Photoactivation of nano MgO anchored g-C3N4 enhances biodiesel production in Chlorella sorokiniana: A sustainable approach

Abstract

Investigating the potential of magnesium oxide (MgO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and their composite nanoparticles as nutrient sources for enhanced microalgae biodiesel production formed the core of this study. Supplementing the growth medium with g-C₃N₄ and MgO/g-C₃N₄ nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana) growth and lipid accumulation, culminating in a 58 mg/L lipid concentration. Interestingly, while MgO nanoparticles alone led to the highest biodiesel yield, the synergistic effect of MgO and g-C₃N₄ in the composite nanoparticles improved nutrient availability and facilitated optimal microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. These findings pave the way for further research and development of nanoparticle-based strategies to optimize microalgae-based biodiesel production, offering a promising avenue for a more sustainable and efficient future of biofuel generation. The results showed that the addition of 15 mg/L of MgO NPs produced the maximum biodiesel yield which reached 61.5 mg/L.