This book is a collection of chapters concerning the use of biomass for the sustainable production of energy and chemicals–an important goal that will help decrease the production of greenhouse gases to help mitigate global warming, provide energy security in the face of dwindling petroleum reserves, improve balance of payment problems and spur local economic development. Clearly there are ways to save energy that need to be encouraged more. These include more use of energy sources such as, among others, manure in anaerobic digesters, waste wood in forests as fuel or feedstock for cellulosic ethanol, and conservation reserve program (CRP) land crops that are presently unused in the US. The use of biofuels is not new; Rudolf Diesel used peanut oil as fuel in the ?rst engines he developed (Chap. 8), and ethanol was used in the early 1900s in the US as automobile fuel [Songstad et al. (2009) Historical perspective of biofuels: learning from the past to rediscover the future. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Plant 45:189–192). Brazil now produces enough sugar cane ethanol to make up about 50% of its transportation fuel needs (Chap. 4). The next big thing will be cellulosic ethanol. At present, there is also the use of Miscanthus x giganteous as fuel for power plants in the UK (Chap. 2), bagasse (sugar cane waste) to power sugar cane mills (Chap. 4), and waste wood and sawdust to power sawmills (Chap. 7).

Biofuels production is one of the most extensively studied fields in the energy sector that can provide an alternative energy source and bring the energy industry closer to sustainability. Biomass-based fuel production, or renewable fuels, are becoming increasingly important as a potential solution for man-made climate change, depleted oil reserves, and the dangers involved with hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking"). The price of oil will always be volatile and changeable, and, so long as industry and private citizens around the world need energy, there will be a need for alternative energy sources. The area known as "biofuels and biofeedstocks" is one of the most important and quickly growing pieces of the "energy pie." Biofuels and biofeedstocks are constantly changing, and new processes are constantly being created, changed, and improved upon. The area is rapidly changing and always innovative. It is important, therefore, that books like the volumes in this series are published and the information widely disseminated to keep the industry informed of the state-of-the-art. This third volume in the Advances in Biofeedstocks and Biofuels series focuses on the production of liquid biofuel, covering all of the major biofuels, such as biodiesel, biobutanol, bioethanol, and others. This engaging text touches on all of the most important new processes and technologies, providing the most up-to-date coverage of the science available to industry. It is a must-have for any engineer or scientist working with biofuel technology.

This volume is a review of recent developments, opportunities, and challenges in the conversion of biomass from different sources to biodiesel or related fuel additives. Key features of the book include fully referenced chapters edited by experts, a blend of basic and current information on biodiesel and a summary of sustainable use of biodiesel byproducts like glycerol. The volume presents a comprehensive range of 13 topics related to biodiesel production and fuel additives. It begins with a historical overview of biodiesel and related additives, followed by detailed chapters on biodiesel production from various sources such as soybean oil, palm oil, and Jatropha curcas oil. Recent advancements in catalytic thermochemical conversions of biomass into biofuels are explored, alongside discussions on algal biocrude as a feedstock. The role of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis in biodiesel production is examined, along with innovative techniques such as microwave and ultrasound-assisted synthesis. The book also presents information about the utilization of waste cooking oil and waste-derived catalysts, concluding with insights into solketal synthesis and catalytic biodiesel production via simultaneous esterification and transesterification. The book imparts the technical know-how on biodiesel and relevant fuel additives for engineering and sustainability students, professionals and apprentices. It also informs policymakers in the energy sector on the benefits of biodiesel as a renewable energy resource.

Surfactants play a critical role in Tribology controlling friction, wear, and lubricant properties such as emulsification, demulsification, bioresistance, oxidation resistance, rust prevention and corrosion resistance. This is a critical topic for new materials and devices particularly those built at the nanoscale. This newest volume will address important advances, methods, and the use of novel materials to reduce friction and wear. Scientists from industrial research and development (R&D) organizations and academic research teams in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America will participate in the work.

This book refers to the various biomass valorisation in various fields like bio-fuel; biodiesel; hydrogen production; energy application, environmental pollution using recent clean technologies. Clean energy technology refers to any process, product or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through significant energy efficiency improvements, sustainable use of resources or environmental protection activities. It covers all aspects of new and renewable clean energy production technology. The concept of eco-efficiency involves both ecological and economic aspects of sustainable agriculture. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

How will we meet rising energy demands? What are our options? Are there viable long-term solutions for the future? Learn the fundamental physical, chemical and materials science at the heart of renewable/non-renewable energy sources, future transportation systems, energy efficiency and energy storage. Whether you are a student taking an energy course or a newcomer to the field, this textbook will help you understand critical relationships between the environment, energy and sustainability. Leading experts provide comprehensive coverage of each topic, bringing together diverse subject matter by integrating theory with engaging insights. Each chapter includes helpful features to aid understanding, including a historical overview to provide context, suggested further reading and questions for discussion. Every subject is beautifully illustrated and brought to life with full color images and color-coded sections for easy browsing, making this a complete educational package. Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability will enable today's scientists and educate future generations.

The International Conference on Environment: Survival and Sustainability, held at the Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus 19-24 February 2007, dealt with environmental threats and proposed solutions at all scales. The 21 themes addressed by the conference fell into four broad categories; Threats to Survival and Sustainability; Technological Advances towards Survival and Sustainability; Activities and Tools for Social Change; Defining Goals for Sustainable Societies. Activities and tools that move the society towards greater sustainability were emphasized at the conference. These included environmental law and ethics, environmental knowledge, technology and information systems, media, environmental awareness, education and lifelong learning, the use of literature for environmental awareness, the green factor in politics, international relations and environmental organizations. The breadth of the issues addressed at the conference made clear the need for greatly increased interdisciplinary and international collaboration the survival and sustainability concept. The exchanges at the conference represent a step in this direction.