All about biofuels...

What are Biofuels?                              

Biofuels are fuels produced from our natural resources such as living plants. Biomass is an organic material that can be used as  a source of renewable energy. Biofuels serve as an alternative fuel from today’s polluting petrol/diesel.

(Citation 1)

Types of Biofuels:                                 

Ethanol:

• Ethanol is one of the most commonly used biofuel. Ethanol can be used as an alternative for gasoline. It is produced through the process of fermentation with sugar and starches such as corn, potatoes, and grains as well as many others. Ethanol allows the engine to burn hotter and more efficiently due to its high supply of octane content. Ethanol as many biofuels, decreases the amount of atmospheric pollution. (Citation 2)

Biogas:

• Biogas is another form of alternative fuel. Biogas consist of a gas called methane. Biogas is created from materials that are digested from anaerobes, or bacteria that does not need a source of oxygen to live. These bacterias actually creates methane as it breaks down cellulosic material. These anaerobes come from sources of landfill gas, corn silage, sewage sludge gas, etc which is then used to create biogas. Other derivatives of biogas include dried manure and wood. Biogas is used most as a source of electricity and heating however, it can also be used as natural gas for transport. (Citation 3)
  

Biodiesel:

• Biodiesel is produced using vegetable oils that come from crops such as, canola, corn, soy, sunflower, cottonseeds, etc. Biodiesel is in our greatest interest, typically because its main source is not hard to possess. Biodiesl is non-toxic as well as biodegradable. It can be used as a replacement for the original polluting diesel. Through the process of transertification, biodiesel is produced as it is added with methanol and sodium hydroxide. (Citation 4)