Functionalized Fe3O4@silica core-shell nanoparticles as microalgae harvester and catalyst for biodiesel production

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Microalgae are a promising source for sustainable biodiesel production.
• Efficient harvesting and conversion of microalgae biomass are critical challenges.
• Core-shell magnetic nanoparticles offer potential for improved microalgae processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize triazabicyclodecene (TBD)-functionalized Fe3O4@silica magnetic nanoparticles.
• To evaluate their efficacy in harvesting microalgae.
• To assess their application in one-pot microalgae-to-fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of core-shell Fe3O4@silica magnetic nanoparticles.
• Functionalization with triazabicyclodecene (TBD).
• Optimization of reaction conditions for biodiesel production from various algae oil sources.

Main Results:

• TBD-functionalized Fe3O4@silica nanoparticles demonstrated effective microalgae harvesting.
• Maximum biodiesel yield of 97.1% achieved from algae oil conversion.
• Nanoparticles exhibited efficient adsorption and magnetic properties for harvesting.

Conclusions:

• TBD-functionalized Fe3O4@silica nanoparticles are effective catalysts for biodiesel production.
• The developed method offers a dual function for microalgae harvesting and conversion.
• This approach shows significant potential for producing liquid transportation fuels from algal biomass.