IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v16y2023i2p644-d1026008.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Advancements of Biochar-Based Catalyst for Improved Production of Biodiesel: A Comprehensive Review

Author

Listed:
  • Sooraj Kumar

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Sindh, Pakistan)

  • Suhail Ahmed Soomro

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Sindh, Pakistan)

  • Khanji Harijan

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Sindh, Pakistan)

  • Mohammad Aslam Uqaili

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Sindh, Pakistan)

  • Laveet Kumar

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro 76090, Sindh, Pakistan)

Abstract

Despite being a limited and scarce resource, the necessity and exploitation of fossil fuels are unstoppable in serving human demands. In order to supply energy demand without causing environmental damage, it is crucial to utilize a variety of renewable feedstock resources. Biochar, made up mostly of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, is the product of the thermochemical processes of pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, torrefaction, and hydrothermal liquefaction. Biochar, once activated, has the potential to act as a catalyst in a variety of energy generation processes, including transesterification and fermentation. Transesterification is the process that is used to produce biodiesel from a variety of oils, both edible and non-edible, as well as animal fats in the presence of either a homogeneous or a heterogeneous catalyst. When selecting a catalyst, the amount of free fatty acid (FFA) content in the oil is considered. Homogeneous catalysts are superior to heterogeneous catalysts because they are unaffected by the concentration of free fatty acids in the oil. Homogeneous catalysts are extremely hazardous, as they are poisonous, combustible, and corrosive. In addition, the production of soaps as a byproduct and a large volume of wastewater from the use of homogeneous catalysts necessitates additional pretreatment procedures and costs for adequate disposal. This article examines the biochar-based fuel-generation catalyst in detail. At first, a wide variety of thermochemical methods were provided for manufacturing biochar and its production. Biochar’s chemical nature was analyzed, and the case for using it as a catalyst in the production of biofuels was also scrutinized. An explanation of how the biochar catalyst can improve fuel synthesis is provided for readers. Biodiesel’s transesterification and esterification processes, biomass hydrolysis, and biohydrogen generation with the help of a biochar catalyst are all reviewed in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Sooraj Kumar & Suhail Ahmed Soomro & Khanji Harijan & Mohammad Aslam Uqaili & Laveet Kumar, 2023. "Advancements of Biochar-Based Catalyst for Improved Production of Biodiesel: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:644-:d:1026008
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/2/644/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/2/644/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Harman-Ware, Anne E. & Morgan, Tonya & Wilson, Michael & Crocker, Mark & Zhang, Jun & Liu, Kunlei & Stork, Jozsef & Debolt, Seth, 2013. "Microalgae as a renewable fuel source: Fast pyrolysis of Scenedesmus sp," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 625-632.
    2. Afolabi, Oluwasola O.D. & Sohail, M. & Cheng, Yu-Ling, 2020. "Optimisation and characterisation of hydrochar production from spent coffee grounds by hydrothermal carbonisation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 1380-1391.
    3. Akinfalabi, Shehu-Ibrahim & Rashid, Umer & Yunus, Robiah & Taufiq-Yap, Yun Hin, 2017. "Synthesis of biodiesel from palm fatty acid distillate using sulfonated palm seed cake catalyst," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 611-619.
    4. Wang, Tengfei & Zhai, Yunbo & Zhu, Yun & Li, Caiting & Zeng, Guangming, 2018. "A review of the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass waste for hydrochar formation: Process conditions, fundamentals, and physicochemical properties," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 223-247.
    5. Bide Zhang & Mohammad Heidari & Bharat Regmi & Shakirudeen Salaudeen & Precious Arku & Mahendra Thimmannagari & Animesh Dutta, 2018. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Fruit Wastes: A Promising Technique for Generating Hydrochar," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-14, August.
    6. Mathimani, Thangavel & Uma, Lakshmanan & Prabaharan, Dharmar, 2015. "Homogeneous acid catalysed transesterification of marine microalga Chlorella sp. BDUG 91771 lipid – An efficient biodiesel yield and its characterization," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 523-533.
    7. Michela Lucian & Luca Fiori, 2017. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Waste Biomass: Process Design, Modeling, Energy Efficiency and Cost Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-18, February.
