Application of nanotechnology for the sustainable development of algal biofuel industries

Abstract The exhaustion of limited fossil fuel resources and the overwhelming emissions of toxic gases from these fuels cause extensive damage to the environment. The world is focusing at replacing fossil fuels with clean energy production. Biofuels are eco-friendly and renewable energy and hence have received the attention of researchers around the globe as an alternate source of energy. Annually, the production of biofuels increases by 5% and is estimated to reach 50 million m3 of biofuel by 2025. The downsides of the first and second generations of biofuels resulted in the creation of a third generation of biofuel from algal sources. The major advantages of using algae as feedstock include low cost and the utilization of a high level of CO2 in the atmosphere, which make algae a good choice for biofuel production. Nanomaterials support and enhance biomass growth and improve harvesting efficiency in a short time.