Introduction to Biofuels and Potentials of Nanotechnology

Abstract

In recent decades, the development trends of biofuel technology worldwide have been staggering. In the US, the transition from conventional biofuels (derived from food crops) to advanced biofuels (cellulosic and algae-based fuels) occurred in less than a decade. Advanced biofuel technologies involve breaking down cellulose in plant biomass or extracting lipids from algae biomass, both of which are expensive processes driving up production costs. As of today, advanced biofuels are still cost-prohibitive, especially as they compete with low crude oil prices or even conventional biofuel prices. Despite unfavorable economics, both cellulosic ethanol and algae-based fuels help reduce GHG emissions, while also counteract the tradeoff between food and fuel production, as given with conventional biofuels/feedstocks. Nanotechnology has been implemented in the biofuel production process as a potential solution to economic infeasibility of advanced biofuels either by altering the feedstock or by increasing the biomass content. Although nanotechnology bears potential opportunities for biofuels production, full implementation of this technology is still challenging, while some studies report potential risks as well. This chapter presents an overview of different conventional and advanced biofuels and feedstocks, their developments and production trends at the global and US level. It also points out current challenges for advanced biofuels and discusses potentials and risks related to nanotechnology application in biofuels production.