State-of-the-art technologies for biofuel production from triglycerides: A review

Investigations and applications of renewable and sustainable energy have become central for addressing the issue of emissions of greenhouse gases from the use of fossil transportation fuels. Triglyceride-based liquid fuels have great potential as substitutes for petroleum and its derivatives. To date, the proven technologies for converting triglycerides into biofuels include transesterification, thermal cracking conversion, and hydrogenation. This paper presents an overview of recent research on these conversion technologies, employing homogeneous, heterogeneous, enzymatic, and photocatalytic catalysts. We focus on technical aspects critical to triglyceride conversion, including feedstock analysis, mechanism research, analysis of technological advantages and disadvantages, and catalyst development and selection. Biodiesel produced by the transesterification process must be blended with diesel before use due to its higher oxide content. The resultant “green diesel” has a broader range of applications, especially when its structure has been upgraded. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reviewed to assess the renewability and sustainability of biofuels. We discuss the typical biodiesel production technologies with their development status, as well as the relevant policies and prospects for biofuels, mainly concerning biodiesel and aviation biofuel. It is hoped that our work will be of guiding significance for future biofuel research. [Display omitted] •Overview of triglycerides biomass resources and their composition characteristics.•Overview of various possibilities conversion technologies for biofuel production are provided.•Overview of the composition characteristics of biodiesel and aviation biofuel and further upgraded for improving quality.•LCA and GHG emissions are reviewed to assess the renewability and sustainability of biofuels.