The disposal and use of natural algae have recently been the subject of great interest, due to increasing concern for environmental protection and resource utilization. In this paper, a mini review of recent research on the pyrolysis of natural algae, especially the algae from water blooms, is presented. The chemical compositions of the natural algae are summarized, and the pyrolysis properties of different compositions are reviewed. Non-catalytic, catalytic, and integrated catalytic processes are reviewed. Different ideas and methods for the production of bio-fuel or chemicals are discussed. Apparently, deoxygenation and denitrogenation are highly necessary for algae-based bio-fuel and catalysts play an important role in these processes. In addition, the integrated catalytic process, which involves catalysis and other operation conditions aside from the thermal treatment under inert atmosphere, shows potential for the valorization of algae-based bio-oil. Based on the recent concept and progress, the research gaps are discussed, followed by the challenges and proposals to achieve high-value utilization of the natural algae.

Nano-sized HZSM-5 (n-HZSM-5) was synthesized and applied in the aromatization of glycerol. The effects of additives (carboxymethylcellulose sodium, NaCl, sodium alginate, etc.) on the chemical and physic properties of n-HZSM-5 during preparation were investigated. Metal modification was also investigated based on the synthesized n-HZSM-5. The results showed that the addition of carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na), NaCl and sodium alginate (SA) led to forming smaller sizes of HZSM-5 and promoted the acid amounts of the catalysts, which increased its catalytic activities for obtaining BTX. The highest BTX yield of ~35% was obtained by SA derived n-HZSM-5, and the life of the catalyst were both obviously promoted by the additives with a highest of ~11 h by γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propytrimethoxysilane (KH-560) derived n-HZSM-5. BTX yields could be improved by 40%by the addition of Zn and Cd in n-HZSM-5 while having little effect on the catalyst life.

Herein, a kind of three-dimensional hollow Mg-Ca-Al hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTLCs) microsphere was prepared by self-assembly of hydrotalcite-like nanosheets. Mg-Ca-Al HTLCs microsphere (MS) has large specific surface area and large pore size, and the modification of KF2H₂O increases numerous alkaline active sites on the surface of the catalyst. The prepared catalyst has excellent catalytic effect for the production of biodiesel by transesterification. Under the optimal conditions of the catalyst addition amount which accounts for 2 of the weight of oil, the biodiesel yield of the best catalyst is as high as 92 within 30minutes. This article also provides a paradigm of a rational structural design for regulating the morphology of HTLCs.