August 2011

Need to understand biofuels better?

Thanks to an exhibit called Science in American Life at the National Museum of Natural History, you can. In this video, you'll meet four researchers who will acquaint you with the basics of biotechnology as it relates to health, agriculture, genetics, and fuel.

AIChE, through its Societal Impact Operating Council (SIOC), wants to establish a community of its members who are interested in using K-12 outreach as a way to spread the message about the positive impact that chemical engineers have on society, and about the great career opportunities that exist in our profession.

You know biofuels, but what about electrofuels? Electrofuels are a category of highly efficient biofuel production schemes whereby algae and other microorganisms utilize solar-derived electricity, hydrogen, or metal ions to convert carbon dioxide to fuels. No petroleum or biomass needed.

If you're having trouble keeping up with the fast-paced changes in biofuels, the following ten blurbs and links should provide a useful snapshot of biofuel trends. Read on for more about the multitude of stunning new technologies and different feedstocks popping up around the globe; the emergence of third-generation biofuels; and the long slog ahead toward acceptance and commercialization.