The hydrothermal carbonization is one of attractive thermo-chemical method to upgrade biomass to produce biochar with benefit method from the use of no chemical catalytic. Hydrothermal carbonization improved that the upgrading and dewatering algal biomass, microalga as Chlorella vulgaris, which is conducted at temperatures ranging from 180 to 350℃ with a reaction time of 30 min. These characteristic changes in algal biomass were similar to those of coalification reactions due to dehydration and decarboxylation with increase of hydrothermal reaction temperature. The biochar became a solid fuel substance, the characteristics of which corresponded with fuel between lignite and sub-bituminous coal. The results of this study indicate that hydrothermal treatment can be used as an effective means to generate highly energy-efficient renewable fuel resources using algal biomass.

• Daegi Kim(Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Daeun Bae(Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Kwanyong Lee(Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Ki Young Park(Department of Civil and Environmental System Engineering, Konkuk University)