Advances in Nanocatalysts Mediated Biodiesel Production: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

The excessive consumption of petroleum resources leads to global warming, fast depletion of petroleum reserves, as well as price instability of gasoline. Thus, there is a strong need for alternative renewable fuels to replace petroleum-derived fuels. The striking features of an alternative fuel include the low carbon footprints, renewability and affordability at manageable prices. Biodiesel, made from waste oils, animal fats, vegetal oils, is a totally renewable and non-toxic liquid fuel which has gained significant attraction in the world. Due to technological advancements in catalytic chemistry, biodiesel can be produced from a variety of feedstock employing a variety of catalysts and recovery technologies. Recently, several ground-breaking advancements have been made in nano-catalyst technology which showed the symmetrical correlation with cost competitive biodiesel production. Nanocatalysts have unique properties such as their selective reactivity, high activation energy and controlled rate of reaction, easy recovery and recyclability. Here, we present an overview of various feedstock used for biodiesel production, their composition and characteristics. The major focus of this review is to appraise the characterization of nanocatalysts, their effect on biodiesel production and methodologies of biodiesel production.

Effect of zeolitic nano-catalyst on biodiesel yield and biochar formation during the pyrolysis of tallow

“…This confirms the speculation in the works of Ingle et al [46] and Romero et al [47], which states that irrespective of the feedstock pyrolyzed to produce biodiesel, the addition of zeolite nano-catalyst does not improve the yield of biodiesel produced but aids the formation of biogas. It was also observed in this study that increased operating temperatures do not show any incremental effect on the yield of biodiesel.…”

STEAM Activity on Biodiesel Production: Encouraging Creative Thinking and Basic Science Process Skills of High School Students

“…In order to speed up the chemical reaction, a catalyst such as an acid or base catalyst is added. 4 Waste vegetable cooking oil (WVCO) is an unutilized vegetable oil obtained from household or business that uses vegetable oil for cooking. During the cooking process, physical and chemical properties of vegetable oil change due to chemical reactions including hydrolysis, thermal degradation, oxidation, and polymerization.…”

Sustainable biodiesel generation through catalytic transesterification of waste sources: a literature review and bibliometric survey

“…18,55,57 These feedstocks comprise a combination of fatty acid alkyl esters, which will be changed into biodiesel aer the trans-esterication and esterication processes. 58,59 3…”