Biochemical production of bioethanol

Abstract: Bioethanol can be produced from different sources of biomass including biological material from agricultural products and forest raw materials. The chapter first discusses the different biomass feedstock available for both first and second generation bioethanol production. It then discusses the various process technologies including pre-treatment, acid hydrolyses, enzymatic hydrolyses and fermentation steps to convert the various feedstock to bioethanol. The chapter includes a description of a pilot plant for production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials. Environmental aspects and future trends of bioethanol production have also been discussed.