Challenges and future opportunities of nanoparticle applications to various biofuel generation processes – a review

Abstract

Due to their non-polluting characteristics and cost-competitiveness compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are rapidly gaining traction as alternative sources of renewable energy. However, to accelerate their development, the attention is unstable on the deployment of technology that will enhance their production. Nanoparticles are attracting popularity among researchers due to their unique qualities, which allow them to be used in various industries, including agriculture, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. To improve the performance of these bioprocesses, they are also being investigated in biofuels. This study critically evaluates the studies available in the literature that have investigated nanoparticles in biofuel production processes to improve process yields. It also assesses the impact of immobilized nanoparticles on biofuels like biodiesel and nanoparticles capability to conquer inhibitory chemicals under precise circumstances efficiently. A brief section on the parameters determining nanoparticle performance in biofuels production processes is presented. Our article aims to determine how nanoparticles play a significant role in the creation of various biofuels at each stage of the production process as well as the technical challenges that the researchers confront throughout the manufacturing processes. At last, the study accomplishes recommendations for developments and prospective future research into these nanoparticle based bioprocesses.