...View Online / Journal Homepage / Table of Contents for this issue Catalysis Science & Technology Cite this: Catal. Sci. Technol., 2012, 2, 2025–2036 www.rsc.org/catalysis Dynamic Article Links MINIREVIEW Advances in conversion of hemicellulosic biomass to furfural and upgrading to biofuels Saikat Dutta, Sudipta De, Basudeb Saha* and Md. Imteyaz Alam Downloaded on 15 September 2012 Published on 01 June 2012 on http://pubs.rsc.org | doi:10.1039/C2CY20235B Received 14th April 2012, Accepted 28th May 2012 DOI: 10.1039/c2cy20235b Recent approaches to furfural synthesis from hemicellulosic biomass and pentose sugars with both homogeneous and solid acidic catalysts have been summarized by addressing the associated sustainability issues. The features of deconstruction of hemicellulosic biomass by acid hydrolysis to produce pentose sugar feedstock for furfural have been discussed in brief. Several strategies including solvent extraction in a biphasic process, application of surface functionalized materials such as acidic resins, mesoporous solids and mechanistic insight in limited cases are discussed. The present status of the promising furfural platform in producing second generation biofuels (furanics and hydrocarbon) is reviewed. The performances of each catalytic system are assessed in terms of intrinsic reactivity and selectivity toward furfural production. Overall, this minireview attempts to highlight the scope of further developments for a sustainable furfural...
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...A RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD - FUELING THE FUTURE WITH BIOMASS Malathi.N I year MBA, School of Management Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. ABSTRACT Concerns about the availability and long-term supply of petroleum-derived fuels have caused the search for alternative sources of energy. After a century of unprecedented growth in science, technology, and the economy, we now face tremendous challenges to our ability to fuel the future: a fluctuating oil price, a changing climate, and continued dependence on unreliable energy sources. These problems are increasingly personal, and the demand for solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The ultimate solutions will only come from fundamental innovations in science and technology. Liquid fuels will for some applications be necessary for an indefinite period of time. Therefore, defining relevant feedstocks, producing fuels from these feedstocks and the properties of these fuels are critical issues. The utilization of biomass resources assumes importance due to the soaring crude price and depleting reserves of fossil fuels coupled with the rising environmental concern. Ethanol derived from renewable ligno-cellulosic biomass of non-edible variety has been identified globally as the future solution for meeting the energy demand. Apart from fuel and energy, biomass can also be the source of large number of derivatives. Biomass can be used for fuels, power production, and products that would otherwise be made...
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...BIOMASS ENERGY POLICY The Policy Vision for Biomass is: To transform traditional biomass energy to modern energy in order to use the available biomass resources sustainably The policy goal for Biomass is: To increase the modern use of biomass energy from 10% to 86% of total energy consumption in Uganda by the year 2020 Table of Contents BIOMASS POLICY 4 1.0 Introduction 4 1.1 Biomass 5 1.1.1 Biomass energy flows 6 1.1.1.1 Forestry 6 1.1.1.2 Agriculture 7 1.1.1.2 Agricultural residues 7 1.1.1.4 Live stock 8 1.1.2 Biogas through anaerobic digestion 10 1.1.3 Biofuels for Transport by fermentation 11 1.1.4 Direct combustion for generation of electricity 12 1.1.5 Pyrolysis 12 1.1.6 Gasification 13 1.1.7 Transesterification 13 1.2 Benefits of using biomass 13 1.3 Barriers to efficient use of Biomass 14 1.4 Advantages of Biomass Energy 15 2.0 THE POLICY VISION, GOAL, PRINCIPLES, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND TARGETS 17 2.1 The Policy Vision 17 2.2 The Policy Goal 17 2.3 The Key Policy Principles 17 2.4 The Policy Objectives 18 2.5 The Policy Strategies 19 2.5.1 Legal and Institutional Framework 19 2.5.2 Data Acquisition, Information Dissemination (Awareness) and Capacity Building, Monitoring and Evaluation 20 2.5.3 Financing and Fiscal Policy 20 2.5.4 Poverty Eradication, Equitable Distribution, Social Services and Gender 21 2.5.5 Research and Development...
