Biological Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 1-10 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 2 measures related to ethanol fuel, such as legislation, regulations, tariffs, and tax incentives. This review will also delve into the environmental and social impacts of ethanol fuel, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, it will explore the advantages and disadvantages of ethanol fuel, including its impact on food supply and lower energy density issues. Finally, the review will analyze the future prospects and development trends of ethanol fuel, discussing its role and challenges in the energy transition. This comprehensive review aims to provide readers with valuable information and insights to promote the broader application and development of ethanol fuel. It will offer a holistic analysis of the application and development trends of ethanol fuel in the United States, examining its environmental, social, and economic impacts and advantages, while also addressing the issues and controversies it faces. We hope to contribute to the readers' understanding and stimulate further adoption and growth of ethanol fuel. 1 Ethanol Fuel Overview 1.1 Raw materials Ethanol fuel, also known as ethanol gasoline or bioethanol, is a green energy source that can replace traditional petroleum fuels. It finds wide applications in the fields of transportation and industry. The primary source of its raw materials is biomass and waste materials, which are converted through biotechnology and fermentation techniques. The selection and utilization of raw materials for ethanol fuel production may vary across different regions and countries. To promote the sustainable development of ethanol fuel, research and development of various biomass materials, as well as the enhancement of conversion efficiency and reduction of production costs, will be crucial directions for the future development of the ethanol fuel industry. In the United States, corn is the primary raw material for ethanol fuel production (Figure 1). According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2019, over 90% of the ethanol fuel produced in the United States came from corn. Additionally, data from the U.S. Grains Council indicates that the corn production in the United States reached nearly 13.4 billion bushels in the 2019-2020 period, with approximately 38% of it being used for ethanol fuel production. This highlights the significant role that corn plays in ethanol fuel production in the United States. Furthermore, corn is one of the major staple crops in the United States, extensively used in food and animal feed production. Figure 1 Corn is the main feedstock for the production of ethanol fuel (Photo by Bing) Cellulose is also one of the main raw materials for ethanol fuel production. Cellulose is a potentially renewable, cleaner-burning, and carbon-neutral gasoline alternative. Materials considered for cellulose biofuels include plant substances from agricultural residues, yard waste, sawdust, and paper (Sun et al., 2003). Professors R. Malcolm Brown Jr. and David Noble Jr. at the University of Texas at Austin developed a type of blue-green algae that has the potential to produce cellulose, glucose, and sucrose, with the latter two being easily converted into ethanol. This provides the possibility of ethanol production without the need for plant materials. Sugar is also a common raw material for ethanol fuel production. Producing ethanol from sugar is simpler than converting corn into ethanol. Converting sugar only requires a yeast fermentation process, whereas converting
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