Recent Advances in Biodiesel from Plants

Due to population explosion, and increased industrialization with urban and rural development, the need for increased energy utilization has become more intense. Petrodiesel that has been the main energy source for heavy-duty automobiles or machines has contributed immensely to environmental pollution leading to climate change, an increase in illnesses, and reduced lifespan. To combat this ugly situation arising from the utilization of Petrodiesel, biodiesel is produced from plant oil or animal fats to substitute for Petrodiesel in internal combustion engines, either as neat biodiesel or as a blend with Petrodiesel. Different scientists and researchers have produced biodiesel from edible and non-edible plant oils. Their reports show that biodiesel properties depend on the nature of the parent plant oil and the production procedures taken. These properties that are due mainly to its production procedures determining their performance in internal combustion engines. In this chapter, recent findings on biodiesel properties with their effects on performance in internal combustion engines are reviewed. Researchers' reports show that the most suitable blend of biodiesel with Petrodiesel is B20. This blend consisting of 20% biodiesel with 80% Petrodiesel has equivalent performance as Petrodiesel with fewer pollutants and only 1-7% nitrogen oxide emission.