Loofah-based microalgae and cyanobacteria biocomposites for intensifying carbon dioxide capture

摘要: Abstract Microalgae and cyanobacteria have been evaluated for biological CO2 capture from flue gases over 40 years; however, commercial open ponds photobioreactors suffer many drawbacks including a slow rate of high water usage. We evaluate an intensified 3D cell immobilisation approach with small demand, by coating latex binders onto defined surface area (947 m2 m−3) void space (81.78 ± 4.41 %) loofah sponge scaffolds, forming porous biocomposites three microalgae species; freshwater Chlorella vulgaris, marine Dunaliella salina Nannochloropsis oculata, two strains Synechococcus elongatus cyanobacteria. Binder toxicity adhesion screening protocols were established ahead eight weeks semi-batch six continuous fixation trials. Acrylic polyurethane effective microalgae, bio-based (Replebin®) suited The highest average net rates each species 0.17 0.01, 0.25 0.12 0.68 0.18 0.93 0.30 g g-1biomass d-1 C. D. salina, N. S. PCC 7942 CCAP 1479/1A respectively. This equates to predicted scaled systems up 340.11 110 tCO2 t-1biomass yr-1. Analysis the kinetics absorbtion SEM imaging suggests that cells embedded within polymer film covered scaffold. Biocomposites continuously fed 5% had lipid contents approaching 70 % dry weight. biocomposite shows promise intensify possible application in bioenergy carbon storage (BECCS).