Biofuels Hwang, Ha-Kyung AP Bio, per.1 June 6, 2009
History of Biofuels
1900s Rudolf Diesel first thought of using vegetable oil Arab oil embargo Iranian Revolution
1982 the first International Conference on Plant and Vegetable Oil was held 1998 the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy Act were amended
Various Types of Biofuels
Biodiesel is made with used vegetable oil Bioalcolhol biologically produced alcohol Biogas created when an anaerobe digests an organic material Ethanol the most commonly used biofuel in the world; usually made from maize
How to make Biofuels
1. Filtering 2. Water removal 3. Titration 4. Preparation of Sodium Methoxide 5. Mixing and Heating 6. Transesterification
Benefits & Drawbacks
Biodegradable Might end dependency on foreign countries Potentially unlimited / renewable source of energy Improves the engine’s lubricity
Increases green house effect Causes deforestation Destroys biodiversity Results in shortage of food
Should we use the biofuels?