Assessment of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts in Transesterification Reaction: A Mini Review

Abstract

The utilization and production of biodiesel have seen a significant increase in recent years due to its numerous advantages over other biofuel products. Biodiesel can be produced through various methods, including transesterification, direct mixing, microemulsion, and pyrolysis. Among these, transesterification is the most commonly employed method and utilizes three types of catalysts: enzymatic, homogeneous, and heterogeneous. While enzymatic and homogeneous catalysts are effective, they also present drawbacks, such as costly purification steps and high water and oil consumption. Heterogeneous catalysts, on the other hand, are more favorable as they mitigate these negative aspects. Some challenges still exist with heterogeneous catalysts, but they can be overcome by manipulating their structure. The use of heterogeneous catalysts not only reduces the overall cost of the reaction but also renders the process more environmentally friendly. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of biodiesel, including its characteristics, production methods, and specifically, the use of heterogeneous catalysts and their supports in biodiesel production. In addition, it examines the impact of these catalysts on the production process and the parameters that affect the yield.