Performance of chemical catalyst in the production of biodiesel from renewable resource: a review

The rise in the need for fossil fuels as an energy source, as well as the pollution that results, has prepared the way for the development and rapid growth of biofuels, particularly biodiesel. Biodiesel was made by the process of esterification and transesterification, which blend oils and fats with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form biodiesel and glycerol. The catalyst used in these chemical processes is crucial for accelerating the conversion of fatty acid alkyl esters (Biodiesel) and glycerol. Catalysts increase the yield of biodiesel while simultaneously boosting the rate of reaction. Because biodiesel production costs more than fossil fuels, selecting the right catalyst is essential to maximise yield. Catalysts for biofuel extraction are divided into four categories: homogeneous, heterogeneous, biocatalyst, and nano-catalyst. This review investigated the literature on chemical catalytic reactions used in biodiesel production and critically compared those catalysts based on various parameters, as well as their benefits and risks, in order to select a suitable catalyst for a specific feedstock to maximise biodiesel extraction while minimising environmental impacts and making it economically viable. The challenges of selecting a catalyst and its technological solution for effective biodiesel production and future sustainability are also discussed.