Application of nanoparticles in biofuels: an overview
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Date
Authors
Sekoai, Patrick T.
Ouma, Cecil Naphtaly Moro
Du Preez, Stephanus Petrus
Modisha, Phillimon
Engelbrecht, Nicolaas
Bessarabov, Dmitri G.
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Biofuels are fast advancing as alternative sources of renewable energy due to their non-polluting features and
cost-competitiveness in comparison to fossil fuels. However, in order to fast-track their development, focus is
shifting towards the use of technologies that will maximize their yields. Nanoparticles are gaining increasing
interest amongst researchers due to their exquisite properties, which enable them to be applied in diverse fields
such as agriculture, electronics, pharmaceuticals and food industry. They are also being explored in biofuels in
order to improve the performance of these bioprocesses. This review critically examines the various studies in
literature that have explored nanoparticles in biofuel processes such as biohydrogen, biogas, biodiesel and
bioethanol production, towards enhancing their process yields. Furthermore, it elucidates the different types of
nanomaterials (metallic, nanofibers and nanotubes) that have been used in these bioprocesses. It also evaluates
the effects of immobilized nanoparticles on biofuels such as biodiesel, and the ability of nanoparticles to effectively
suppress inhibitory compounds under certain conditions. A short section is included to discuss the
factors that influence the performance of nanoparticles on biofuels production processes. Finally, the review
concludes with suggestions on improvements and possible further research aspects of these bioprocesses using
nanoparticles
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Citation
Sekoai, P.T. et al. 2019. Application of nanoparticles in biofuels: an overview. Fuel, 237:380-397. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.10.030]