Effect of nanocatalysts on the transesterification reaction of first, second and third generation biodiesel sources- A mini-review

M Mofijur; Sk Yasir Arafat Siddiki; Md Bengir Ahmed Shuvho; F Djavanroodi; I M Rizwanul Fattah; Hwai Chyuan Ong; M A Chowdhury; T M I Mahlia

doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128642

Effect of nanocatalysts on the transesterification reaction of first, second and third generation biodiesel sources- A mini-review

Chemosphere. 2021 May:270:128642. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128642. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Authors

M Mofijur¹, Sk Yasir Arafat Siddiki², Md Bengir Ahmed Shuvho³, F Djavanroodi⁴, I M Rizwanul Fattah⁵, Hwai Chyuan Ong⁶, M A Chowdhury⁷, T M I Mahlia⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Information Systems and Modelling, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: MdMofijur.Rahman@uts.edu.au.
² Department of Chemical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh.
³ Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER), Savar, Dhaka, 1350, Bangladesh.
⁴ Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
⁵ School of Information Systems and Modelling, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
⁶ School of Information Systems and Modelling, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia. Electronic address: HwaiChyuan.Ong@uts.edu.au.
⁷ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur, 1707, Bangladesh.

PMID: 33127105
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128642

Abstract

Biodiesel is a fuel that has numerous benefits over traditional petrodiesel. The transesterification process is the most popular method for biodiesel production from various sources, categorized as first, second and third generation biodiesel depending on the source. The transesterification process is subject to a variety of factors that can be taken into account to improve biodiesel yield. One of the factors is catalyst type and concentration, which plays a significant role in the transesterification of biodiesel sources. At present, chemical and biological catalysts are being investigated and each catalyst has its advantages and disadvantages. Recently, nanocatalysts have drawn researchers' attention to the efficient production of biodiesel. This article discusses recent work on the role of several nanocatalysts in the transesterification reaction of various sources in the development of biodiesel. A large number of literature from highly rated journals in scientific indexes is reviewed, including the most recent publications. Most of the authors reported that nanocatalysts show an important influence regarding activity and selectivity. This study highlights that in contrast to conventional catalysts, the highly variable surface area of nanostructure materials favours interaction between catalysts and substrates that efficiently boost the performance of products. Finally, this analysis provides useful information to researchers in developing and processing cost-effective biodiesel.

Keywords: Alternative fuel; Biodiesel production technologies; Biofuel feedstock; Clean energy; Environmental sustainability; Nanocatalysts development.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biofuels*
Catalysis
Esterification
Plant Oils*

Substances

Biofuels
Plant Oils