This paper caught upon my eye when I was doing some research on the future prospects of cellulose ethanol. Though this paper is kinda old, it gives some useful information as to why someone should think about using Cellulosic biomass as a feedstock to produce ethanol.
Cellulosic biomass contains plant fibers + cellulose which cannot be consumed by human beings. These plant fibers gradually get hydrolyzed and yield many sugars as a result of fermentation by microorganisms. The value of cellulose as a renewable source of energy and carbon has made cellulose hydrolysis the subject of scientific investigations and industrial interest for many years.
Below, I have highlighted reasons why Cellulosic ethanol is the best choice to produce biofuels. Also, I have mentioned the names of some sources of Cellulosic biomass incase someone wants to try it out!!
1. Firstly, it is renewable. It is a sustainable resource, drastically reduces the carbon- dioxide emissions.
2. It is available everywhere, most importantly; it doesn’t include any food crops.
3. It is highly cost competitive with petroleum as well as gasoline. Apparently, it doesn’t produce any emissions either.
4. Interestingly, existing cars can run on 10 percent ethanol with no modifications.
5. The cellulosic feedstocks require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides required for cellulosic feedstocks.
A list of sources which can be used as a cellulosic biomass:
1. Grass
2. Woody Biomass
3. Agricultural waste (Citrus waste, Corn cobs, Leafy materials)
4. Waste (Municipal Waste, Forest waste, Paper Pulp)
5. Energy Crops (Miscanthus, Switchgrass)
For those interested
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