly affected by the presence of both catalysts. The intensity of the aromatic and aliphatic decomposition products were influenced by the catalytic decomposition procedure