001. Ahmad Galadima, OkiMuraza. Center of Research Excellence in Nanotechnology, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. Hydrothermal liquefaction of algae and bio-oil upgrading into liquid fuels: Role of heterogeneous catalysts. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2018, Vol. 81 (1), Pages: 1037 - 1048.

      The numerous challenges attributed to fossil fuels and the transformation of food crops for energy production necessitate the search for better energy options. Algae valorization via liquefaction under hydrothermal conditions is one of the re-ignited areas of interest for liquid fuels production. Their cultivation and processing feasibilities could infer good benefits for future energy sustainability. The paper explored the role of catalytic systems, especially the heterogeneous catalysts during the liquefaction process. Solid catalysts such as supported metals, zeolites and silica-alumina are so far given preference as catalytic materials for improving bio-oil and associated hydrocarbon fuels yields. The paper therefore analyzed critical literature on the process catalysis and simultaneously discussed new directions for further investigations.

Keywords: Algae, Hydrothermal liquefaction, Liquid fuels, Heterogeneous catalysts.