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...Low input high diversity biomass Paper: Carbon-Negative Biofuels from Low-Input High-Diversity Grassland Biomass Author(s): Tilman, David; Hill, Jason; Lehman, Clarence Source: SCIENCE Volume: 314 Issue: 5805 Pages: 1598-1600 DOI: 10.1126/science.1133306 Published: DEC 8 2006 Times Cited: 532 (from Web of Science) Due to the growing demand of energy needs in combination with global warming and the greenhouse gas emissions we have to develop a sustainable way of producing energy. One of the options for sustainable energy are biofuels. Most of these biofuels are produced on fertile lands that are in competition with food production. Beside this competition these biofuels increase the pollution form fertilizers and pesticides and threaten the biodiversity these lands. There are two major classes of biomass for biofuel production, monoculture crops and waste biomass. In the reviewed paper an experiment was performed on agriculturally degraded soil. 152 plots are planted containing various combinations of perennial herbaceous species. All plots were unfertilized and grown with low inputs. Biofuel production can be established in different ways which result in a different bioenergy. The conversion from low input high diversity(LIHD) biomass into gasoline and diesel synfuels and electricity via gasification and combined cycle technology with Fischers-Tropisch hydrocarbon synthesis ( IGCC-FT ) is the efficient one. An estimated 28.4 GJ ha-1. Due to this process 51% more...
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...Course: BIOL 443 Professor: Dr. Owen Ward Introduction Global interests in biofuel production as a substitute for liquid transport fuel have grown substantially in recent years, mainly due to concerns over energy security and climate change (Yahya et al, 2012). The most common used biofuels are biodiesel and bio-ethanol, which can replace diesel and gasoline, respectively, with limited or no modifications of vehicle engines (Karthikeya, 2012). These first generation biofuels are typically extracted from food and oil crops including rapeseed oil, sugarcane, sugar beet and corn as well as vegetable oil and animal fats using traditional technologies (Brennan and Owende, 2009). However, the use of first generation biofuels have generated wide-scale criticisms, primarily due to raising competition with food production, increased water consumption, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, their low energy potential and their role in greenhouse gas emissions (Barbosa et al., 2011). A particular concern is that the demand for biofuels could place substantial additional pressure on the natural resources such as arable land. Currently, about 1% (14 million hectares) of the world’s available arable land is used for the production of biofuels, providing 1% of global transport fuels (Beal et al., 2012). However, with a fixed and possibly reducing amount to arable land, increasing the share of land devoted to biofuel production will have severe impact on world’s food supply as well as harmful...
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...Production of biofuels from raw materials requires energy (for farming, transport and conversion to final product, and the production / application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides), and has environmental consequences.[28] The energy balance of a biofuel (sometimes called "Net energy gain" and EROEI) is determined by the amount of energy put into the manufacture of fuel compared to the amount of energy released when it is burned in a vehicle. This varies by feedstock and according to the assumptions used. Biodiesel made from sunflowers may produce only 0.46 times the input rate of fuel energy.[29] Biodiesel made from soybeans may produce 3.2 times the input rate of fossil fuels.[30] This compares to 0.805 for gasoline and 0.843 for diesel made from petroleum.[31] Biofuels may require higher energy input per unit of BTU energy content produced than fossil fuels: petroleum can be pumped out of the ground and processed more efficiently than biofuels can be grown and processed. However, this is not necessarily a reason to use oil instead of biofuels, nor does it have an impact on the environmental benefits provided by a given biofuel. Studies have been done that calculate energy balances for biofuel production. Some of these show large differences depending on the biomass feedstock used and location.[32] To explain one specific example, a June 17, 2006 editorial in the Wall. St. Journal stated, "The most widely cited research on this subject comes from Cornell's...
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...Chapter II Review of Related Literature Calabash tree Fruit (crescentiacujete) Crescentiacujete is an evergreen tree reaching six to ten meters in height, broad and irregular crown composed of long, spreading branches which creates a moderate shade beneath the tree. The tree is most outstanding in the landscape for its year round production of flowers and fruit, both of which are unusual. The five centimeter flowers which bloom at night are yellow or green with red or purple veins , cup shaped, and appear to emerge directly from the branches. These are followed by the emergence of the large, round fruit, twelve to thirty centimeters in diameter with a smooth hard shell which hang directly beneath the branches. Inside there is pulp which has medicinal properties. The part of the tree that is used mostly is the fruit. Its uses are mainly in phytopharmaceuticals. The extract of the fruit is effective in treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract such as: bronchitis, cough, asthma and those related illnesses caused by cold(Pimentel, 2005). The tree grows in clayey soils with deficient drainage subject to frequent floods. It grows at elevations from sea level eight hundred meters and an annual rainfall between 1,500 to 1,300 millimeters and an annual temperature of twenty-six degrees Celsius (Olanu, 2011). The chemical constituents of the crescentiacujete; the crude carbohydrate found in the fruit is 18%. The fruit can be considered a good source of crude carbohydrate...
