Second and Third Generation of Feedstocks

Second and Third Generation of Feedstocks: The Evolution of Biofuels presents a critical analysis of published data on both the applications and potential of bioenergy production from second and third generation feedstocks. The book illustrates different aspects of the processes used for the production of biofuels, dealing specifically with second and third generation feedstocks from biomass and algae. The pre-treatment of feedstocks and optimization of various forms of bioenergy are considered, along with the economic aspects of the various processes. In the last few years, industrial research efforts have focused on low cost, large scale processing for lignocellulosic feedstocks originating from agricultural residues and municipal wastes for bioenergy production. This book shares an insight into the recent developments taking place in this industry, exploring transformation processes as well as biomass and algae conversions.

• Reviews existing lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks and their sources
• Includes processes for the conversion of various feedstocks to biofuels
• Discusses current research findings on second and third generation feedstocks
• Describes processes involved in the transformation of algal biomass into biofuels

Key reference text for R&D in academia and industry interested in biofuels technologies and processes: Energy producers, Bio-Engineering Companies, Bio-Process Engineering, Bio-Chemical Plants

Part I: From simple sugars to biofuels: The evolution of biotechnology
1. From sugars to ethanol. From the agricultural wastes to algal sources: An overview
2. First generation feedstocks for bioenergy production
3. From substrate to biofuel in ABE process
4. Bio-butanol versus bio-ethanol in the ABE technology. A chemical and economical overview

Part II: 2nd generation feedstocks
5. Biofuels from agricultural wastes
6. Physical and chemical pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomasses
7. Biological pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomasses
8. Hydrolysis: From cellulose and hemicellulose to simple sugars
9. Fermentation process
10. Evaluation and comparison between SSF and SHF processes
11. Physical properties and chemical composition of biofuels

Part III 3rd generation feedstocks
12. Algae for biofuels: The 3rd generation of feedstock
13. Thermochemical conversion of microalgal biomass
14. Algal cultivation for biofuel production
15. Anaerobic digestion of microalgae for bio-methane production
16. Photobiological bio-hydrogen production
17. Transesterification of microalgae for biodiesel production 

Part IV -  Economical assestments and future trends
18. Coal vs. Biofuels. A social and economic assessment
19. Alternative fuels: An overview of current trends and scope for future
20. The fourth generation of biofuel