Method Selection for Biojet and Biogasoline Fuel Production from Castor Oil: A Review

Research has intensified toward the production of biofuels due to increased economic uncertainty and environmental issues associated with petroleum fuel production. A fifth of the global energy demand is derived from transportation fuels such as diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline. Most of the research in literature focuses on the production of biodiesel to supplement petroleum-based diesel. This review evaluates and compares three methods: (1) hydroprocessing, (2) pyrolysis (catalytic cracking), and (3) transesterification to determine the ideal, and simultaneous, biogasoline and biojet fuel production technique from castor oil, a nonedible vegetable oil. The methods are compared on the ability to produce biofuels using in spark-ignition engine or/and aviation. Edible oils have been thoroughly investigated as a biofuel feedstock, which competes with food sources, hence the requirement to switch the focus to nonedible oils. From extensive research, it is clear that transesterification is not adequate on its own. Hydrocracking is the ideal solution as it can simultaneously produce high-quality biojet fuel and biogasoline using one catalyst.