Implications of Nanotechnology into Next Generation Biofuel Industry

Biofuels are emerging as integral and necessary research areas towards clean, next generation energy production, while providing alternative sources of sustainability. In addition to advancements in nanotechnology, many obstacles remain on the way for producing economically viable biofuels such as the challenges involved in the breakdown of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin found in woody biomass. The use of micro-algae as a feedstock in biofuel has already been impacted by the advancements of nanotechnology. However, interdisciplinary breakthroughs are needed to make biofuels viable contenders as replacements for traditional fossil fuels. The authors discuss recent advances, benefits, and challenges facing nanotechnology in accordance with furthering our understanding and improving the state of biofuel manufacturing, including the implementation of nanotechnology in other aspects of biofuels production, such as cracking catalyst design, carbon nanotube electrodes for fuel cells, and enzymatic production of biofuels.