Supercritical synthesis of biodiesel

Molecules. 2012 Jul 23;17(7):8696-719. doi: 10.3390/molecules17078696.

Abstract

The synthesis of biodiesel fuel from lipids (vegetable oils and animal fats) has gained in importance as a possible source of renewable non-fossil energy in an attempt to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based fuels. The catalytic processes commonly used for the production of biodiesel fuel present a series of limitations and drawbacks, among them the high energy consumption required for complex purification operations and undesirable side reactions. Supercritical fluid (SCF) technologies offer an interesting alternative to conventional processes for preparing biodiesel. This review highlights the advances, advantages, drawbacks and new tendencies involved in the use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) for biodiesel synthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels*
  • Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid
  • Energy-Generating Resources / classification
  • Esterification
  • Ethanol / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Ionic Liquids* / chemical synthesis
  • Ionic Liquids* / chemistry
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Triglycerides / chemistry

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Plant Oils
  • Triglycerides
  • Ethanol