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.

Biofuels such as ethanol, butanol, and biodiesel have more desirable physico-chemical properties than base petroleum fuels (diesel and gasoline), making them more suitable for use in internal combustion engines. The book begins with a comprehensive review of biofuels and their utilization processes and culminates in an analysis of biofuel quality and impact on engine performance and emissions characteristics, while discussing relevant engine types, combustion aspects and effect on greenhouse gases. It will facilitate scattered information on biofuels and its utilization has to be integrated as a single information source. The information provided in this book would help readers to update their basic knowledge in the area of "biofuels and its utilization in internal combustion engines and its impact Environment and Ecology". It will serve as a reference source for UG/PG/Ph.D. Doctoral Scholars for their projects / research works and can provide valuable information to Researchers from Academic Universities and Industries. Key Features: • Compiles exhaustive information of biofuels and their utilization in internal combustion engines. • Explains engine performance of biofuels • Studies impact of biofuels on greenhouse gases and ecology highlighting integrated bio-energy system. • Discusses fuel quality of different biofuels and their suitability for internal combustion engines. • Details effects of biofuels on combustion and emissions characteristics.

Various combinations of commercially available technologies could greatly reduce fuel consumption in passenger cars, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and other light-duty vehicles without compromising vehicle performance or safety. Assessment of Technologies for Improving Light Duty Vehicle Fuel Economy estimates the potential fuel savings and costs to consumers of available technology combinations for three types of engines: spark-ignition gasoline, compression-ignition diesel, and hybrid. According to its estimates, adopting the full combination of improved technologies in medium and large cars and pickup trucks with spark-ignition engines could reduce fuel consumption by 29 percent at an additional cost of $2,200 to the consumer. Replacing spark-ignition engines with diesel engines and components would yield fuel savings of about 37 percent at an added cost of approximately $5,900 per vehicle, and replacing spark-ignition engines with hybrid engines and components would reduce fuel consumption by 43 percent at an increase of $6,000 per vehicle. The book focuses on fuel consumption-the amount of fuel consumed in a given driving distance-because energy savings are directly related to the amount of fuel used. In contrast, fuel economy measures how far a vehicle will travel with a gallon of fuel. Because fuel consumption data indicate money saved on fuel purchases and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, the book finds that vehicle stickers should provide consumers with fuel consumption data in addition to fuel economy information.

In today’s global context, there has been extensive research conducted in reducing harmful emissions to conserve and protect our environment. In the automobile and power generation industries, diesel engines are being utilized due to their high level of performance and fuel economy. However, these engines are producing harmful pollutants that contribute to several global threats including greenhouse gases and ozone layer depletion. Professionals have begun developing techniques to improve the performance and reduce emissions of diesel engines, but significant research is lacking in this area. Recent Technologies for Enhancing Performance and Reducing Emissions in Diesel Engines is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on technical and environmental enhancements to the emission and combustion characteristics of diesel engines. While highlighting topics such as biodiesel emulsions, nanoparticle additives, and mathematical modeling, this publication explores the potential additives that have been incorporated into the performance of diesel engines in order to positively affect the environment. This book is ideally designed for chemical and electrical engineers, developers, researchers, power generation professionals, mechanical practitioners, scholars, ecologists, scientists, graduate students, and academicians seeking current research on modern innovations in fuel processing and environmental pollution control.

The use of nanotechnologies continues to grow, as nanomaterials have proven their versatility and use in many different fields and industries within the scientific profession. Using nanotechnology, materials can be made lighter, more durable, more reactive, and more efficient leading nanoscale materials to enhance many everyday products and processes. With many different sizes, shapes, and internal structures, the applications are endless. These uses range from pharmaceutics to materials such as cement or cloth, electronics, environmental sustainability, and more. Therefore, there has been a recent surge of research focused on the synthesis and characterizations of these nanomaterials to better understand how they can be used, their applications, and the many different types. The Research Anthology on Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Nanomaterials seeks to address not only how nanomaterials are created, used, or characterized, but also to apply this knowledge to the multidimensional industries, fields, and applications of nanomaterials and nanoscience. This includes topics such as both natural and manmade nanomaterials; the size, shape, reactivity, and other essential characteristics of nanomaterials; challenges and potential effects of using nanomaterials; and the advantages of nanomaterials with multidisciplinary uses. This book is ideally designed for researchers, engineers, practitioners, industrialists, educators, strategists, policymakers, scientists, and students working in fields that include materials engineering, engineering science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, microbiology, drug design and delivery, medicine, and more.

Recent Developments in Bioenergy Research reviews all these topics, reports recent research findings, and presents potential solutions to challenging issues. The book consolidates the most recent research on the (bio)technologies, concepts and commercial developments that are currently in progress on different types of widely-used biofuels and integrated biorefineries across biochemistry, biotechnology, biochemical engineering and microbiology. Chapters include very recent/emerging topics, such as non-ionic and ionic liquids/surfactants for enhancement of lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis and lignocellulose biomass as a rich source of bio-ionic liquids. The book is a useful source of information for those working in the area of- industrial wastewater treatment and microbial fuel cells, but is also a great resource for senior undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, professionals, biochemical engineers and other interested individuals/groups working in the field of biofuel/bioenergy.

Nanotechnology for Advanced Biofuels: Fundamentals and Applications highlights emerging techniques for the formulation of fuels using nanotechnology and bio-based concepts. The addition of high-energy nanoparticles and biologically derived molecules in liquid fuel can increase the potential of energy-rich compounds. Key challenges in the production of nanotechnology-based fuels and their combustion or ignition during the operation are covered, along with the emission of oxidized particles and by-products of incomplete combustion and nano-fuels as an emerging field. The bio-based energy-rich fuels are largely diffused in conventionally used fuels. The addition of biofuels and nano-additives to pre-existing fuels can offer opportunities for developing modified fuels in domestic industries with the maximum usage of renewable biomass. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, energy scientists and chemical engineers who want to understand more about how nanotechnology can help create more efficient biofuels. - Shows how nano-additives can significantly improve the properties and efficiency of biofuels - Provides information to help readers better understand the basic and advanced applications of nano-additive-based biofuels - Assesses the challenges of manufacturing nanotechnology-enhanced biofuels on an industrial scale