A Review of Isobutanol as a Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract

Isobutanol, one of the four isomers of butanol (C4H9OH), possesses some favorable properties that make it an attractive fuel for internal combustion engines. For instance, when compared to ethanol, isobutanol features a higher heating value and lower hygroscopicity (which prevents corrosion and enables it to be transported via pipelines). Moreover, its addition to gasoline does not distort the fuel blend’s vapor pressure to the same extent as ethanol does. All of this while having a high octane rating. Those advantages over ethanol suggest that isobutanol has the potential to be used as a gasoline oxygenate or even as a neat fuel. Furthermore, the advances made in biotechnology have enabled isobutanol to be produced from biomass more efficiently, allowing it to be used in compliance with existing renewable energy mandates. This article reviews some of the relevant literature dedicated to isobutanol as a motor fuel, covering its merits and drawbacks. Several studies on its combustion characteristics are also discussed. Most of the included literature refers to the use of isobutanol in spark-ignition (SI) engines, as its properties naturally lend themselves to such applications. However, isobutanol’s utilization in diesel engines is also addressed, along with a couple of low-temperature combustion examples.

Experimental Investigation of Glycerol Derivatives and C1–C4 Alcohols as Gasoline Oxygenates

“…Moreover, recent advances in biotechnology have increased the efficiency of isobutanol production through biochemical routes, using microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, among others, which can make it more economically feasible. A review of isobutanol as a fuel for IC engines was recently published by the authors [50].…”

Extraction of Isobutanol from Aqueous Solution by Four Solvents: Liquid–Liquid Phase Equilibrium Measurements and Thermodynamic Modeling Studies

“…Isobutanol is an important basic chemical raw material in organic chemicals and is known as a new type of biofuel . It is usually used as an organic solvent, widely used in paints, coatings, medicine, medical treatment, cosmetics, rubber, and other fields .…”