Grassoline at the pump. (Cover story)

• Autores: George W. Huber, Bruce E. Dale
• Localización: Scientific American, ISSN 0036-8733, Vol. 301, Nº. 1, 2009, págs. 52-59
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This article discusses research into the so-called second-generation of biofuel feedstocks, which are based on cellulose drawn from nonfood plants. The potential that the technologies for refining these materials into fuel have to replace petroleum is couched in terms of the need to compete with the lowest points in commodity price cycles. The biochemistry of extracting glucose sugars from cellulose in plant fibers is assessed. INSET: The Fat of the Matter.