**2. Corn biofuel: current status**

#### **2.1 Historical overview of corn for biofuels**

The history of corn for biofuels is a long and complex one with its use dating back centuries, but it was only in the twentieth century that it gained significant attention

as an alternative to fossil fuels. In the early 1900s, Henry Ford experimented with ethanol as a fuel for his Model T, and during World War II, the US government promoted the use of ethanol as a way to address gasoline shortages. However, the high cost of producing ethanol from corn made it economically unfeasible, and the program was discontinued after the war. Further, in the 1970s, the oil crisis sparked renewed interest in biofuels, and corn ethanol once again became a topic of discussion [14, 15]. In 1978, the US Congress passed the Energy Tax Act, which provided tax incentives for ethanol production and mandated the use of ethanol in gasoline. However, the impact of the act was limited, and ethanol production remained relatively low.

The twenty first century saw a significant increase in the use of corn for biofuels, driven by concerns over climate change and energy security. In 2005, the US government enacted the Renewable Fuel Standard, which mandated the use of biofuels, including corn ethanol, in transportation fuels [16]. The mandate has since been expanded, with the goal of reaching 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. The use of corn for biofuels has had a significant impact on global markets, particularly in the US, which is the largest producer of corn ethanol [12]. The increased demand for corn as a feedstock has led to higher corn prices and raised concerns about food security. While corn ethanol has the potential to reduce (GHG) emissions and promote energy security, its production has been criticized for its potential negative impact on food security, environmental impacts, and global markets.

#### **2.2 Current trends in corn-based biofuel production**

The corn biofuel production process is complex and requires careful management to ensure that the final product is of high quality and meets regulatory requirements (**Figure 3**). With advances in technology and process optimization, the production process can be made more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Corn-based biofuel production is a dynamic and constantly evolving industry and its production has been a budding industry over the past decade, with the United States leading the way as the world's largest producer of ethanol from corn. The increasing demand for renewable fuel sources has led to a significant increase in corn-based biofuel production, with corn ethanol being the most widely used form of biofuel in the US. One of the major trends in corn-based biofuel production is the development of new technologies that allow for more efficient and cost-effective production. This includes the use of genetically modified corn that has been specifically bred to produce higher yields of ethanol, as well as the use of more efficient production processes that reduce energy and water usage [17, 18].

The development of new markets and applications for the fuel has set new vistas for corn-based biofuel production. In addition to its use as a transportation fuel, corn ethanol is being used in a variety of industrial applications, such as solvents, cleaning agents, and as a feedstock for the production of other chemicals [19]. There is also a growing inclination towards the use of advanced biofuels, which are produced from non-food sources such as switchgrass and algae with having the potential to be more sustainable and environmentally and are turning out to be the better competitors of corn-based biofuels [20]. Despite these challenges, the corn-based biofuel industry remains a vital component of the global energy mix. With continued investment in research and development, the future of corn-biofuel production looks promising, as long as the industry continues to prioritize sustainability and responsible production practices.

*Corn for Biofuel: Status, Prospects and Implications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112227*

#### **Figure 3.**

*Steps by step production processes of corn biofuel.*

#### **2.3 Production processes and technologies**

Corn-based biofuel production processes and technologies are constantly evolving and become progressively popular as a substitute to fossil fuels, due to their renewable and ecologically friendly properties. With this growing demand, there has been a significant increase in research and development efforts aimed at improving corn-based biofuel production processes and technologies. One of the primary technological advances in corn-based biofuel production has been the use of genetically modified (GM) corn that allows for higher yields of ethanol, as the corn has been bred to yield higher amounts of sugars or its relative compounds that can be converted into ethanol. Additionally, new technologies are being developed to enable more efficient conversion of the corn sugars into ethanol, with the aim of reducing production costs and increasing efficiency [21].

Furthermore, there has been an increasing focus on improving the byproducts of corn-based biofuel production. For instance, distillers' grains, which are the

leftover byproducts of ethanol production, are being utilized as an animal feed supplement. This not only reduces waste but also provides a source of revenue for biofuel producers [22]. Another futuristic trend is the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in corn-based biofuel production processes like the use of dry-grind processing, which requires less energy and water than traditional wet-milling methods [23]. Additionally, more sustainable sources of energy are being used to power biofuel production facilities, such as wind and solar power.
