| Popis: |
Due to the increasing energy demands since the last century, there has been a significant consequential increase in fuel demand. Limited natural resources are not a sustainable source of fuel as they are rapidly becoming depleted. Additionally, fossil fuels have a negative impact on the environment through the “greenhouse” effect and depletion of the ozonosphere. To overcome the energy crisis there is a need for surrogate, sustainable, and renewable energy resources. Biofuels (bioethanol, biogas, biobutanol, biodiesel, biogasoline, and many others) have attracted attention because of their sustainability, renewability, and ecofriendly nature. Most biofuels are synthesized using fermentation and transesterification processes, where the focus is on exploiting second- and third-generation feedstock. However higher costs and various technical hurdles in the industry make biofuel production commercially inefficient. To curb some of these current problems, nanotechnology could be an ideal solution due to its versatile properties which can enhance the reaction rate, enzymatic efficiency, and reusability of materials. Furthermore, nanometal additives can augment the performance of combustion engines using biofuel blends, thus protecting the sensitive machinery from corrosion and contamination. These additives can also improve the burning properties and reduce harmful emissions. In this chapter we highlight the importance of various nanomaterials [metallic nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic NPs, silica NPs, and carbon nanomaterials] in the processing and production of biofuel. |
