Overview: Catalysts, Feedstocks in Biodiesel Production

Taft C.A.; Canchaya J.G.S. · Engineering Materials (2022) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07622-0_13

Resumen

Considering factors such as cost, and increasing energy demands, the world is searching for alternative energy sources, which are renewable, sustainable and environmental friendly. We mini-review the biodiesel process and as such, we overview FAME production; usage of feedstocks/sources including edible, non-edible, waste, cooking oils, shells, ashes, fats, algal oil; experimental characterization; basic, acid, homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts and their combinations including (alkaline earth metal oxides, transition metal oxides, zeolites, supported catalysts, hydrocalcite, mixed metal oxides, ion exchange resins, biomass based, sulfated, sulfonated carbon-based, enzyme, bifunctional solid; experimental production with different feedstocks, catalysts and yields; usage of nanomaterials (metal, non-metal oxides, metallic, carbon-based, graphene, MWCNT, core-shell and hybrids); electrocatalytic procedure can be done in absence or presence of catalyst or co-catalyst and does not require elevated temperatures; application of artificial inteligence, machine learning methods. We also overview the production process including comparison of methods, conclussions and outlook. The biodiesel process can benefit from accurate/fast modeling instruments such as materials and biomolecular simulations, including machine learning to better handle, design, optimize, monitor and control the systems. Nano biodiesel catalysts can help with quality, selectivity and secure better yields with existing technolgies. We underline a number of early papers published by some of us involving catalysts, feedstock, biodiesel production, with corresponding material simulation as well as alternative energetic routes such as fuel cells. It is of interest to continue accompanying progress in other areas including electric transportation vehicles (responsible for a large part of our energy demands), geothermal, solar, hydro, wind power, fuel cells, materials with potential for energetic technological applications discussed in a number of chapters of this book.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos