Future prospects, opportunities, and challenges in the application of nanomaterials in biofuel production systems

Abstract Since the 21st century, the demand for energy has been increasing at an alarming rate due to the limited available renewable fuel resources and the rapid advanced technological development. This has driven countries to focus on the discovery of a new alternative fuel, biofuel, with imperative inherent benefits. Commercial biofuel production exhibits various technical barriers as well as expensive production cost. The exploitation of nanotechnology offers a new potential approach to the generation of biofuel in an ecofriendly manner. Despite its promising advantages, the negative impacts associated with nanomaterials utilized in biofuel production systems have numerous adverse impacts on the environment, living organisms, and the economy. This chapter focuses on the strategic role of nanoparticles in biofuel production systems and the design of various nanocatalysts used in the generation of biofuel. The chapter also advocates the challenges associated with the application of nanotechnology in biofuel production systems. Finally, the chapter summarizes the opportunities and future aspects in the way forward with the utilization of nanoparticles in the generation of biofuel.