Difference between revisions of "Ethanol"
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'''Ethanol''', also known as '''ethyl alcohol''' or '''grain alcohol''', is the most common [[alcohol]]. Its formula is C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH. It is clear and colorless. Ethanol is useful mixed into gasoline because it has a higher octane number than gasoline, reducing engine knocking.<ref name=":0">[https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol.html “Ethanol.”] n.d. U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center.</ref> | '''Ethanol''', also known as '''ethyl alcohol''' or '''grain alcohol''', is the most common [[alcohol]]. Its formula is C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH. It is clear and colorless. Ethanol is useful mixed into gasoline because it has a higher octane number than gasoline, reducing engine knocking.<ref name=":0">[https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol.html “Ethanol.”] n.d. U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center.</ref> | ||
| − | It is a mild [[depressant]] when ingested, and is a common ingredient in many beverages. Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many industries and [[food preservation]]. | + | It is a mild [[depressant]] when ingested, and is a common ingredient in many beverages. Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many industries and [[food preservation]]. Ethanol can be produced on Mars using [[In-situ resource utilization|In Situ Resources]]. |
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
| − | Ethanol is | + | [[File:Process-Ethanol.png|thumb|600x600px|Ethanol production Paths]] |
| + | Ethanol is usually produced from [[biomass]]. Most plant material can be transformed to produce Ethanol.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
===Fermentation=== | ===Fermentation=== | ||
| − | Ethanol is easily produced from [[sugars]] by [[yeast]] through [[fermentation]]. | + | Ethanol is most easily produced from [[sugars]] by [[yeast|yeasts]] through [[fermentation]]. |
| − | === | + | ===Industrial Production=== |
| − | [[Ethylene]] | + | [[Ethylene]] can be hydrated to produce Ethanol, although the reverse process, Ethylene production from Ethanol by dehydration, may be more common on Mars. Ethanol may also be produced form CO or CO<sub>2</sub> and Water using a copper catalyst and electrolysis<ref>Ethanol form CO and water https://www.technologyreview.com/2014/04/09/173425/a-less-resource-intensive-way-to-make-ethanol/</ref>.<ref>2020 upgraded process from CO2 https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-electrocatalyst-turns-carbon-dioxide-into-ethanol/</ref> |
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
===Industrial Use=== | ===Industrial Use=== | ||
| − | Ethanol is useful as a [[fuel]]. In contrast to most other chemical [[energy]] sources, ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive. | + | Ethanol is useful as a [[fuel]]. In contrast to most other chemical [[energy]] sources (or energy vectors, in this case), ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive. |
Ethanol is an effective [[solvent]] for many chemicals. | Ethanol is an effective [[solvent]] for many chemicals. | ||
| Line 20: | Line 21: | ||
===Food Preservation=== | ===Food Preservation=== | ||
Ethanol is used to preserve [[fruits]] and other foods. | Ethanol is used to preserve [[fruits]] and other foods. | ||
| − | ===Recreation=== | + | ===Recreation and nutrition=== |
| − | Ingestion of ethanol in [[food]] or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and | + | Ingestion of excessive ethanol in [[food]] or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and impairs judgement and reduces inhibitions. Managed use of ethanol may be used to raise [[morale]]. Ethanol ingestion may be restricted heavily in a [[settlement]] due to the risk to oneself and others. |
| − | == References == | + | ==References== |
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[category:Materials]] | [[category:Materials]] | ||
Revision as of 12:57, 27 November 2020
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is the most common alcohol. Its formula is C2H5OH. It is clear and colorless. Ethanol is useful mixed into gasoline because it has a higher octane number than gasoline, reducing engine knocking.[1]
It is a mild depressant when ingested, and is a common ingredient in many beverages. Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many industries and food preservation. Ethanol can be produced on Mars using In Situ Resources.
Contents
Production
Ethanol is usually produced from biomass. Most plant material can be transformed to produce Ethanol.[1]
Fermentation
Ethanol is most easily produced from sugars by yeasts through fermentation.
Industrial Production
Ethylene can be hydrated to produce Ethanol, although the reverse process, Ethylene production from Ethanol by dehydration, may be more common on Mars. Ethanol may also be produced form CO or CO2 and Water using a copper catalyst and electrolysis[2].[3]
Uses
Industrial Use
Ethanol is useful as a fuel. In contrast to most other chemical energy sources (or energy vectors, in this case), ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive.
Ethanol is an effective solvent for many chemicals.
Food Preservation
Ethanol is used to preserve fruits and other foods.
Recreation and nutrition
Ingestion of excessive ethanol in food or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and impairs judgement and reduces inhibitions. Managed use of ethanol may be used to raise morale. Ethanol ingestion may be restricted heavily in a settlement due to the risk to oneself and others.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Ethanol.” n.d. U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center.
- ↑ Ethanol form CO and water https://www.technologyreview.com/2014/04/09/173425/a-less-resource-intensive-way-to-make-ethanol/
- ↑ 2020 upgraded process from CO2 https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-electrocatalyst-turns-carbon-dioxide-into-ethanol/
