Characterization of microalgae biochar and dissemination of ALGECO results in ICAE 2023

Production of microalgae biochar was conducted by ALGECO project partner SINTEF Energy Research in 2023. In 2024, the produced microalgae biochar samples were further characterized using a combination of analytical tools, in terms of general properties, surface chemistry, contained inorganic phases, and microstructure, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a comparison of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses of three biochar samples produced at different temperatures. Indication of characteristic peaks on microalgae biochar produced at 350°C is also shown. These peaks are related to the functional groups on the surface of the produced biochar samples. Figure 3 shows the microstructure of the microalgae biochar produced at 350°C. The analyses were conducted to characterize microalgae biochar properties relevant to further upgrading and different applications. The preliminary results from the characterization of the microalgae biochar were presented as an oral presentation during the 15th International Conference of Applied Energy Dec 3-7, 2023.

Figure 1. Characterization of produced microalgae biochar samples.

Figure 2. FTIR spectra of microalgae biochar produced at different temperatures (left), and indication of characteristic peaks for biochar produced at 350°C (right).

Figure 3. Scanning electron microscopy image of microalgae biochar produced at 350°C.