GC-MS Analysis of Algae-Based Biodiesel Blends

With the world needing more energy, finding cleaner and greener ways to power our lives has become a top priority. One exciting area that scientists are exploring is biofuels — fuels made from natural, renewable sources that are much kinder to the environment. Researchers have recently been looking at the algae Nannochloropsis sp. as a potential ingredient for making biodiesel. A study published in Scientific Reports¹ found that biodiesel made from the algae could be less harmful, work more efficiently, and produce fewer emissions compared to conventional fuels. To make sure this algae-based biodiesel was up to the task, the scientists involved in this research ran it through a series of advanced tests to check its chemical makeup and overall quality (including nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC-MS], and Fourier-transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopy), and the results were promising.

Why is Algae-Based Biodiesel a Promising and Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Fossil Fuels?

Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are putting stricter rules in place to cut down on carbon dioxide and other harmful gases released into the atmosphere to slow down climate change. A big part of the problem lies in the fuels we use to power our cars and vehicles every day. Conventional fuels like petrol and diesel are packed with carbon, and when burned, they release large amounts of harmful gases into the air, making the automotive industry one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.^2,3 As the world looks to move away from fossil fuels, alternative energy sources are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of energy. One particularly promising option is algae. Compared to other raw materials typically used to make biodiesel, algae can store remarkably high amounts of natural oils and fats (up to 65% of its own weight). This means that algae grown and harvested for fuel production can yield significantly more biodiesel per piece of land than most other crops or materials, making it a highly efficient and attractive option for sustainable fuel production.⁴

Algae, remarkably efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (roughly a hundred times more effective than typical land-based plants), makes biodiesel derived from it a much cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel option. As more people become aware of these benefits, algae-based biodiesel is gaining popularity and becoming more widely adopted. Beyond just being a cleaner fuel, biodiesel production also comes with a range of added benefits. It can generate useful secondary products, help preserve biodiversity, and reduce the overall strain on natural resources. The process of making biodiesel involves combining oils with alcohol through a chemical reaction that produces two main outputs: glycerol and the biodiesel itself. What makes this fuel even more appealing is its reliability. Biodiesel works well in standard diesel engines and tends to perform consistently regardless of weather or environmental conditions, often outperforming traditional petroleum-based fuels in this regard. All these qualities make algae-based biodiesel a compelling and practical step toward a greener energy future.⁵

What Were the Results of Testing Algae-Based Biodiesel Blended with Hydrogen as an Alternative to Conventional Diesel Fuel?

To extract the oil from Nannochloropsis sp, the researchers used a process called ultrasonication, essentially using sound waves to break down the material. After an hour of this treatment, they managed to collect about 720 mL of bio-oil. This oil was then converted into biodiesel through a chemical process using sodium hydroxide and methanol, recovering an impressive 92% of the available oil. When they tested a blend of 20% biodiesel mixed with a small amount of hydrogen (known as B20 + 7.5H2), it burned more efficiently than regular diesel. The fuel mixture produced slightly higher pressure inside the engine and released more energy per combustion cycle, both of which are signs of better performance.¹

On the emissions side, the results were largely encouraging. The biodiesel blend significantly cut down smoke (reducing it by nearly a third), and when hydrogen was added to the mix, it helped the fuel burn even more cleanly. Carbon dioxide emissions also dropped noticeably with the hydrogen-supplemented blend. The only trade-off was a slight increase in carbon monoxide levels, though nitrogen oxide emissions stayed within an acceptable and relatively stable range throughout the testing.¹

Overall, the findings suggest that this algae-based biodiesel, especially when combined with a touch of hydrogen, could be a cleaner and more efficient alternative to conventional diesel fuel.¹

“These results,” write the authors of the paper,¹ “demonstrate that hydrogen-enriched algae biodiesel blends can improve engine efficiency and reduce harmful emissions, providing a viable, cleaner alternative for diesel engines.”

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References

1. Sathasivam, K.; Colak, I.; Arunprasad, J. et al. Hydrogen-Assisted Nannochloropsis sp. Microalgae Biodiesel to Operate Cleaner Diesel Engines. Sci Rep. 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58550-7
2. Pattanaik, S.; Savant, A. S.; Srivastava, H. et al. Combined Mixture Process Design Approach for Flexible Fuel Maps Development of Ternary Blends Operated Gasoline Engine. Process Saf. Environ. Prot. 2023, 180, 1104-1117. DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2023.10.047
3. Ramalingam, K.; Kandasamy, M.; Subbiah, G. et al. Energy, Environmental, and Economic Benefits of Hydrogen-Enriched Biofuel Using Ammonium Hydroxide in Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition Engines. Results Eng. 2024, 24, 103672. DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103672
4. Santasnachok, M.; Chinwanitcharoen, C.; Ruengphrathuengsuka, W. et al. Diesel-Engine Generator Tests Fueled with Ethyl and Methyl Esters of Palm Oil as Catalyzed by Potassium Hydroxide. Energy Rep. 2023, 9 (s10), 48-55. DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.05.061
5. Jayabal, R. Environmental and Energy Impacts of Lychee Seed Biodiesel Blends with Acetylene Fumigation in a Dual-Fuel Diesel Engine. Results Eng. 2024, 24, 103659. DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103659