BioFuel

 

Abstract

Our present society is based on an infrastructure dependant on fossil fuels, a finite source of energy. The technology does not exist to sustain our current infrastructure without a radical social change. Until technology improves, biofuels are our best option. While algae and other crops have a high potential yield these methods require specialized equipment and procedures. For developing countries a different source is needed one that is plentiful, easy to convert, and does not require much precious water resources. Bamboo is a perfect example. Bambusa Oldhamii is the fastest growing plant in the world and is copiously abundant in Asia. It is also a hardy plant that can grow under a wide range of conditions in many places. The gasification process, which does not require specialized equipment, is a sustainable and dependable method for converting biomass into biofuels. Paired with gasification, Bambusa Oldhamii would make a good source of biofuel for developing countries especially in Asia. Culms of Bambusa Oldhamii were cut into smaller pieces to be put in the gasification chamber. The gasification chamber was heated via a hotplate to ensure precise and accurate temperatures. In practical use the gasification chamber would be heated by bamboo charcoal, which is a byproduct from gasification. Vapors were collected in a condenser and the condensed liquid was collected in flasks. After the distillate was filtered Infrared Resonance, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and PH tests were run on the samples to determine their chemical makeup.

 

Infrared Resonance tests resulted in wave numbers indicating absorption around the 3300-3500 and 1648 cm-1 mark. Other various curves were determined to be background.  The 3300-3500 wave numbers were surmised to be an indicator of an OH group, and the 1648 wave numbers were inferred to be a carbonyl group.

 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance tests resulted in an indication of no alcohol present.  PH tests resulted in a pH of 4.  We concluded that biofuel from Bambusa Oldhamii by way of gasification was unfeasible.

 

Awards

ISEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair 1st Place Biochemistry, 2010