Biofuels

 A biofuel is a fuel produced through contemporary biological processes, such as

agriculture and anaerobic digestion. In simple terms biofuels are produced from
living orgasms.
 Major difference between biofuels and fossil fuels is fossils are produced by
geological processes, such as coal and petroleum, from prehistoric biological matter
and the fact that biofuels are an alternative cleaner fuel source to burning fossil
fuels.
 Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from agricultural,
commercial or industrial wastes.
 Renewable biofuels generally involve contemporary carbon fixation, such as those
occuring in plants or microalgae through the process of photosynthesis. Other
renewable biofuels are made through the use or conversion of biomass , which can
be converted to convenient energy-containing substances in three different ways:
thermal conversion, chemical conversion and biochemical conversion. This new
biomass can also be used directly for biofuels.
Types of biofuels
The two most common types of biofuels used today are ethanol and biodiesel.

Ethanol: This is a flammable and renewable liquid produced by the fermentation

of grain or from advanced technology such as agricultural waste, wood chip or
waste paper.

Biodiesel: It is a highly combustible liquid that burns readily upon mixing with
petroleum-based diesel fuel. It can be used as a renewable alternative for diesel
engines. It is a renewable, clean burning diesel.
 Production of Biofuels
1.Biodiesel
It is commonly made from vegetable oils such as canola oil, animal
fats (tallow) or recycle greases such as used cooking oil.
The feedstock containing the fatty acid is combined with alcohol
which causes the condensation of water molecules, leaving behind
the rich, pure fatty acids.
Algae and bacteria strains can also be genetically engineered to
generate biodiesel.
During biodiesel production, glycerin is produced as a by-product,
which is highly combustible.
2.Ethanol
Ethanol is produced from biomass mostly via a fermentation process using
glucose derived from sugars (sugar cane, sugar beet and molasses), starch (corn,
wheat, grains) or cellulose(forest products) as raw materials. It is renewable in
this form.
Synthetic ethanol can also be produced from non-renewable sources like coal
and gas.
From a chemical point of view conventional ethanol is manufactured via a
process where glucose is transformed by yeast into ethanol called fermentation.
Applications of biofuels
Transportation including engines in chainsaws and lawn mowers,
diesel cars and trucks, aviation and off-road equipment like those in
heat production, construction, forestry, mining and agriculture.
Biofuel cells have great potential to power implantable medical
devices such as glucose biosensors.
It can be used to remove organic compounds from the waste stream
without costing a fortune.
It can be used as a heating fuel commonly referred to as “bioheat”
for heating buildings.
Further Uses of Biofuels
1. Transportation
2. Energy Generation
3. Provide Heat
4. Charging Electronics
5. Clean Oil Spills and Grease
6. Cooking
7. Lubricate
8. Remove paint and adhesive
9. Create energy when fossil fuel runs out
10. Reduce cost and need for imported oil
Advantages of Biofuels

 Biofuels are less expensive than gasoline and other fossil

fuels
Biofuels are easily renewable as new crops are grown and
waste material is collected, unlike in fossil fuels which take
very long time to be produced
When biofuels are burned, they produce significantly less
carbon output and fewer toxins, making them a safer
alternative to preserve atmospheric quality and lower air
pollution
 Disadvantages of Biofuels

 Biofuels have a lower energy output than traditional fuels and

therefore require greater quantities to be consumed in order to
produce the same energy level. This has led some noted energy
analysts to believe that biofuels are not worth the work
 Massive quantities of water are required for proper irrigation of
biofuel crops as well as to manufacture the fuel, which could strain
local and regional water resources
 To refine biofuels to more efficient energy outputs, and to build the
necessary manufacturing plants to increase biofuel quantities, a high
initial investment is often required.
Future of Biofuel
 Biofuel is a safe alternative for existing vehicle engines. Biofuels
technology is capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for
the usage of fossil fuels.