ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to providing a concise summary of the need for bioethanol, the effects of its use, the market, and its technology to aid the reader in quickly understanding the key features of bioethanol. It shows that ethanol is a versatile transportation fuel and fuel additive. The book examines ethanol market forces with respect to the use of ethanol in the transportation fuels market. It provides valuable information on chemical analysis techniques that are essential to properly determine the performance of bioethanol technology. The book also examines the general nature of plant hemicellulose and introduces the types, activities, and uses of hemicellulases in biomass conversion technologies. It reviews cellulase production technology and emphasizes leading processing approaches to making cellulase. The book also provides a short summary of technology and economics for the existing corn ethanol industry.
