An overview of the production and prospect of polyhydroxyalkanote (PHA)-based biofuels: Opportunities and limitations

Akinwumi, A.R. and Nwinyi, Obinna and Ayeni, .A. O. and Ahuekwe, Eze Frank and Chukwu, M. N. (2022) An overview of the production and prospect of polyhydroxyalkanote (PHA)-based biofuels: Opportunities and limitations. Scientific African, 16.

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Abstract

The significant challenges faced with the use of fossil fuel and its depleting effect have led to discovering several means of generating alternative fuels known as biofuels. Based on the renewable substrates used for biofuel production, different generations of biofuels have emerged. From these generations, microbial-based substrates, one of which is poly- hydroxyalkanoate (PHA), are still relevant, as they do not compete with other valuable resources, such as food and farmland, vital to human survival. Currently, PHAs are used for many applications, most notably as bioplastics, drug delivery molecules, medical suture, food and feeds, and, recently, biofuel. The method used for converting PHA to biofuel had involved heating the PHA with sulphuric acid and methanol, which breaks the polymer up into its various constituent monomers and then transforms them into methyl esters. When comparing the manufacturing process, its chemical configurations and energy carrier role, PHA-based biofuels are predominantly biodiesel. As a renewable fuel, this fuel source’s improvement may add to the sustainable energy and fuel additive market’s growth. Con- sequently, this article reviews the advantages and limitations of PHA-based biofuel produc- tion, its physicochemical parameters, and the commercial use prospect.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords: Biodiesel Biofuel Cetane number Engine Fossil fuel Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TP Chemical technology
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Engineering Sciences
Depositing User:	nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2022 12:37
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2022 12:37
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/16438

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