Research Projects

Green diesel, also known as super cetane diesel, is a third-generation (3-G) advanced liquid biofuel that is considered an efficient alternative fuel substitute for petrodiesel in CI engines. It differs significantly from biodiesel and petrodiesel due to its structural chemistry, composition, and production routes. Green diesel has been commercialized by Neste Oil, Diamond Green Diesel, and Honeywell and is currently available in international markets. Research on green diesel production from 3-G-algal biomass using hydrothermal liquefaction technology (HTL) is limited in the literature. This research proposal focuses on producing 3-G super cetane diesel from 3-G algal biomass using HTL process and transition metals supported on walnut shell derived carbon catalyst. The hydrothermal liquefaction of algal biomass at 200-350 oC and 5-30 MPa pressure using transition metals (Ni/Pd) supported on walnut shell derived carbon (Ni/Pd/C) catalyst will produce a biocrude, which will be fractionated into 3-G-green diesel fuel using a TBP distillation unit according to ASTM D2892/5236 specifications. The performance and emission studies of green diesel fuel will be tested on CI engines, showing its potential for decarbonizing the transportation sector by replacing petrodiesel. The fuel properties of green diesel will be determined according to ASTM/EN standards to use it as an alternative to petrodiesel. Finally, this project proposal requires financial support from SERB to develop a feasible bench-scale HTL process for high-quality 3-G green diesel production from algal biomass. This proposal not only plays a key role in decarbonizing the transport sector but also enhances green cover and reduces carbon emissions.