Characterization of Algal Oil Based Hybrid Microemulsion Biofuel and Its Comparative Assessment With Petrodiesel and Its Biodiesel

The pursuit of sustainable and renewable energy alternatives has intensified research into biofuels, particularly those derived from non‐food biomass sources. Algae oil has emerged as a promising biofuel feedstock due to its high lipid productivity, rapid biomass accumulation, and minimal competition with arable land and food crops. Despite its advantages, algae oil‐based biodiesel faces limitations such as high viscosity and poor cold‐flow properties. This study explores the formulation and characterization of biofuel blends based on algae oil, ethanol, and butanol using a microemulsion technique. Microemulsions were employed to improve the physicochemical properties of the fuel, leveraging alcohols as co‐surfactants and water to enhance stability and performance. Key fuel properties, including density, viscosity, calorific value, cetane number, flash and fire points, pour point, and cloud point were systematically analyzed and compared against petrodiesel and algal biodiesel standards. The results demonstrate that alcohol blending significantly reduces viscosity and enhances cold flow characteristics without severely compromising energy content. This work highlights the potential of microemulsion‐based algae oil blends as viable, renewable alternatives to conventional diesel, contributing to the advancement of cleaner combustion fuels in the bioenergy sector.