US EPA

1136985 

Journal Article 

Catalysts in production of biodiesel: A review 

Narasimharao, K; Lee, A; Wilson, K 

2007 

1 

Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy
ISSN: 1556-6560
EISSN: 1556-6579 

American Scientific Publishers, 25650 North Lewis Way Stevenson Ranch CA 91381-1439 USA 

1 

1 

19-30 

10.1166/jbmb.2007.002 

WOS:000253201400003 

Biodiesel is a renewable substitute fuel for petroleum diesel fuel which is made from nontoxic, biodegradable, renewable sources such as refined and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is produced by transesterification in which oil or fat is reacted with a monohydric alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The process of transesterification is affected by the mode of reaction, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, type of alcohol, nature and amount of catalysts, reaction time, and temperature. Various studies have been carried out using different oils as the raw material and different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, butanol), as well as different catalysts, notably homogeneous ones such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and supercritical fluids or enzymes such as lipases. Recent research has focused on the application of heterogeneous catalysts to produce biodiesel, because of their environmental and economic advantages. This paper reviews the literature regarding both catalytic and noncatalytic production of biodiesel. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods and catalysts used are discussed. We also discuss the importance of developing a single catalyst for both esterification and transesterification reactions. 

biodiesel; renewable fuels; heterogeneous catalysis; homogeneous catalysis; transesterification; esterification; Triglycerides; oil; green chemistry