Implementation of Nano ZnO Anchored g-C3N4 for Biodiesel Production from Chlorella sorokiniana Green Microalgae

Khalifa, Amany A.; Faried, Maryam; Abdelsalam, Essam M.; Samer, Mohamed; Moselhy, Mohamed A.; Attia, Yasser Attia

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2023.246226.8811

Implementation of Nano ZnO Anchored g-C3N4 for Biodiesel Production from Chlorella sorokiniana Green Microalgae

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Laser in Meteorology, Photochemistry &amp; Agriculture (LAMPA), National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

² Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

³ Laser&nbsp;Applications&nbsp;in&nbsp;Metrology,&nbsp;Photochemistry and&nbsp;Agriculture (LAMPA). National&nbsp;Institute of&nbsp;Laser&nbsp;Enhanced&nbsp;Sciences (NILES), Cairo University.&nbsp;Giza,

⁴ Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University

⁵ Microbiology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

⁶ Department of Laser in Meteorology, Photochemistry &amp; Agriculture (LAMPA), Nation

10.21608/ejchem.2023.246226.8811

Abstract

Microalgae show promise for biodiesel production due to their fast growth and high lipid content. However, challenges in cultivation and nutrient supply hinder large-scale production. This study explores the use of ZnO, g-C3N4, and ZnO/g-C3N4 nanoparticles (NPs) as nutrients to enhance Chlorella sorokiniana growth and lipid accumulation. We evaluated the effectiveness of these NPs in cultivating microalgae by supplementing cultures with 15 mg/L of NPs and monitoring key growth parameters. The results indicate that ZnO, g-C3N4, and ZnO/g-C3N4 NPs positively impact microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. ZnO NPs provide essential zinc micronutrients, while g-C3N4 NPs enhance nutrient uptake and enhance the biodiesel production of ZnO NPs from 0.859 times to 1.29 times than the control. The combination of ZnO and g-C3N4 NPs exhibits synergistic effects, further improving microalgae growth and lipid content. Lipid analysis shows favorable compositions suitable for biodiesel production. These findings highlight the potential of NPs as nutrient sources for biodiesel production, offering sustainable and cost-effective cultivation methods. This study advances innovative strategies for microalgae-based biodiesel production and underscores the role of nanomaterials in renewable energy.

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