Second and Third Generation of Feedstocks

Book excerpt: Second and Third Generation of Feedstocks: The Evolution of Biofuels presents a critical analysis of 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 pretreatment 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