Ethanol

The fermentation of sugar into ethanol is one of the earliest biotechnologies employed by humanity. In modern times, ethanol intended for industrial use is also produced from ethylene. Ethanol has widespread use as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavourings, colourings, medicines, and as a biofuel. This book discusses ethanol production, cellular mechanisms and its health impacts. Topics include the production of ethanol from synthesis gas in flowed vapour-solid catalytic systems; producing hydrogen from ethanol reforming processes through inorganic membrane reactors; the potential role of epigenetic factors in the aetiology of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; ethanol investment decisions; cellulosic ethanol production through bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass; and the effects of withdrawal from ethanol use on emotional learning.