ARS | Publication request: PRODUCTION OF ETHANOL FROM CORN AND SUGARCANE

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: February 8, 2008
Publication Date: February 5, 2008
Citation: Nichols, N.N., Dien, B.S., Monceaux, D.A., Bothast, R.J. 2008. Production of ethanol from corn and sugarcane. In: Wall, J., Harwood, C.S., Demain, A.L., editors. Bioenergy. Chapter 1. Washington, DC: ASM Press. p. 3-15.

Technical Abstract: Production and use of ethanol for fuel is increasing world-wide in response to economic, security, and environmental concerns. Ethanol is used to reduce reliance on imported oil and to reduce the risk of disruption of domestic oil production. Other reasons cited for use of ethanol include its role as an oxygenate to reduce automotive emissions and benefits of ethanol production to farmers and rural economies. This chapter discusses the biological and chemical bases for ethanol production from starch and sugars and describes the processes for conversion of corn grain and sugarcane to ethanol. Areas of research and future improvements in the ethanol process are also discussed.