Development of Biofuels as an Alternative Source to Petroleum: A Review

Biofuel is a type of renewable energy created from living materials, compared to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed through slow natural processes. Biofuels can be liquid, gaseous, or solid. In place of petroleum and other fossil fuels, biofuel is frequently promoted as a convenient and environmentally friendly option. Since there is already a substantial infrastructure in place to facilitate their use, particularly in transportation, liquid biofuels are particularly alluring. Ethanol, a liquid biofuel that is most frequently used, is made by fermenting starch or sugar. The second most common liquid biofuel is biodiesel, which is mostly produced from oily plants (like palm or soybean oil) and to a lesser extent from other oily sources. Biodiesel is used in diesel engines and is usually blended with petroleum diesel fuel in varying quantities. Some algae species have up to 40% lipids by weight, which can be used to make biodiesel or synthetic petroleum. The four basic forms of biofuels were discussed in this review along with their benefits and drawbacks, aside from their economic and environmental concerns.