Preface

Excessive energy demand in numerous sectors all over the world has resulted in maximal consumption of fossil fuels, which has led to their depletion. Furthermore, the study of different forms of energy is under consideration. In addition, research into diverse forms of energy is being examined for the future world. Biofuels are among the best substitutes for fossil fuels and for combating climate change to attain Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Furthermore, biofuels proved to be the most significant factor in boosting global alternative energies, accounting for approximately fifty percent of renewable energy and six percent of global energy stocks. Developing solid-gaseous-based biofuels requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, including the use of wastes and residual flows. Micro/macro-algae are the most diversified category of plants, flourishing in nearly most regions of the globe, and represent the third generation of biofuels. Algae are responsible for more than fifty percent of oxygen sources, and they also generate the feed as well as other essential health foods on a large scale. Although algae constitute the prominent starting substrates for producing biofuels, this issue focuses on advanced technology related to solid/gaseous biofuels. Furthermore, recent research and technological developments in algal biomass for refined biofuel generation, as well as various conversion processes for their prospects, are discussed. This book will help you explore the biofuel advancements of third-generation biomass, which is considered the leading alternative bio reserves business, as well as the related technologies and their many implementations. In the fields of sustainable renewable biofuel industries, it is a great reference tool for students, academics, researchers, professionals, and investors.

Chapter 1 The generation of biofuels has progressed from conventional processes like ethanol fermentation to cutting-edge approaches like enzymatic hydrolysis and algae culture. Modern technology focuses on increasing efficiency, minimizing environmental effects, and maximizing feedstock utilization. The development of biofuel production offers hope for more sustainable energy sources and lower carbon emissions.

Chapter 2 focuses on how algal biofuels can become a viable and sustainable option through bio-refineries. For that, biorefineries, algal, and biofuels are separately explained, then, the production of algal biofuels and other bioproducts are presented, along with data about them and the respective challenges and perspectives for the future.

Chapter 3 discusses the production of biofuel from waste materials like biomass feedstock, livestock waste materials, food processing waste etc. This chapter gives an overview of various biofuels such as bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel, and biogas production. The classification of biofuels based on feedstock is also discussed in this chapter.

Chapter 4 portrays the essential elements required for the upgradation of biogas to biomethane, followed by its conversion to liquid biomethane (LBM). Various biogas to biomethane upgradation technologies through CH4 enrichment and salient features of practical biomethane liquefaction methodologies are also discussed.

Chapter 5 covers recent research and advancements in cost-effective biofuel production. It emphasizes the growing need for sustainable and economically viable biofuels to meet energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Topics include utilizing non-edible and waste materials, algae as feedstock, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, optimization, advanced fermentation, and policy support.

Chapter 6 discusses obtaining hydrogen through cyanobacteria. The biophotochemical processes capable of producing it are discussed. In addition, it refers to a small economic and environmental analysis of hydrogen production by cyanobacteria. Production setbacks and an overview of patents are presented.

Chapter 7 has been focused on microstructural engineering used for bioenergy production. Also It has been detailed Microbial Engineering, Plant Cell Wall Engineering and Nanotechnology for Bioenergy Production. On the other hand, It has been covered the subjects of Biomass Microstructure and Characterization and Microstructural Engineering for Bioreactors and Processing.

Chapter 8 explores the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as an affordable, abundant, and environmentally sustainable feedstock for biofuel production through fermentation. It delves into the structural chemistry of lignocellulosic biomass, discusses pre-treatment methods, and critically reviews the contemporary technologies used for the biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels.

Chapter 9 focuses on the limitations of the first and second generation of solid-gaseous biofuels amidst the ongoing climate crisis. It deliberates on issues such as land-use changes, biodiversity loss, water security, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it highlights recent studies emphasizing the importance of diversifying feedstock for sustainable biofuel production.

Chapter 10 emphasizes on types of Agro-Processing wastes. The pre-treatment methods followed by supplementation of these wastes are discussed in detail. Additionally, the techniques used for fermenting these wastes are also covered. The main focus is to understand the substratemicroorganism combinations and pre-treatments performed to manufacture Ethanol and Butanol.

Chapter 11 discusses the current situation of biofuel production worldwide and draws the future perspective on the production and consumption of biofuel by 2030. Countries’ goals for replacing fossil fuels with biofuels were also presented. Moreover, the advantages of green and sustainable feedstock compared to conventional feedstock were discussed.

Chapter 12 portrays various possibilities for generating bioenergy from carbon-based precursors and biomasses through microstructural maneuvering. Renewable energy production from carbon products, industrial wastes, agricultural crops, and municipal wastes offers a carbon-neutral future. The procedures of manipulating physico-chemical properties to augment bioenergy production from these precursors are discussed at length.

Chapter 13 discusses the crucial role of nanotechnology in enhancing the sustainable production of biofuel and bioenergy. It also emphasizes on the key factors that influence the performance of nanomaterials, their various advantages, disadvantages, and challenges for biofuel and bioenergy production.

Chapter 14 outlines the advancements in generating algal based bio-fuels through technological optimization. The ongoing research providing dynamical insight into various parameters that assists in overcoming the existing gaps between laboratory scale and industrial implementation in a cost effective manner remains the focal point of the chapter.

Chapter 15 talks about crop-based solid bio-fuels, the green alternative sources of energy against fossil fuel. There is a discussion on pellets, which are the way to store the solid bio-fuel. They contain the highest calorific values and burned with high combustion efficiency.

Chapter 16 discusses the process involved in the extraction, production, and storage of three vital gaseous biofuels namely bio-hydrogen, syngas, and biogas. The raw materials required for the production of these gaseous biofuels were also discussed, along with their applications and their role in limiting emissions and reducing pollution.

Chapter 17 discusses about the different types of biofuels. And various traditional and modern methodologies adopted to synthesize biofuels. Furthermore, the chapter also addresses the accessibility of feedstock supply and explores different catalysts used in the conversion process of biomass into biofuels. Additionally described in the chapter are contemporary extraction and purification methods along with their functions.

Chapter 18 details the processes to produce solid biofuels (SB). The main feed-stocks to produce SB, the physical and chemical processes, including dewatering and drying, size reduction and shredding, and microwave are also discussed. Also, the processes such as briquetting, pelletizing, pyrolysis, gasification and torrefaction and hydrothermal carbonization are discussed.

Chapter 19 details the application of coal for hydrogen production and storage. Industrial and economic production of hydrogen from coal pyrolysis, gasification, and coal slurry electrolysis are well-demonstrated. Similarly, the coal properties and their influence on hydrogen storage are elaborated to meet the energy demand of the upcoming hydrogen era.

Chapter 20 discusses various characteristics of solid and gaseous biofuels. Emphasis is on identifying standard methods used to establish these characteristics. The importance of understanding biofuel characteristics in energy mix decision making and process or equipment design is also included in the discussions.

Key features:

• Provides a broad overview of biofuels
• Outlook for the technological advancements in biofuel industries
• Discussion across a wide range of scopes and challenges related to biofuels
• Future trends of biofuels development