Microbial synthesis of nickel-cobaltite nanoparticle for biofuel applications

Abstract

The conventional, exhaustible, and environment-unfriendly fossil fuels are being used at a tremendous rate currently, and the ever-growing demand for fuels has necessitated the development and utilization of renewable and inexhaustible sources of fuels that are environment-friendly and economical. Biofuels are the ones formed from biomass that is abundant in nature and do not pollute the environment. Because it is available in abundance, it is economical. However, the focus has shifted toward technologies that can maximize the yields and enhance the production rate of these alternative green fuels. Nanoparticles have exquisite properties which can be exploited suitably to be used in the improvement of the performances and the applications of biofuels. The chapter focuses on the mechanisms that are used in synthesizing nickel-cobaltite nanoparticles using the enzymes released by the microbes, viz., fungi. Furthermore it elucidates the possible applications of these green nanoparticles in biofuels and also how the nanoparticles can be used in producing several biofuels. The barriers that are being faced have also been discussed, and plausible solutions have been given toward the end of the chapter. © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.