Catalytic flash pyrolysis of Monoraphidium sp. before and after lipid extraction

The use of biomass from Monoraphidium sp. microalgae before and after lipid extraction was investigated using flash catalytic pyrolysis to generate a bio-oil with improved characteristics. The biomass was obtained from intensive outdoor crops and exhibited an attractive biochemical composition to be used in thermochemical processes with high protein and carbohydrate content remaining after lipid extraction. Flash pyrolysis of biomass before and after extraction was developed at 500 °C in an analytical micro-pyrolyzer coupled to a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) instrument and the pyrolysis vapors were transported to a catalytic bed at 300 °C. Pyrolysis vapors were improved in the catalytic pyrolysis using zeolite HZSM-5 which promoted the deoxygenation and complete denitrogenation of the products. Furthermore, the formation of aromatics in the biomass was increased before and after extraction to 87.45% and 95.08%, respectively, thus demonstrating the potential of this process to generate a high quality bio-oil which can be used in several applications in chemical and fuel industries. •Valuation of the by-product of lipid extraction from Monoraphidium sp.•Renewable hydrocarbons through flash pyrolysis of Monoraphidium after lipidic extraction•Lipid-free biomass pyrolysis products show higher yield of alkanes and aromatics.•Bio-oil rich in aromatic compounds