Understanding the key components of biofuel combustion is an important step towards a wise choice of next-generation alternative fuels.
In the article, titled: "The Chemistry of Biofuel Combustion: From Ethanol to Biodiesel", the combustion chemistry of compounds found in common biofuels, including alcohols, ethers and esters, is examined.
Biofuels, such as ethanol, biobutanol and biodiesel, are of increasing interest to be used as alternatives to common petroleum-based fuels. However, according to the two researchers (Hansen and Westbrook), only little research has been done regarding the collection of complex and very diverse chemical reactions of biofuel combustion.
In general, the term biofuel is associated with only a small selection of chemical compounds, mainly: ethanol (used exclusively as an alternative to fuel in internal combustion engines) and very long methyl esters in biodiesel (used as an alternative to diesel in diesel engines). Bio-fuels are oxidized fuels, a fact that distinguishes them from hydrocarbons present in conventional petroleum-based fuels.
While many discussions regarding biofuels have focused on the possible processes for obtaining alternative fuels and fuel additives, the researchers are the first to examine the characteristic aspects of the chemical mechanisms in the combustion of possible biofuels.
The researchers used a combination of laser microscopy, mass microscopy and flame chemistry to examine the oxidation and degradation mechanisms of several biofuels and the creation of toxic or harmful emissions. In order to understand the various combustion reactions and to identify recurring reaction patterns, the researchers agreed that it is important to test parallels of possible biofuels.
