Production of bioethanol from groundnut shells (Arachis hypogaea) by using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF)

Nowadays, the demand for petroleum in transportation sector is seriously rising as well as the petroleum price. Thus, using the renewable fossil fuels such as lignocellulosic biomass which is more environmental friendly and cheaper are encourage to overcome this adverse effect. This study was carried out to investigate the production of bioethanol from groundnut shells (Arachis hypogaea) by using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF). 2% sodium hydroxide and 2% hydrogen peroxide were used for two different types of alkaline pretreatments. 1% of sulphuric acid was used in the acid hydrolysis process. Moreover, fermentation was run under temperature at 27 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C with different contact time of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. The product formed (bioethanol) was analyzed by using FTIR to detect the functional groups present in the bioethanol by determining from IR spectrum. Among the parameters, the better result which gained the highest yields of bioethanol that is 7.77% was obtained when the fermentation of 2% hydrogen peroxide pretreated groundnut shells was carried out at 40°C for 72 hours.