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...Biofuels Environmental Sciences Essay Nowadays, as the problem of greenhouse gases emissions is getting more serious, Carbon-negative biofuels represent the first potentially huge assault on the problem, in ways that are already technically feasible and practicable (Mathews, 2008). Scientists are having their research on how to ease or solve these problems. The topic of biofuels is being more popular in the recent years because it has the most potential to be a significant source of energy. Biomass is providing a surprisingly large amount of the world’s energy – 10% of total global primary energy consumption (Energy Future Coalition, 2007). Advantages of biofuels Safety Biofuels are safe to handle and transport because they are biodegradable, much less toxic than even table salt (ten times), and have high flashpoints of about 300oF compared to gasoline and petroleum diesel fuel (diesel has a flash point of 125 F, for comparison) (Biodiesel Chemical Safety Data – Oxford University). Because of its safety, the number of incidence of severe vehicle fires can be reduced, and its safety making it to be one of the safest of all alternative fuels. Also, biofuels produce fewer by-products than conventional hydrocarbon based fuels after combustion or burning. The conventional hydrocarbon-based fuels will produced a greater output of some noxious by-product, for example, carbon monoxide. That means, biofuels could lead to less localized smog in urban centers (Charles et al). Energy...
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...to come together for the plan to work? What advantages does Aquaflow have in its efforts to execute the plan and continue to grow? Answer: They can truly execute the three-point plan because it can be one of the most competitive player in the market. Some factors to consider to make this plan work is that Aquaflow must use wild algae to help clean up water. They should also try to cultivate mono-cultures or a small number of species although its quit expensive, hard to scale and has significant technical risk. Aquaflow must look to partner in where the ‘fuel’ is a byproduct of the scheme’s overall value and etc. Aquaflow believes it now has a world-leading multi-biomass to biofuels capability and technology offering. This is a robust and highly integrated technology package which can leapfrog other biomass to biofuel technologies because it goes straight to blended fuel stock and avoids intermediate pathways. 2. To what extent did passion play role in the founding of Aquaflow and its early success? Do you think that someone without passion for alternative fuels could have successfully founded the firms? Why or why not? Answer: They show that they are truly dedicated to their work and face all the challenges and risk that will happen. They improved the Aquaflow a lot and make used of their intelligence to build it up and because of their passion, it influences people’s. They cannot be successful if they don’t have passion. Passion is one of the most important characteristic...
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...doi:10.1038/nature11479 Exploiting diversity and synthetic biology for the production of algal biofuels Modern life is intimately linked to the availability of fossil fuels, which continue to meet the world’s growing energy needs even though their use drives climate change, exhausts finite reserves and contributes to global political strife. Biofuels made from renewable resources could be a more sustainable alternative, particularly if sourced from organisms, such as algae, that can be farmed without using valuable arable land. Strain development and process engineering are needed to make algal biofuels practical and economically viable. D espite limited supply and increasing demand, fossil fuels remain among the world’s cheapest commodities. Prices will inevitably rise once demand starts to outstrip supply, but short- to medium-term replacement of fossil fuels by renewable and more environmentally benign alternatives will occur only if the substitutes can compete economically. One of these alternatives is based on the oils extracted from algae, and commercial-scale pilot facilities to test these are in operation. However, significant improvements are still needed to make algal biofuels economically viable. In this Review, we outline the advantages of algae as a biofuel producer, discuss the different cultivation methods, consider the options for achieving optimal algal biomass and lipid production, and the process engineering needed to make the process efficient and economically...
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...statement given by Benjamin franklin. Biofuels are they as green as they claim to be? It is well said -yes this fuel has a component of BIO, but is biofuel well doing in meeting all its requirements? Hmm…a debatable topic. As context of my argument, I strongly argue that they are not eco-friendly-when completely relied upon. So what are Biofuels? A biofuel is a fuel that contains energy from geologically recent carbon fixation. These fuels are produced from living organisms. Examples of this carbon fixation occur in plants and microalgae. These fuels are made by a biomass conversion (biomass refers to recently living organisms, most often referring to plants or plant-derived materials). This biomass can be converted to convenient energy containing substances in three different ways: thermal, chemical and biochemical conversion. Biofuels have increased in popularity because of rising oil prices and the need for energy security. This biofuels are 1St and 2nd generation. 1st generation conatins ethanol, biodiesel, vegetable oil mostly. The second generation biofuels are mostly made from the lignocellulosic biomass or woody crops, agricultural residues or waste. Taking a brisk turn towards my argument, There are various social, economic, environmental and technical issues with biofuel production and use. These include: the population explosion, the "food vs fuel" debate, poverty reduction potential, carbon emissions levels, sustainable biofuel production, deforestation and soil erosion...
