Taiwanese researchers develop nanoparticle to achieve high biodiesel yield from algae

A research team from National Taiwan University have formulated a synthetic nanoparticle that is able to extract oil from algae and turn it into biodiesel.

The team, led by NTU chemistry professor Wu Chia-wen, synthesised a magnetic nanoparticle for harvesting microalgae, extracting algae oil, and converting the oil’s fatty acids into a methyl ester, which is used in biodiesel.

‘The team used iron oxide and silicon dioxide to form nanoparticles, which, when applied to algae solution, magnetically attract algae and convert their fat into biodiesel with an alkaline-based catalyst,’ Wu said.

Traditional algae-harvesting methods require large amounts of energy to break down cell walls, but the team’s nanoparticles effectively convert algae oil to biodiesel with a maximum yield of 97.1% of the oil’s fatty acid methyl esters, compared with existing methods which yield less than 60%.

Microalgae contain the highest fat content among biomaterials commonly used to produce biofuel, so microalgae has replaced corn and barley as a favoured source for the industry.

Referring to the past few years’ food safety and tainted oil scandals, NTU president Yang Pan-chyr says nanoparticles can also turn waste cooking oil into biodiesel.

‘[The innovation was the result] of the NTU’s cooperation with Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science, a long-term project in the fields of energy, biomedicine, photonics and nanotechnology,’ Yang says.