Fermentation

The process of fermentation can be used to create ethanol which in itself can be mixed with petrol to make more eco-friendly cars. It is made from a renewable source which makes it more eco-friendly than petrol or diesel, and can be used in various blends. It is mainly used in Brazil and the US.

On This Page

  1. Fermentation
    1. What’s the process?
    2. Why do we use this process?
    3. What are the problems with this process?
  2. Ethanol Fuels

Fermentation

Fermentation is used to make a range of products including ethanol. The process is more labour intensive but it is a better process for making ethanol than alternative methods.

What is the process of fermentation?

Fermentation is the process used to make ethanol which is more commonly known as alcohol. The process involves turning sugars from corn or cane sugars into cellular energy so they produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. As the products are left to “ferment” the enzymes in yeast act as a catalyst to turn the sugars into carbon dioxide and ethanol. The equation for creating ethanol using fermentation is as follows:

The process is used to make alcoholic beverages, ethanol fuel and bread dough.

Why use the process of fermentation to make ethanol?

Fermentation is not the only way of making ethanol. Ethanol can also be made by reacting ethane with steam. However, the process of fermentation is used as ethane is a non-renewable source which would make using ethanol for fuel a pointless task.

What are the problems with fermentation?

There is an ethical problem for using fermentation for creating ethanol. Some people argue that it is a waste to use food sources to make products like ethanol when there are people going hungry in the world. They suggest food should always be used for its primary purpose; to feed the population.

Ethanol fuel

E10 Ethanol fuel (10% ethanol in petrol) can be used in any car or vehicle. Unlike other alternative fuel resources, where you have to buy a specific car to use them, ethanol fuel can be used in any car and it even keeps your engine clean. You can also use ethanol fuel in engine powered lawn mowers and boats.

Ethanol fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59% compared to Petrol.

One day oil will run out and we will have to find an alternative fuel to petrol or diesel to fuel our cars. Is ethanol fuel a real substitute for other fuels? Click here to find out more.