Chapter 3 - Role of nanotechnology in the biorefineries: recent advances and challenges

Abstract

The continuous increase in the global population and industrial revolutions significantly increase the demands for food and energy. Food production can be boosted using modern agricultural tools. However, enhancement in energy production is a major concern because of the limited reserves of fossil fuels. Moreover, the environmental concerns raised due to the production and utilization of fossil fuels created a pressing need to search for renewable and eco-friendly alternative energy sources. In this context, biorefineries are attracting great attention from the leading scientists working in this area. Biorefineries deal with the utilization of different kinds of biomass and waste for the production of a wide range of valuable products. The concept of biorefining is considered to be sustainable and eco-friendly because it not only produces high-value products but also helps to solve the problem associated with waste management. Although biorefineries are playing a key role in the production of biofuels, there is scope for advancements in current biorefining approaches. Recently, it is believed that the intervention of nanotechnology in biorefineries can revolutionize the current scenario of biorefineries. Considering the potential applications of nanotechnology in the production of various biorefining products, in the present chapter, we have focused possible role of nanotechnology in biorefineries. In addition, various other aspects such as the concept of biorefinery and the difference between oil refinery and biorefinery have been also discussed.