Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on the properties of bio-oil

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the ultrasonic pretreatment of bio-oil produced from the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae. Ultrasonic pretreatment would increase the viscosity of the bio-oil. Time was the most influential factor affecting the viscosity of the bio-oil and increasing the time significantly increased the viscosity of the bio-oil. Ultrasonic pretreatment could increase the H/C molar ratio of the bio-oil. Ultrasonic frequency has little effect on the properties of the bio-oil. Basically, the pretreated bio-oil produced at a higher temperature, longer reaction time, higher frequency, and higher power contained lower N. However, contrary results were observed for the O content.

KEYWORDS:

• Bio-oil
• hydrothermal liquefaction
• microalgae
• pretreatment
• ultrasound

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-775) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Henan Province (NSFRF140205).

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-775) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Henan Province (NSFRF140205).