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Transforming Triglycerides and Fatty Acids into Biofuels
Author(s) -
Lestari Siswati,
MäkiArvela Päivi,
Beltramini Jorge,
Lu G. Q. Max,
Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.200900107
Subject(s) - biofuel , biodiesel , transesterification , diesel fuel , chemistry , bioenergy , biochemical engineering , environmental science , microbiology and biotechnology , organic chemistry , catalysis , engineering , biology
Fuels derived from biobased materials are attracting attention for their potential in securing the energy supply and protecting the environment. In this Minireview, we evaluate the use of biobased sources, particularly fatty acids and triglycerides from seed oils and animal fats, as fuels. The physical and chemical properties of these fatty acids and triglycerides are discussed, including the link to their sources and current availability to meet fuel demands. The current technologies, also known as the first‐generation ones, for converting triglycerides into fuels are covered, including conventional methods such as transesterification, pyrolysis, cracking, and emulsions. Recent, second‐generation technological developments that lead to more commercially viable biofuels based on diesel‐like hydrocarbons are also discussed.