Chapter 26 - Advances in nanotechnology for biofuel production

Abstract

The alarming growth in the global population has led to an enormous increase in the use of fossil fuels, which in turn, has resulted in the depletion of resources as well as environmental pollution. Renewable biomass resources, for the production of biofuels, have already attracted worldwide attention. The conventional biomass conversion to biofuel production includes chemical, biochemical, thermochemical, and biological approaches. However they have certain inherent limitations which have thus necessitated the investigation of approaches which are rapid as well as eco-friendly, for biofuel production in a sustainable way. Recently, the use of nanotechnology in the field of biofuel and bioenergy has emerged as a new and efficient way to produce and enhance the eco-friendly production of renewable biofuels. Similarly, nanocatalysts in the production of biodiesel, biogas, and bioalcohol have drawn worldwide attention. This chapter explores various types of nanocatalyst as well as their comprehensive applications in the production of biofuels, and their significance. Also, different synthesis methods of functionalized nanomaterials, which are tuned for precise applications at different stages of biofuel production, are discussed. In addition, a few points in terms of the challenges faced, and the future prospects of the application of nanotechnology in biofuel generation are included.