Handbook of Biofuels Production, 2nd Edition

22

Algae for biofuels

An emerging feedstock

Z. Sun^a,1, J. Liu^a,2,  and Z.-G. Zhou^1     1Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China     ²Peking University, Beijing, China

Abstract

Microalgae, or microphytes, refer to a subgroup of algae with microscopic size and high photosynthetic efficiency. In recent years, the exploitation of microalgae as a source of alternative energy has attracted worldwide attention. Properties like rapid growth rates, high biomass accumulation, and great oil productivity, in combination with CO₂ capture and recycling capacities, make microalgae the most promising cell factory for biofuel production with significant potential to beat the traditional sources such as agricultural crops. This chapter aims to give a mini review ...