Biodiesel: Fuel for the Future (A Brief Review)

Several attempts have been made by researchers across the globe to counter the effects of the growing information related to the finite nature of the present fossil fuel reserve and the associated hazards. Biofuel has gained global popularity in this respect as a biomass based fuel that have been tipped as a timely candidate. This review strictly focuses on biodiesel of all biomass derived biofuel.The major feedstock and their supply lines in a bid to create a balance between food and energy was considered. Various catalyst used including biocatalyst for the simple trans-esterification reaction of the feedstock (Vegetable/Used Oil; Edible/Inedible Oil and Alcohol) were analyzed. Influence of the feedstock molar ratio, temperature and time of the reaction on the conversion/yield and product purity and quality were equally reviewed. The thermo-kinetics of the biodiesel production, fuel properties of biodiesel and the trials subjected to biodiesel in terms of workability were considered for review in this paper.