Thermochemical Conversion of Algae Waste via Catalytic Pyrolysis: RSM-Based Optimization of Operating Parameters

Abstract:

The increasing energy demand and environmental challenges associated with fossil fuel use highlight the need for renewable alternatives, with algal biomass offering promise due to its abundance, rapid growth, and carbon-neutral profile. While catalytic pyrolysis using ZSM-5 has shown potential in enhancing biofuel yield and quality, studies integrating process optimization for algae waste remain scarce. This research addresses this gap by investigating the catalytic pyrolysis of algae waste and optimizing operational parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). It was hypothesized that optimizing reaction temperature and catalyst loading would significantly improve product selectivity and yield. Experimental runs were designed using a central composite design (CCD), where algae waste was pyrolyzed at 400–600 °C with 4–6 wt% ZSM-5 catalyst. Product yields were quantified and analyzed through GC/MS, and statistical modeling was applied to evaluate parameter interactions. The results revealed that temperature and catalyst concentration strongly influenced product distribution, with bio-oil yields peaking at 15.77% around 475 °C and 5 wt% catalyst, while biochar and gas yields reached 32.39% and 55.89% under optimized conditions. The predictive models showed strong reliability (R² > 0.9), confirming their suitability for guiding process optimization. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of converting algae waste into valuable fuels and materials through catalytic pyrolysis, offering insights for scaling up algae-based biofuel technologies and contributing to sustainable energy development.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 38)
• Pages: 11-20
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-T313fT
• Online since: June 2026
• Authors: Apip Amrullah*, Arifah Pagis, Gymnasti Firda Rahmani, Obie Farobie, Agus Susanto, Rahmat Iman Mainil
• Keywords: Algae Waste, Catalytic Pyrolysis, Process Optimization, Product Distribution, Response Surface Methodology

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