BIOFUELS

The energy crisis, defined by the growing world population, the increasing per capita demand for energy and the progressive depletion of fossil fuels, calls for the development of fuels from renewable raw materials. The group’s work is focused on the production of second generation bioethanol (obtained from lignocellulosic materials) through processes based on the sequence of pre-treatment/hydrolysis/fermentation stages. With this technology, bioethanol can be obtained both from the hemicellulosic fraction and from the cellulose contained in the lignocellulosic materials, leaving the lignin as a fraction from which additional benefit can be obtained through its use as fuel or for chemical uses.