Nanoparticle applications in Algal-biorefinery for biofuel production

Abstract

Rapidly depleting fossil fuel resources and rising greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated the search for cost-effective renewable energy sources . Algal feedstock has long been touted as a potential source of several biofuels because of its renewable and sustainable features. However, despite ongoing efforts to develop low-cost technology and improve economic feasibility, biofuels derived from algae are still not yet commercially viable. Multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) have been proposed as a strategy to enhance the prospect of commercializing algal-based biofuels. NPs synthesized by various routes can support different stages of algal biorefinery. Improvement of 20–30 % cell growth, 80–99 % harvesting efficiency, enhanced product extraction, and ∼85–99 % conversion were achievable with NPs addition. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current and significant applications of NPs in the production of different algal-based biofuels such as biodiesel , bioethanol , biohydrogen, biogas , bioelectricity , and jet biofuel as well as in the implementation of algal biorefinery. The challenges, future trends, and the roadmap for further improvements in NP-assisted algal biofuels are also highlighted. Overall, this comprehensive review will help in understanding the recent advanced applications of nanoparticles in the production of algal biofuels. • The production cost of algal biofuels is the key challenge for commercialization. • Incorporation of nanoparticles to improve the economics of a biorefinery. • Improvement of 20–30 % cell growth and 80–99 % harvesting efficiency achievable. • Nano-additives enhance algal biofuels yield and quality. • Carbon-based nanobiocatalysts as promising green route of biofuel production.