Nanotechnology for Bioenergy and Biofuel Production

Abstract

Biofuel is one of the best alternatives for petroleum-derived fuels globally, especially in the current scenario, where fossil fuels are day-by-day depleting. Biofuels are viable source of renewable energy in contrast to the finite nature, geopolitical instability, and deleterious global effects of fossil fuel energy. The use of nanotechnology in the field of biofuel and bioenergy is emerging as a novel and efficient way to produce and enhance the eco-friendly production of renewable biofuels. Several methods have recently been proposed and adopted to prepare metallic, magnetic, and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) for enhancing biofuel production yield. The unique properties of NPs, such as easy design, high chemical stability, greater surface area-to-volume ratio, catalytic activity, and reusability, have made them as effective biofuel additives. In this context, current chapter explores the use of nanomaterials for biofuel production application. In addition to this, various types of nanocatalysts and their comprehensive applications in the production of biofuels followed significance have also been briefed.