Biofuel is commonly referred to as liquid fuels that are plant derived. There are, however, solid versions of this eco-friendly alternative energy. The most common liquid forms include bioalcohol and biodiesel. Solid versions include wood, sawdust and grass clippings.
Liquid Biofuel
The energy market is pushing cars to run on alternative energy. This is where the liquid biofuel comes into play. Automobiles that run on gasoline emit harmful gases into the air which can harm the ozone layer and destroy this protective barrier between Earth and space. With the introduction of ethanol, or bioalcohol, emissions were reduced dramatically, but ethanol is not the only liquid option.
Biodiesel is also available for use in cars and trucks that normally run on common diesel fuel. Oils and fats are transformed into biodiesel when they are mixed with sodium hydroxide and methanol or ethanol. The resulting fuel can be mixed with mineral diesel and used in a vehicle running on this type of energy.
Solid Alternatives Do Exist
Sawdust, wood chips and grass clippings can be converted into alternative energy sources by compressing the mass of the substance. When the materials are compressed, the most common result is a pellet form that can be burned for heat. These solid forms are not eco-friendly, in most cases, and emit large amounts of pollutants into the air.
The purpose of the biofuel is to lessen the impact of energy on the environment. In terms of total Earth cost, the liquid biofuel seems to offer a better return on investment that a solid form of energy.