2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
(67a) Invited Talk: Microalgae As the Platform for Carbon Capture/Utilization and Circular Economy - Opportunities and Challenges
Author
Chang, J. S. - Presenter, National Cheng Kung University
Microalgae possess the ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis, converting it into microalgal biomass. Moreover, they exhibit promise in capturing CO2 emissions from various sources, including industrial flue gases, biogas, and fermentation off-gases. Thus, they serve as a valuable tool for carbon capture and utilization (CCU), playing a crucial role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The microalgal biomass obtained from these processes contains functional components suitable for the production of biofuels, bio-based chemicals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Microalgae are also renowned for their capacity to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater through uptake and assimilation. Moreover, consortia of microalgae and bacteria have demonstrated high efficiency in remediating various types of wastewater, laying the groundwork for establishing an algal-based circular economy model. Nevertheless, the commercialization of microalgae-based products faces challenges, notably the high costs associated with cultivating and harvesting their biomass, as well as the substantial land requirements for microalgae-based carbon capture, posing critical practical hurdles. This talk will explore the potential of cultivating microalgae by harnessing various CO2 sources and sustainable nutrient resources. The current opportunities and challenges in their implementation will be addressed. Innovative technologies employed for effective CO2 capture with microalgae, such as integrating chemical CO2 absorption with biofixation, will be highlighted. Furthermore, the processes involved in converting the obtained microalgal biomass into value-added products will be discussed.