Biofuel formation from algae consists of two major processes conversion of algae into biomass, followed by the formation of gas based on biochemical and thermochemical processes (Pittman et al. 2011; Rawat et al. 2011).
Following algal harvesting, the biomass undergoes thermo or biochemical processes, converting biomass into biofuels, where thermochemical processes can include gasification, pyrolysis, liquefaction, and combustion, while anaerobic digestion and fermentation encompass the major biochemical processes (Pittman et al. 2011; Rawat et al. 2011).
Unfortunately, Brazilian thermochemical processes are not actively pursed in relation to renewable chemistry.
Both biochemical and chemical route, including thermochemical processes, are essential and complementary in a biorefinery.
Although various thermochemical processes can obtain energy from biomass, combustion is the most widely used [2].
Pretreatment and hydrolysis of these waste materials involves either thermochemical processes or biological processes.
Microwave technology is a well-established method which can be applied to thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis.
These increases were due to the free-radical oxidation of the highly reactive PAHs during the thermochemical processes.
However, if the goal is to produce materials, thermochemical processes can be applied.
Therefore, solar-specific modifications of reactor design are necessary to realize efficient solar driven thermochemical processes.
