Advances in biomass derived low-cost carbon catalyst for biodiesel production: preparation methods, reaction conditions, and mechanisms

Biodiesel is a less hazardous, environmentally friendly biofuel that has been extensively investigated in modern years to ensure that we lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. While fossil fuel substitutes like biodiesel may help transition to a less polluted world, industrial-scale manufacturing still relies highly on chemical catalysis. However, heterogeneous solid catalysts result in less activity for biodiesel production due to their deactivation effects, porosity, surface area, material stability, and lower reactivity under moderate conditions. The sulfonated carbons are metal-free solid protonic acids distinguished by their distinctive carbon structure and Bronsted acidity (H-0 = 8-11). Heterogeneous sulfonated catalysts derived from waste biomass were a significant focus of the most advanced biodiesel processing techniques for simple and low-cost manufacturing processes. This study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various catalysts, biomass sources and properties, synthesis of catalysts, and factors influencing the insertion of active sulfonic sites on biomass surfaces. Additionally, transesterification and esterification reaction mechanisms and kinetics are discussed. At last, future directions are provided for young, dynamic researchers.

Automated summary

Biodiesel, as a safer and environmentally friendly biofuel, has been extensively studied to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. However, the use of heterogeneous solid catalysts in industrial-scale biodiesel production poses challenges due to deactivation effects, porosity, surface area, material stability, and lower reactivity. Recent research focuses on the development of sulfonated catalysts derived from waste biomass to overcome these challenges and achieve simple and low-cost manufacturing processes.