Bioethanol

Ethanol is a colourless liquid and a biodegradable fuel. The low toxicity has proved ethanol to cause minimal ecological pollution. It is a high-density fuel which replaces “lead” as an octane enhancer in gasoline. Three kinds of microorganisms are responsible for converting lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol. These microbes are yeasts, bacteria, and fungi. Among them, yeasts proved to be the best for the ageing process. Combining ethylene with steam is an alternate way to produce ethanol. Mixing ethanol with gas can oxygenate the fuel blend, which burns the whole compound—thus reducing emissions of pollutants.

Depleting natural resources adversely affects the planet. So, the governments of each country are bound to take action. Most organisations are taking the initiative and bringing new technology to biofuel production. Among the biofuels, bioethanol has proved to be a promising fuel to address the energy crisis. In the transportation sector, bioethanol serves as an alternative to petroleum derivatives. Conversion of bioethanol with hydrocarbons, oxygen synthetics and other low atom-weight molecules results in a superior blend.

Classifications

Bio Ethanol is classified into two groups;

Classification of bioethanol through the process of manufacturing.

• The traditional method of producing ethanol combines ethylene with steam. It has a chemical reaction by using non-biogenic sources of raw materials. In which ethylene is non-renewable.
• Anaerobic sugar fermentation from various renewable sources is a sustainable method of producing ethanol with the help of microbes.

Classification of bioethanol by the source of raw materials.

First Generation (1G) Bioethanol

Raw materials extracted from food-based feedstocks to produce ethanol are sugar and starch, a common type of alcohol. Sugar cane, sorghum, and pearl millets contain glucose, sucrose, and fructose. These are the major components of such feedstocks. This bioethanol production process is not cost-effective, raising the criticism of adopting non-food-based feedstocks.

Second Generation (2G) Bioethanol

Second-generation bioethanol consists of lignocellulosic biomass and industrial wastes. It is readily available and also found in all sectors. Hence, the scope of second-generation ethanol is very promising. But unfortunately, the functioning of these industries depends upon the market demand for ethanol.

Third Generation (3G) Bioethanol

Bioethanol from non-food based feedstock includes many benefits. Such as higher energy density, conversion percentage, ease of cultivation, and lower costs. However, there is a lack of stability in the extraction of algae or other microbes compared to other bioethanol sources.

Fourth Generation (4G) Bioethanol

The fourth-generation bioethanol procedure includes capturing and storing CO2 and later converting the stored CO2 to ethanol. Oxide electrolysis, genetic engineering, and petroleum hydro-processing are some technologies. However, it is in the embryonic stage.