July 24, 2008

BioFuels made from sawdust

It seems that there is no limit to the types of plant matter, which can be converted into biofuels, the only problem is converting the plant molecules into the liquid hydrocarbons, which is essential, otherwise the whole process is a waste of time.

Once this conversion has taken place plant material and waste plant material can then be turned into the chemical needed to create ethanol and bio diesel.

Plant matter used in biofuels are normally sugar and corn, these break down easier but are being blamed for the rise in food prices. Therefore, it is the tougher plant matter like saw dust that really holds the key to the future of biofuels.

Whoever finds the way of doing this will reap the rewards; this is why billions of dollars are being poured into finding a way of converting materials like waste wood, rather than using up our food supplies.

Source [ABC]