IB Chemistry Topic R1.3.4 Biofuels Revision Notes (SL/HL)

IB Chemistry Topic R1.3.4 Biofuels Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

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Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

Definition

Biofuels

Biofuels are energy sources derived from biological materials such as plants, algae, or organic waste.

Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, biofuels are produced relatively quickly through processes like photosynthesis and fermentation.
This rapid production cycle makes biofuels a renewable energy source.

Biological Carbon Fixation and Photosynthesis

Plants are at the heart of biofuel production.
Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water ($H_2O$) to produce glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) and oxygen ($O_2$): $$6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l) \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + 6O_2(g)$$
The glucose generated can then be converted into biofuels like ethanol through fermentation.

Analogy

Think of plants as nature’s solar panels.
They capture sunlight and store its energy in the form of glucose, which can later be transformed into biofuels for human use.

Ethanol as a Biofuel

Ethanol, a type of alcohol, is one of the most widely used biofuels.
It can be blended with gasoline or used on its own as a renewable fuel.
Ethanol is typically produced through the fermentation of glucose by yeast under anaerobic conditions (no oxygen present): $$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) \rightarrow 2C_2H_5OH(aq) + 2CO_2(g)$$
While this process releases carbon dioxide, the $CO_2$ emitted is part of a short-term cycle, as it was recently absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.

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IB Chemistry R1.3.4 Biofuels Notes

Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

Biological Carbon Fixation and Photosynthesis

Ethanol as a Biofuel

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Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

Biological Carbon Fixation and Photosynthesis

Ethanol as a Biofuel

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Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter5 subtopics

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure4 subtopics

Structure 3. Classification of matter2 subtopics

Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?4 subtopics

Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?3 subtopics

Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?4 subtopics

IB Chemistry R1.3.4 Biofuels Notes

Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter5 subtopics

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure4 subtopics

Structure 3. Classification of matter2 subtopics

Reactivity 1. What drives chemical reactions?4 subtopics

Reactivity 2. How much, how fast and how far?3 subtopics

Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change?4 subtopics

Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

Biological Carbon Fixation and Photosynthesis

Ethanol as a Biofuel

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Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

Biological Carbon Fixation and Photosynthesis

Ethanol as a Biofuel

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