Biofuel Production Using Ionizing Technology from Agricultural Waste

Abstract

Agricultural wastes contain approximately 80% carbon. Agricultural wastes are rich in organic matter which has a high potential to be converted into value added products such as biofuel. Biofuels such as biomethane, bioethanol and biohydrogen can be produced via biologically fermentation processes. However, prior to fermentation, the agricultural wastes must go through several pre-treatment steps including hydrolysis. Pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis are considered among the most crucial steps in the valorization of agricultural wastes because they significantly impact the yield and the process costs. Mechanical pre-treatment using ionizing radiation for biofuel production from agricultural wastes is believed to be one of the most effective methods to pretreat such wastes due to the low energy requirements. Electron beam treatment of result in cross-linking, chain scission, and reduction in the degree of polymerization. There are several studies that highlight the value of ionizing technologies for the valorization of agricultural wastes to produce biofuel.