Preface, Ethanol Science and Engineering

The rapid growth in global energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, associated with the use of fossil fuels, is stimulating a continuous research for alternative and renewable fuels showing a very low environmental impact. In addition, nowadays, the energy dependence on fossil fuels creates a strong instability in the global market because the world reserves of fossil fuels are running out with a relative instability of fuel prices. At present, the ethanol is considered a viable competitor over those derived from fossil fuels, representing one of the best biofuels for transportation. Indeed, it can be burned directly or blended with petrol to improve fuel combustion in vehicles, resulting in lower CO2 emission to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Furthermore, ethanol is not only considered an excellent fuel, but it represents also an extreme versatile chemical product. It is an important raw material for both food processing and the production of chemical products, and it is also particularly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Its applications increase day by day and turn out to be of crucial importance from a world research point of view. The aim of this book is to provide, with contributions coming from some of the most representative scientists in the field, an overview on the status of the art about the most recent researches on the ethanol production, application and its economical role in the global market as deeply discussed in the dedicated four sections of this book. In the first section (Science and Production), Chapter 1 (Abdulrazzaq and Schwartz) describes the catalytic conversion of ethanol to commodity and specialty chemicals of industrial and commercial interest. Chapter 2 (Dalena, Senatore, Iulianelli, Di Paola, M. Basile, A. Basile) gives an overview on the ethanol production processes and their future perspectives related to the biomass exploitation. Chapter 3 (A. Küüt, Ritslaid, K. Küüt, Ilves, Olt) deals with an overview about the state of the art on the conventional processes for ethanol production. Chapter 4 (Jalilnejad and Ghasemzadeh) concludes the first section of the book with the bioethanol production process and the criticisms related to the food versus fuel utilization. In the second section (Application and Innovation), Chapter 5 (Abbati de Assis and Rodriguez) involves a review on the most common catalysts used in the ethanol reforming processes. Steam reforming, partial oxidation and autothermal reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production in conventional reactors is the topic of Chapter 6 (Vita, Pino, Italiano, Palella), in which the most important ethanol reforming processes in the field of hydrogen production are reviewed. The same topic was faced using membrane reactors technology in Chapter 7 (Iulianelli, Dalena, Basile), giving details about the benefits of this technology over the conventional systems. In Chapter 8 (Ilves, Küüt, Lot), the ethanol utilization as an internal combustion engine fuel is extensively discussed, while Chapter 9 (Borole) deals with the opportunities given by the ethanol exploitation for electricity and hydrogen production via bioelectrochemical systems. Chapter 10 (Lazar, Senila, Dana, Mihet) describes the challenges of using crude bioethanol for hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming reaction, pointing out benefits and drawbacks of this approach. Section two is concluded by Chapter 11 (Lie), which is dedicated to the ethanol utilization in automotive applications, including the environmental impacts of ethanol exploitation in terms of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as well. Sections three of the book (Modelling and Technology) starts with Chapter 12 (Ghasemzadeh, Jalilnejad, Tilebon), in which the opportunities given by ethanol exploitation in the field of hydrogen production technologies are reviewed. Chapter 13 (Vaidya, Wu, Rodrigues) analyzes from a kinetic point of view the ethanol production processes for hydrogen production. Chapter 14 (Gallucci, Pacheco Tanaka, van Sint Annaland) illustrates the ethanol reforming in thermally coupled, fluidized bed, bubble column and membrane reactors, reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of reactor to produce high grade hydrogen. The topic of Chapter 15 (Cermenek, Ranninger, Hacker) is represented by the alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell, which represents a promising environment-friendly energy converter for the production of clean and efficient power. Chapter 16 (Contestabile) contributes to this book pointing out the role of bioethanol utilization in batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and in passenger cars, whereas Chapter 17 (Rahimpour, Keshtkari, Aryafard) points out the benefits and unsolved issues regarding ethanol as a potential substitute to current aviation fuel. The last section of this book (Environment and Economy) starts with Chapter 18 (Amiri1 and Ghasemzadeh), in which the authors describe the impact of an ethanol economy on the environment as well as on demand and marketing. Chapter 19 (Kohler) undertakes an economic assessment of ethanol production based on the volatile nature of international crude oil prices, growing global concerns over energy security and GHG emissions. Last but not less important, Chapter 20 (Mih?il?-?tef?nescu) ends this book presenting a technical and economic comparison of the bioethanol exploitation within agriculture and industry. In conclusion, the Editors appreciated the hard work done by the Authors and wish to thank all of them for the fruitful cooperation in the preparation of this book.