A New Method of Converting Algal Oil to Transportation Fuels
Scientists from Japan have developed a new method of converting algal oil to transportation fuels. Squalene, which is produced by microalgae, could be converted to jet fuel or gasoline by this method.
The method uses ruthenium as a catalyst supported on cerium oxide. In the presence of this catalyst, squalane, obtained from squalene, reacts with hydrogen to form smaller hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons do not contain toxic aromatics and have high stability and low freezing points.