A biofuel is any type of fuel derived from the process of biological carbon fixation. Biological carbon fixation occurs in living organisms. The primary distinction between a biofuel and a fossil fuel is the time span over which the fixation occurs. Fixation in a biofuel takes months or years as compared to fossil fuels where Fixation occurs over thousands or millions of years. Furthermore, fossil fuels are composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms, whereas biofuels contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
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Examples of Biofuels
They can be solid, liquid, or gaseous. Here are a few examples of biofuels and the raw materials that can be used to make them. Following are the types of biofuels:
- Ethanol: Ethanol is derived from crops with high sugar and starch content (carbohydrates), such as corn and sugarcane.
- Biodiesel: Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oils, used cooking oils, and animal fats.
- Green diesel is made from algae, wood, crop residues, and sawdust.
- Biogas: Carbon dioxide and methane gas produced from animal manure and other organic waste.
Biofuel Facts
- Biofuels are environment-friendly because they reduce the risk of global warming and the greenhouse effect. There is no release of hazardous gases like carbon monoxide (CO) or sulphur oxide (SO).
- A biofuel can be a liquid, a solid, or a gas. Biofuels can power automobiles and other vehicles. For instance, Biodiesel, a form of biofuel, is non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable. Biodiesel has the best energy balance of any fuel.
- In its pure, unblended form, biodiesel is known as B100 or neat biodiesel. Biodiesel, like petroleum diesel, is used to fuel compression-ignition engines.
- The energy stored in biomass can be released in three ways to generate biopower: burning, bacterial decay, and conversion to gas/liquid fuel.
- Biofuels burn cleaner than fossil fuels, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and acid rain-causing substances like sulphur.
- Biodiesel can be made from anything from vegetable oil to coffee grounds to exotic plants like Jatropha. In addition, biofuels can also be produced by corn, sugarcane, and the non-edible parts of plants. Biodiesel can be produced as long as the plant produces triglycerides (fats and oils).
- Biodiesel is added to petroleum-based diesel to reduce emissions and extend engine life.
- The two most common types of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel, both of which are first-generation biofuel technologies.
- There are several methods for producing biofuels, but they all involve the use of chemical reactions, fermentation, and heat to break down the starches, sugars, and other molecules found in plants. The resulting products are then refined to make fuel for cars and other vehicles.
- The most economically efficient way to use biomass for power generation right now is through co-firing in modern coal power plants, which have efficiencies of up to 45%.
| Pros | Cons |
| Biodiesel is sulfur-free but contains nitrates that contribute to acid rain. | Biofuel production uses anywhere from 2 to 84 times as much water as fossil fuel production. Water use can be mitigated by planting crops that do not require irrigation. |
| The amount of land needed to meet the world’s energy needs with biofuels is a major issue. The requirements can be massive depending on the feedstock. | |
| Biofuels are made from crops, which require fertilisers to grow properly. The disadvantage of using fertilisers is that they can have negative effects on the environment and may cause water pollution. Fertilizers are made up of nitrogen and phosphorus. They can be washed away from the soil and end up in nearby lakes, rivers, or ponds. |
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PhD Student at University College Dublin and Author at What's Insight
PhD Student who loves to write about science, technology and more. Studying at the University College in Dublin. Hope you enjoy my content.
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