Researchers Produce Two Biofuels from a Single Algae Species

A common algae commercially grown as fish food holds promise as a feedstock for both biodiesel and jet fuel, according to a new study published in the journal Energy & Fuels.

Researchers, led by Greg O'Neil of Western Washington University and Chris Reddy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, targeted the algal species Isochrysis since growers can produce it in large batches to make fish food. In addition, it has the ability to produce alkenones, compounds composed of long carbon chains with potential as a fuel source.

Biofuel researchers may have dismissed Isochrysis because its oil is a dark, sludgy solid at room temperature. This sludge is a result of the alkenones, which makes it a unique source of two distinct fuels. They devised a method to separate the fatty acid methyl esters, to be used for biodiesel production, and alkenones, which can be converted into jet fuel.

The team believes that producing two fuels from a single algae species holds some promise for its future commercialization.