Fall 2008 to present
Mechanical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering
Research Topic: Algae Biofuel Production
Algae provide an exciting potential biological feedstock for fuels and chemicals. Theoretically, algae can produce a much greater oil yield than other commonly proposed biofuel feedstock without competing for arable land. However, significant engineering challenges remain with respect to harvesting algae, lysing the algal cells, separating useful lipids, and refining biofuel from algae. This research, conducted in collaboration with Professor Ruoff (Mechanical Engineering) and the Center for Electromechanics, is aimed at reducing the barriers that prevent algae based biofuel production from being competitive with traditional petroleum products. Specifically, this research will include developing analysis tools, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography, that researchers can use to evaluate algae-to-fuels processing steps. In addition, the research will focus on providing a greater understanding of algal cell mechanics and evaluating lysing and separation processes associated with extracting triacylglycerols useful for biodiesel production.
