Introduction
Alcohols are organic oxygenated compounds whose physicochemical properties allow them to be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. Alcohols mainly include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and tert-butanol. In practice, ethanol and methanol are used as fuels for spark-ignition engines.
The use of alcohol as a fuel is not a new solution. Alcohols were already used at the beginning of the 20th century, among other reasons, due to their high resistance to engine knocking. The first such engine was designed by Nicolaus Otto, who used 90-95% spirit as fuel for his engine. Henry Ford, one of the first mass-market car manufacturers, was also a great proponent of ethanol as automotive fuel. The Ford Model T engine, which sold over 15 million units, was adapted to run on ethanol, gasoline, or a mixture of both fuels. Adding ethanol to motor gasoline increases the octane rating of the fuel and improves its oxidation properties. Such a mixture burns better than traditional gasoline, generating fewer pollutants. Compared to gasoline without ethanol, ethanol blends reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in exhaust gases, as well as nitrogen oxides, toxic and carcinogenic organic compounds, and particulate matter. Additionally, ethanol is obtained from fully renewable sources, so its use allows for a reduction in the import of fuels and their components. This provides an opportunity to some extent to become independent of countries rich in oil deposits.
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Source: Logistyka Magazine 6/2012