Co-pyrolysis of plastic waste and macroalgae Ulva lactuca, a sustainable valorization approach towards the production of bio-oil and biochar

• Published in: Results in Engineering
• Main Author: Farobie O.; Amrullah A.; Fatriasari W.; Nandiyanto A.B.D.; Ernawati L.; Karnjanakom S.; Lee S.H.; Selvasembian R.; Azelee N.I.W.; Aziz M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V. 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85206244128&doi=10.1016%2fj.rineng.2024.103098&partnerID=40&md5=b45f506798e7c0a54350b5b53e0f0a29

To address the pressing demand for sustainable energy in light of environmental challenges, this study explored the synergetic effects of the co-pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Ulva lactuca macroalgae to yield bio-oil and biochar. The objective is to enhance the bio-oil quality for wider usability and to combat marine pollution. By employing co-pyrolysis, notable progress has been achieved in bio-oil yield and quality, particularly in hydrocarbon content, through the integration of PET. The highest bio-oil yield of 37.91 % was achieved under optimal conditions at 500 °C with a feedstock mixture consisting of 40 % U. lactuca and 60 % PET. Under these conditions, the bio-oil exhibited a significant increase in hydrocarbon content, reaching 57.16 %, which is essential for improving its energy potential. Biochar quality was also enhanced, with the biochar from a 70 % U. lactuca and 30 % PET blend showing a BET surface area of 20.18 m2/g, compared to the initial 1.38 m2/g of raw U. lactuca, indicating improved surface properties. This study presents a sustainable energy generation and environmental preservation approach, underscoring the potential of synergistically utilizing marine resources and plastic waste. © 2024 The Authors