Abstract
This chapter focuses on the biochemical conversion of biomass, particularly its carbohydrate components, to potential and established liquid fuels or liquid fuel precursors. It emphasizes on low-molecular-weight alcohols because they are one of the few classes of liquid motor fuels that can be directly formed on microbial conversion of biomass. For example, ethanol is an important blending agent for motor fuels and also a primary microbial conversion product of biomass; it is formed by “fermentation.” Fermentation refers to the enzyme catalyzed, energy-yielding chemical reactions that occur during the breakdown of complex organic substrates, usually but not always under anaerobic conditions, in the presence of certain microorganisms. Fermentation reactions require organic compounds as terminal electron acceptors. Ethanol has a long history of usage as a liquid fuel for internal combustion engines and is commercially used today by itself (neat fuel) in certain countries as a motor fuel extender in blends with petroleum fuels, as an additive for octane enhancement, and as a source of dissolved oxygen in modern gasoline.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
