In this section, a few greener and safer possible alternatives to ethanol will be observed as a means to find replacements to help reduce the global pollution crisis but still meet the consummation rate of society.
Hydrogen fuel
Hydrogen is a natural gas and also the most abundant natural gas. It is mainly acquired through petroleum but can also be formed through the electrolysis of water, which is very efficient since the only two products are hydrogen and oxygen, both of which can be used in production. This means that none of the resources will be wasted in the production of hydrogen. Also, the production of hydrogen causes no other by-products like carbon monoxide that can harm our environment; as opposed to ethanol which loses a ton of resources during its production from corn to fuel while creating a substantial amount of pollution. There is also two ways to turn hydrogen to energy for fuel, either by combustion or by using a fuel cell.
By using hydrogen gas, it is possible to burn the gas and use it as a fuel source. Hydrogen, when burned, only makes water as a by-product, which would eliminate carbon emission whilst creating energy. The issue with this is that the energy produced by hydrogen is low considering the volume that it takes. This makes storing hydrogen a challenge because it requires high pressures, low temperatures, or additional chemical processes to be stored compactly.
The other way to produce energy through hydrogen is from fuel cells. Fuel cells are very complex, but in a nutshell, hydrogen and oxygen are mixed together, which creates water. During that reaction, electricity is created and is transferred into the storage where the energy is then used to power the appliances. This method of creating energy is very efficient, and just like combustion, the only by-product is water. The upside to a fuel cell is that it is more efficient than combustion. Fuel cells, on an environmental standpoint, is much better greener than ethanol production. However, the issue is that it becomes very expensive to create, and once again storing the excessive amounts of hydrogen required proves to be a problem.
By using hydrogen gas, it is possible to burn the gas and use it as a fuel source. Hydrogen, when burned, only makes water as a by-product, which would eliminate carbon emission whilst creating energy. The issue with this is that the energy produced by hydrogen is low considering the volume that it takes. This makes storing hydrogen a challenge because it requires high pressures, low temperatures, or additional chemical processes to be stored compactly.
The other way to produce energy through hydrogen is from fuel cells. Fuel cells are very complex, but in a nutshell, hydrogen and oxygen are mixed together, which creates water. During that reaction, electricity is created and is transferred into the storage where the energy is then used to power the appliances. This method of creating energy is very efficient, and just like combustion, the only by-product is water. The upside to a fuel cell is that it is more efficient than combustion. Fuel cells, on an environmental standpoint, is much better greener than ethanol production. However, the issue is that it becomes very expensive to create, and once again storing the excessive amounts of hydrogen required proves to be a problem.
BIO-DIESEL
This alternative known as bio-diesel came from mixing ethanol and diesel to create a hybrid fuel which has a lower impact on the environment. Bio-diesel can be used by a normal diesel motor and requires no modification to the machinery to be consumed.This method is more like a compromise between diesel and ethanol which balances the environmental impacts caused by both fuel sources.
The benefits to bio-diesel fuel over ethanol is that less deforestation and agricultural livestock are required to be used, which in turn reduces pollution to the environment. Also, since less diesel is being used, there is about 60% less CO₂ emissions than petroleum diesel, and which in turn causes less wear and tear on engines, and increases lubricity and engine efficiency.
Bio-diesel is currently being used as a fuel source and is becoming more and more common across America. This is due to its simplicity of fabrication and it's quality of being able to be used without modification of a motor.
The benefits to bio-diesel fuel over ethanol is that less deforestation and agricultural livestock are required to be used, which in turn reduces pollution to the environment. Also, since less diesel is being used, there is about 60% less CO₂ emissions than petroleum diesel, and which in turn causes less wear and tear on engines, and increases lubricity and engine efficiency.
Bio-diesel is currently being used as a fuel source and is becoming more and more common across America. This is due to its simplicity of fabrication and it's quality of being able to be used without modification of a motor.
Electrical Energy
Electricity is a well know alternative fuel sources which doesn't require a combustion based motor. With enough power, electricity auto-mobiles are able to travel with no gas emission. It is also known for its wide variety of uses not only in the auto-mobile industry but in most technological institutes. Electricity is wildly available and can come from many sources such as solar, nuclear, wind energies. Electricity can be a greener and cleaner source of fuel than ethanol but it can also be more polluting than ethanol depending on where the electricity originated from.
Electricity can be produced using sources such as solar energy or wind energy which are very environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels or ethanol combustion. Electricity also has a very high efficiency rating meaning that most of the energy is transferred into its purpose compared to combustion, where lots of energy is actually lost to thermal energy and sound. This would prevent a waste of fuel that ethanol would potentially cause. Another benefit is that with sources like nuclear energy, creating a large amount of energy to be used for the general consumption is possible.
The main issue with electricity is that though it is a very reliable and abundant source, it's very hard to store a large quantity of electricity. Therefore, research for better storage methods are required. However, even with this disadvantage, electricity is a great possible alternative to ethanol and is definitely an eco-friendlier resource.
Electricity can be produced using sources such as solar energy or wind energy which are very environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels or ethanol combustion. Electricity also has a very high efficiency rating meaning that most of the energy is transferred into its purpose compared to combustion, where lots of energy is actually lost to thermal energy and sound. This would prevent a waste of fuel that ethanol would potentially cause. Another benefit is that with sources like nuclear energy, creating a large amount of energy to be used for the general consumption is possible.
The main issue with electricity is that though it is a very reliable and abundant source, it's very hard to store a large quantity of electricity. Therefore, research for better storage methods are required. However, even with this disadvantage, electricity is a great possible alternative to ethanol and is definitely an eco-friendlier resource.