Advanced nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks for catalytic bio-diesel production from microalgal lipids - A review

Increasing energy demands require exploring renewable, eco-friendly (green), and cost-effective energy resources. Among various sources of biodiesel, microalgal lipids are an excellent resource, owing to their high abundance in microalgal biomass. Transesterification catalyzed by advanced materials, especially nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is a revolutionary process for overcoming the energy crisis. This review elaborates on the conversion of microalgal lipids (including genetically modified algae) into biodiesel while primarily focusing on the transesterification of lipids into biodiesel by employing catalysts based on above mentioned advanced materials. Furthermore, current challenges faced by this process for industrial scale upgradation are presented with future perspectives and concluding remarks. These materials offer higher con-version (>90%) of microalgae into biodiesel. Nanocatalytic processes, lack the need for higher pressure and temperature, which simplifies the overall process for industrial-scale application. Green biodiesel production from microalgae offers better fuel than fossil fuels in terms of performance, quality, and less environmental harm. The chemical and thermal stability of advanced materials (particularly MOFs) is the main benefit of the blue recycling of catalysts. Advanced materials-based catalysts are reported to reduce the risk of biodiesel contamination. While purity of glycerin as side product makes it useful skin-related product. However, these aspects should still be controlled in future studies. Further studies should relate to additional aspects of green production, including waste management strategies and quality control of obtained products. Finally, catalysts stability and recycling aspects should be explored.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the conversion of microalgal lipids into biodiesel using catalysts based on advanced materials, such as nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials offer high conversion rates (>90%) and simplify the industrial-scale application of biodiesel production from microalgae by eliminating the need for high pressure and temperature. Green biodiesel production from microalgae outperforms fossil fuels in terms of performance, quality, and environmental impact. The chemical and thermal stability of advanced materials, particularly MOFs, contribute to catalyst recycling and reduction of biodiesel contamination. Future studies should address waste management, product quality control, and catalyst stability and recycling.