Chemistry and combustion of fit-for-purpose biofuels

•We discuss the process and combustion of fuels in different engines.•We review how fuel chemistry impacts combustion.•We discuss how the ‘fit for purpose’ fuel concept will impact biofuel acceptance.•We discuss the needs for biofuel commissioning and the impact on market acceptance.

From the inception of internal combustion engines, biologically derived fuels (biofuels) have played a role. Nicolaus Otto ran a predecessor to today's spark-ignition engine with an ethanol fuel blend in 1860. At the 1900 Paris world's fair, Rudolf Diesel ran his engine on peanut oil. Over 100 years of petroleum production has led to consistency and reliability of engines that demand standardized fuels. New biofuels can displace petroleum-based fuels and produce positive impacts on the environment, the economy, and the use of local energy sources. This review discusses the combustion, performance and other requirements of biofuels that will impact their near-term and long-term ability to replace petroleum fuels in transportation applications.