Current State and Perspectives on Transesterification of Triglycerides for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Triglycerides are the main constituents of lipids, which are the fatty acids of glycerol. Natural organic triglycerides (viz. virgin vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, and animal fats) are the main sources for biodiesel production. Biodiesel (mono alkyl esters) is the most attractive alternative fuel to diesel, with numerous environmental advantages over petroleum-based fuel. The most practicable method for converting triglycerides to biodiesel with viscosities comparable to diesel fuel is transesterification. Previous research has proven that biodiesel–diesel blends can operate the compression ignition engine without the need for significant modifications. However, the commercialization of biodiesel is still limited due to the high cost of production. In this sense, the transesterification route is a crucial factor in determining the total cost of biodiesel production. Homogenous base-catalyzed transesterification, industrially, is the conventional method to produce biodiesel. However, this method suffers from limitations both environmentally and economically. Although there are review articles on transesterification, most of them focus on a specific type of transesterification process and hence do not provide a comprehensive picture. This paper reviews the latest progress in research on all facets of transesterification technology from reports published by highly-rated scientific journals in the last two decades. The review focuses on the suggested modifications to the conventional method and the most promising innovative technologies. The potentiality of each technology to produce biodiesel from low-quality feedstock is also discussed.

Current Progress of Jatropha Curcas Commoditisation as Biodiesel Feedstock: A Comprehensive Review

“…The transesterification process aids in the reduction of oil viscosity. In the presence of homogeneous catalysts such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and sulphuric acid, the method works effectively (Demirbaş, 2002;Salaheldeen et al, 2021). Methanol and ethanol are the most often used solvents, with methanol being favoured due to their inexpensive cost and physical and chemical properties.…”

Organocatalysis with carbon nitrides

“…Esterification/transesterification has been catalyzed by g-C 3 N 4 using either a typical thermally induced approach or a light-assisted pathway [ 183 ]. Furthermore, a multi-functional activity can be incorporated in the g-C 3 N 4 materials using selective precursors, surface functionalization, or doping strategies to achieve the required functionality for conventional catalysts and to achieve high visible light absorption capacity with optimum band-edge potentials and excitons lifetime to trigger the desired esterification/transesterification reactions.…”

Transesterification of Methyl-10-undecenoate and Poly(ethylene adipate) Catalyzed by (Cyclopentadienyl)titanium Trichlorides as Model Chemical Conversions of Plant Oils and Acid-, Base-Free Chemical Recycling of Aliphatic Polyesters

“…The efficient chemical conversion of plant oils [fatty acids and the esters (FAEs)] to biofuels, − aliphatic polyesters, − and fine chemicals − ,, has been an important subject for development of the alternative technology of petroleum-based process. The catalytic transesterification has been recognized as the key reaction for the purpose. ,− Moreover, acid-, base-free depolymerization of polyesters to monomers (efficient chemical recycling under mild conditions) has also been considered as one of the key subjects to establish the circular economy. − Since there are also the reports concerning the catalysis for organic synthesis, − we thus first revisited the catalyst screening to find the suitable catalysts for the transesterification of biobased FAEs and applied them to the depolymerization of aliphatic polyesters by reaction with alcohols.…”