Study on the Use of Biomass Polymer Sheets in Water/Alcohol Pervaporation as a Sustainable Source of Alcohol Energy

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the study of cellulose sheets used as a bio-membrane in water/alcohol pervaporation for a variety of purposes in order to offer an environmentally sustainable, renewable, low-energy use and economical alternative. Particular interest is the utilization of readily available biological materials such as cellulose and chitosan to create biomass polymer membranes for the environmentally responsible and sustainable process of reclaiming alcohol from alcohol/water mixtures through the use of cellulose in the pervaporation process. This process is a promising and innovative alternative to the more energy intensive, environmentally destructive methods and materials currently used.