Bioenergy and Biofuels: Nanotechnological Solutions for Sustainable Production

Abstract

Rather than using fossil fuels, the world is focusing on finding or developing alternative modes of energy production. This is due to the fact that fossil fuels are exhausting and the emission products of these fuels have been causing several damages to the environment. In this context, nanotechnology can play an important role for sustainable bioenergy and biofuel production. Different nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles, nanofiber, nanotubes, nanosheets, and others, have been reported to have a number of direct or indirect applications (as nanocatalyst) in the production of biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Actually, these biofuels are eco-friendly and renewable energy resources and hence have been receiving attention as an alternative energy source. Also, nanotechnology offers interesting approaches such as the use of magnetic nanoparticles. These particles can be used as carrier to immobilize enzymes that can be applied in bioethanol or biodiesel production. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles can also be used for biogas production due to strong paramagnetic property and high coercivity during the process of methanogenesis. In this chapter, after introducing a global view about bioenergy and biofuel, different and interesting approaches regarding the application and solutions that nanotechnology can offer to bioenergy and biofuel production will be discussed followed by a section about safety issue concerning this technology.