Preface
As the world takes steps to improve our energy security, biofuel sources are more
important than ever. One of the energy vectors of the future is microalgae, small
aquatic organisms that convert sunlight into biomolecules with high energy value.
Scientists throughout the world are researching the best strains of microalgae and
developing the most efficient processing practices. This book shows how energy is
potentially produced from microalgae and converted into sustainable biofuels.
Divided into fourteen parts, the book explores the microalgal production systems, process integration and process intensification applied to microalgal biofuels
production, microalgae biorefineries for energy and coproducts production, life
cycle assessment and exergy analysis of biofuels from microalgae, the bioeconomy
of microalgal biofuels and the main fuel products obtained from microalgae (biodiesel, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biomethane, and volatile organic compounds).
Additionally, a topic on recent patents on biofuels from microalgae is included,
summarizing a range of technological routes and energy products, and outlines
future developments.
Given the book’s breadth of coverage and extensive bibliography, it offers an
essential resource for researchers and industry professionals working in green
energy and technology.
Santa Maria, Brazil
Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
Santa Maria, Brazil
Leila Queiroz Zepka
Rio Grande, Brazil
Maria Isabel Queiroz
v
As the world takes steps to improve our energy security, biofuel sources are more
important than ever. One of the energy vectors of the future is microalgae, small
aquatic organisms that convert sunlight into biomolecules with high energy value.
Scientists throughout the world are researching the best strains of microalgae and
developing the most efficient processing practices. This book shows how energy is
potentially produced from microalgae and converted into sustainable biofuels.
Divided into fourteen parts, the book explores the microalgal production systems, process integration and process intensification applied to microalgal biofuels
production, microalgae biorefineries for energy and coproducts production, life
cycle assessment and exergy analysis of biofuels from microalgae, the bioeconomy
of microalgal biofuels and the main fuel products obtained from microalgae (biodiesel, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biomethane, and volatile organic compounds).
Additionally, a topic on recent patents on biofuels from microalgae is included,
summarizing a range of technological routes and energy products, and outlines
future developments.
Given the book’s breadth of coverage and extensive bibliography, it offers an
essential resource for researchers and industry professionals working in green
energy and technology.
Santa Maria, Brazil
Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
Santa Maria, Brazil
Leila Queiroz Zepka
Rio Grande, Brazil
Maria Isabel Queiroz
v