Parametric comparison of biodiesel transesterification processes using non-edible feedstocks: Castor bean and jatropha oils

Concern about environmental problems and climate change has led to increasing efforts toward a transition of the global energy matrix to renewable sources. In this sense, biodiesel is a renewable and alternative biofuel proposal and castor bean and jatropha are interesting non-edible raw materials for its production owing to their high fatty acid content. Transesterification is the most common process applied to industrial-scale biodiesel production owing to its attractive economic characteristics. This process can be catalyzed by chemical (homogeneous or heterogeneous) or biochemical (enzymatic) catalysts. The choice of raw material, as well as the production route of biodiesel, will significantly influence the process parameters. Considering the importance of biodiesel production in Brazil, the present work explores biodiesel production routes focusing on these non-edible raw materials (jatropha and castor bean) and compares them with the process using soy bean, as this is one of the most used worldwide raw materia. In addition, an extensive literature review was performed and the software Microsoft Power BI Desktop was used to model and analyze the selected works, grouping them according to the pattern of each route's influence on process parameters. In addition, the technical scores of each route were determined. The homogeneous chemical route presented better scores and the most interesting parameters for all raw materials; however, considering the technical and environmental advantages related to biochemical and heterogeneous routes, application of environmental impact studies such as life cycle analysis can help decision-making in the search for the most appropriate production route. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Automated summary

This article explores biodiesel production routes focusing on jatropha and castor bean, comparing them with soy bean as a commonly used raw material. The transesterification process using homogeneous chemical catalysts showed better scores, but considering the technical and environmental advantages of biochemical and heterogeneous routes, environmental impact studies such as life cycle analysis can help determine the most appropriate production route.