Enabling Technologies and Sustainable Catalysis in Biodiesel Preparation

• Main Authors: Fabio Bucciol, Mariachiara Colia, Emanuela Calcio Gaudino, Giancarlo Cravotto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Catalysts
• Subjects: continuous flow processes; microwaves; ultrasound; hydrodynamic cavitation; hybrid techniques; heterogeneous catalysts
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/10/9/988

Over the last decade, enabling technologies and sustainable catalysis have become appealing options for biodiesel preparation because of their impressive process intensification and energy savings. The present review will compare the most innovative protocols that have been developed and improved to use non-conventional energy sources and catalysts that are performed, in particular, using continuous-flow methods. Although this account cannot be comprehensive, it will, however, provide a good overview of the reaction-rate improvements and catalyst activation that is provided by microwaves, ultrasound, hydrodynamic cavitation, flow reactors and even hybrid techniques. Advantages and limitations are discussed together with industrial scalability.