Introduction of Nanotechnology in the Field of Biofuel Production

Abstract

Nanotechnology has an increasingly large impact on a wide range of industries, but its current use in the production of electricity and heat from biomass is limited. The potential impact of nanotechnology on bioenergy production through a literature review and interviews with industry members. Current technologies and methods in use were reviewed, with a focus on fuel handling and combustion systems. Areas in which problems existed were identified and nanotechnologies with properties relevant to those problems were examined. Basic economic analyses were also performed to determine the conditions for the economic viability of the nanotechnology solutions. Biodiesel can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels and successful studies have been carried out in different applications. Butchery wastes were used for the production of hydrocarbon gases and biodiesel. The economics of this novel process is much more cost competitive due to the cheap raw material (butchery waste) that contains high levels of fatty acids. Photocatalysis gave hydrocarbons of prime importance. The study reported an interesting finding that butchery waste could be used for not only the production of biodiesel but also for hydrocarbons. This technology differs from others in that it uses low energy input, cheap and reusable catalyst, with low sulfur and nitrogenous waste gases than petro-diesel and is environment-friendly.