Graphene Oxide-Catalyzed Subcritical Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Spirulina to Bio-Oil

Graphene oxide and graphite oxide were successfully synthesized by oxidizing pure
graphite with concentrated sulphuric acid and potassium permanganate using the
Hummers’ method. The catalysts were characterized by using Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectroscopy. The catalysts were used to catalyse hydrothermal liquefaction
of spirulina under subcritical conditions at temperature of 220-300°C. After
liquefaction reaction, the yield of bio-oil, solid products, solutes dissolved in aqueous
phase and gas products were calculated. Mass balance in terms of mass and mass
percent was performed to determine mass of gas products formed during the reaction.