Biofuel Generation from Potato Peel Waste: Current State and Prospects

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns, increased population, and the need to meet the diversification of the source of global energy have led to increased demand for biofuels. However, the high cost of raw materials for biofuels production has continued to slow down the acceptability, universal accessibility, and affordability of biofuels. The cost of feedstock and catalysts constitutes a major component of the production cost of biofuels. Potato is one of the most commonly consumed food crops among various populations due to its rich nutritional, health, and industrial benefits. In the current study, the application of potato peel waste (PPW) for biofuel production was interrogated. The present state of the conversion of PPW to bioethanol and biogas, through various techniques, to meet the ever-growing demand for renewable fuels was reviewed. To satisfy the escalating demand for biohydrogen for various applications, the prospects for the synthesis of biohydrogen from PPW were proposed. Additionally, there is the potential to convert PPW to low-cost, ecologically friendly, and biodegradable bio-based catalysts to replace commercial catalysts. The information provided in this review will enrich scholarship and open a new vista in the utilization of PPW. More focused investigations are required to unravel more avenues for the utilization of PPW as a low-cost and readily available catalyst and feedstock for biofuel synthesis. The application of PPW for biofuel application will reduce the pump price of biofuels, ensure the appropriate disposal of waste, and contribute towards environmental cleanliness.