An overview on the production of bio-methanol as potential renewable energy

The depletion of the fossil fuel supply and the environmental pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion have become major worldwide problems. Biomass is a renewable resource that has the potential to replace fossil fuels. One of the valuable biomass products is bio-methanol, which can be used to generate electricity and power for portable applications. This paper discusses the potential of bio-methanol as a renewable resource taking into account the world demand, economic assessment, power density and possible applications. It therefore presents the unique properties of bio-methanol as a potential energy resource. It also discusses the various types of biomass that can be obtained from waste products and the different processes that have been developed for the production of bio-methanol fin addition, it discusses the current problems facing bio-methanol production and the further technological improvements that are needed to support the future energy requirements. Overall, the yield of bio-methanol depends on the type of process used and the associated kinetic parameters of the conversion process. Catalysts have been used in the thermo-chemical and bio-chemical conversion of carbon dioxide into bio-methanol. Several advanced methods have been recently introduced to enhance the production of methanol, but further research is required before these can be used for large-scale bio-methanol production. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.