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...The Quest for Biofuels: Issues and Concerns Biofuels have been billed as an important component in the United States bid to become less dependent on foreign energy. As the price of crude oil continues to increase, and as the country sets its sights on becoming less dependent on foreign oil the pressure is mounting to increase the production of biofuels. In addition, the global energy demand is continuing to increase and known petroleum supplies are decreasing (CAST II, 2007); the need for a sustainable substitute for current fossil fuels has become more evident than ever. The rise in costs of traditional energy sources has raised this issue to prominence in many American households as well. Several government agencies and working groups have set goals, targets, and timelines for reducing the use of fossil fuels and the substitution of biofuels to fill the energy demand. This push for the use of biofuels will have dramatic effects on many sectors of the American economy and many new problems and issues will arise that need to be considered. Currently grain-based ethanol production is the primary means by which biofuels are produced in the United States. Corn is the grain of choice in this production system. The annual production capacity of ethanol has increased rapidly in recent years, from 1.7 billion gallons in 2000 to 4.3 billion gallons in 2006 (CAST, 2006). It is also projected that the annual production capacity will increase to 7 billion gallons by 2008 (CAST, 2006)...
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...survey of methods available for converting biomass into fuels” Candidate: Surya Sappa Supervisors: Professor John Chen Doctor Robert Kirkpatrick ABSTRACT Biofuel technologies have become more and more prominent in addressing the need for a continuous supply of fuels. Biofuels are fuels that are produced through the biological process of converting biomass/biowaste into a fuel source to reduce the negative impacts faced by fossil fuels combustion (reduction in greenhouse gasses) and availability of supply. Biofuels can be derived from a wide variety of biomass, and are categorised into four generations: First generation biofuels are made from sugars, starches, oil, and animal fats that are converted into fuel using already-known processes or technologies. These fuels include biodiesel, bioalcohols, ethanol, and biogases, like methane captured from landfill decomposition. Second generation biofuels are made from non-food crops or agricultural waste, especially ligno-cellulosic biomass like switch-grass, willow, or wood chips. Third generation biofuels are made from algae or other quickly growing biomass sources. Fourth generation biofuels are made from specially engineered plants or biomass that may have higher energy yields or lower barriers to cellulosic breakdown or are able to be grown on non-agricultural land or bodies of water. However, criticism falls on this solution, with the biofuels being pursued to reduce climate change...
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...greenhouse gases into the environment. But don’t fret because you can help. Instead of using fossil fuels, you can switch to biofuel paired with wind energy in your town, Algona, Iowa! Biofuel will supply fuel to your vehicles, while wind energy will provide electricity to your needs. Both sources are ecofriendly. Wind energy uses a generator within the turbine to convert motion energy into electricity, which produces no carbon emission. Biofuel produces small amounts of carbon dioxide in the production and usage, but when new crop...
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... wheat, soybeans and grains. Although diverse, commodities in this day and age lead to feeding the public and uniquely becoming a source of energy. Commodities may be manufactured to create Ethanol and Biofuels hence this practice has never been done; yet this opportunity if done efficiently and effectively. At inception founded in 1818 within Amsterdam to merchandize grains and imports from Dutch colonies Bunge was the primary importer and distributor. Bunge on a global marketplace platform was and is a proprietor in a world growing at a 21% global growth. In acquiring certain entities for example, Cereol and Chai Tai and to meet global consumer demands, “Meat demand increases steeply when per capita GDP of a nation is under $5,000. Therefore, the growth of GDP in developing nations substantially increases feed requirements”; Bunge is positioning with growth as a leading force to be reckoned with. The current world economy is currently going thru a transformation whereby raw commodities are being transformed and utilized as biofuels to combat the changing world landscape with the growing middle class in China and India. Biofuels are a wide range of fuels which are in some way derived from biomass. The term covers solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases. Biofuels are gaining increased public and scientific attention, driven by factors such as oil price spikes, the need for increased energy security, and concern over greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Bioethanol...
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