Ethanol can easily be produced by fermentation of starch. Fermentation is a process that involves the breakdown of sugar by microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria in the absence of oxygen. In the case of ethanol production, the sugar source can be derived from various agricultural crops such as corn, sugarcane, or even from waste products like fruit peels or bread.
During the fermentation process, enzymes produced by the microorganisms break down the complex sugar molecules into simpler compounds, including ethanol and carbon dioxide. The ethanol produced can be purified and concentrated through distillation to obtain the final product. This process is relatively simple and can be carried out on a large scale, making it a popular method for ethanol production.
The other options listed, such as the distillation of starch solution, catalytic oxidation of methane, or destructive distillation of wood, are not as commonly used for ethanol production.