Advances in Nanocatalysts Mediated Biodiesel Production

Abstract

The area of biodiesel production has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, propelled by the exploration of nanocatalysts as efficient agents in the process of transesterification. Nanocatalysts, with their high surface area and enhanced catalytic activity, have emerged as key contributors to the optimization of biodiesel production processes. Various reviews have revealed nanocatalysts, including metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, and hybrid materials, assessing their catalytic efficiency and stability in transesterification reactions. Researchers have successfully tailored nanocatalysts to exhibit superior performance in converting triglycerides to biodiesel, addressing challenges associated with traditional catalysts such as low reusability and selectivity. In this chapter, we will discuss the implications of the above-mentioned advancements on the scalability and economic viability of biodiesel production. The integration of nanocatalysts not only accelerates reaction kinetics but also facilitates the use of diverse feedstocks, expanding the potential sources for the production of biodiesel. The environmental sustainability of these nanocatalysts, including their recyclability and reduced waste generation, is also discussed. The findings presented in this research hold promise for a more sustainable and efficient future in the realm of biofuel production. In short, the present chapter gives a transformative impact of nanotechnology on the synthesis of biodiesel.