Enhanced biofuel production from Nannochloropsis sp. via microwave-assisted extraction in-Situ transesterification using CaO/hydrotalcite catalyst

The increasing demand for renewable energy has driven the exploration of efficient and sustainable biofuel production methods. The present study investigates the technology of in situ transesterification using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of microalgae Nannochloropsis sp to produce biodiesel on a lab scale. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, EDAX, and BET methods. The optimum yield produced from the ratio of microalgae ( Nannochloropsis sp.) to solvent (methanol) by 1:25 (17.8%); the ratio of additional catalyst of CaO/Hydrotalcite to microalgae was 4 wt%; and reaction time variation of 20 minutes with 350 watts of microwave power and 10mL of n-hexane. Meanwhile, the results of the GC-MS analysis on the highest yield of crude biodiesel showed n-paraffin at 62.42%area. These findings highlight the potential of methods for large-scale biofuel production, offering an effective performance and environmental friendly alternative to conventional biodiesel synthesis. • Applying a CaO/hydrotalcite catalyst and MAE, a 17.8% biodiesel production was optimized. • Biodiesel contains 62.42% n-paraffin, indicating high hydrocarbon purity. • The single-step MAE technique saves energy and time while producing biodiesel. • Enhances industrial use by ensuring catalyst stability and reusability.