    8. Hamad, Mohamed A. & Radwan, Aly M. & Heggo, Dalia A. & Moustafa, Tarek, 2016. "Hydrogen rich gas production from catalytic gasification of biomass," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 1290-1300.
    9. Marcin Jewiarz & Marek Wróbel & Krzysztof Mudryk & Szymon Szufa, 2020. "Impact of the Drying Temperature and Grinding Technique on Biomass Grindability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-22, July.
    10. Shu, Qing & Gao, Jixian & Nawaz, Zeeshan & Liao, Yuhui & Wang, Dezheng & Wang, Jinfu, 2010. "Synthesis of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil with large amounts of free fatty acids using a carbon-based solid acid catalyst," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(8), pages 2589-2596, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Zailan, Zarifah & Tahir, Muhammad & Jusoh, Mazura & Zakaria, Zaki Yamani, 2021. "A review of sulfonic group bearing porous carbon catalyst for biodiesel production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 430-452.
    2. Yu, Hewei & Cao, Yunlong & Li, Heyao & Zhao, Gaiju & Zhang, Xingyu & Cheng, Shen & Wei, Wei, 2021. "An efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst derived from waste ginger straw for biodiesel production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 533-542.
    3. Śliz, Maciej & Wilk, Małgorzata, 2020. "A comprehensive investigation of hydrothermal carbonization: Energy potential of hydrochar derived from Virginia mallow," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 942-950.
    4. Zhuang, Xiuzheng & Liu, Jianguo & Zhang, Qi & Wang, Chenguang & Zhan, Hao & Ma, Longlong, 2022. "A review on the utilization of industrial biowaste via hydrothermal carbonization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    5. Isaac Lorero & Arturo J. Vizcaíno & Francisco J. Alguacil & Félix A. López, 2020. "Activated Carbon from Winemaking Waste: Thermoeconomic Analysis for Large-Scale Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-22, December.
    6. Yuchiao Lu & Hanmin Yang & Andrey V. Karasev & Chuan Wang & Pär G. Jönsson, 2022. "Applications of Hydrochar and Charcoal in the Iron and Steelmaking Industry—Part 1: Characterization of Carbonaceous Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Djandja, Oraléou Sangué & Duan, Pei-Gao & Yin, Lin-Xin & Wang, Zhi-Cong & Duo, Jia, 2021. "A novel machine learning-based approach for prediction of nitrogen content in hydrochar from hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    8. Md Tahmid Islam & Nepu Saha & Sergio Hernandez & Jordan Klinger & M. Toufiq Reza, 2021. "Integration of Air Classification and Hydrothermal Carbonization to Enhance Energy Recovery of Corn Stover," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-14, March.
    9. Ioannis O. Vardiambasis & Theodoros N. Kapetanakis & Christos D. Nikolopoulos & Trinh Kieu Trang & Toshiki Tsubota & Ramazan Keyikoglu & Alireza Khataee & Dimitrios Kalderis, 2020. "Hydrochars as Emerging Biofuels: Recent Advances and Application of Artificial Neural Networks for the Prediction of Heating Values," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-20, September.
    10. Chang, Boon Peng & Rodriguez-Uribe, Arturo & Mohanty, Amar K. & Misra, Manjusri, 2021. "A comprehensive review of renewable and sustainable biosourced carbon through pyrolysis in biocomposites uses: Current development and future opportunity," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    11. René A. Garrido & Camila Lagos & Carolina Luna & Jaime Sánchez & Georgina Díaz, 2021. "Study of the Potential Uses of Hydrochar from Grape Pomace and Walnut Shells Generated from Hydrothermal Carbonization as an Alternative for the Revalorization of Agri-Waste in Chile," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-10, November.
    12. Manfredi Picciotto Maniscalco & Maurizio Volpe & Antonio Messineo, 2020. "Hydrothermal Carbonization as a Valuable Tool for Energy and Environmental Applications: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-26, August.
    13. Heidari, Mohammad & Salaudeen, Shakirudeen & Arku, Precious & Acharya, Bishnu & Tasnim, Syeda & Dutta, Animesh, 2021. "Development of a mathematical model for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass: Comparison of experimental measurements with model predictions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    14. Nepu Saha & Akbar Saba & Pretom Saha & Kyle McGaughy & Diana Franqui-Villanueva & William J. Orts & William M. Hart-Cooper & M. Toufiq Reza, 2019. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Various Paper Mill Sludges: An Observation of Solid Fuel Properties," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, March.
    15. Adrian Knapczyk & Sławomir Francik & Marcin Jewiarz & Agnieszka Zawiślak & Renata Francik, 2020. "Thermal Treatment of Biomass: A Bibliometric Analysis—The Torrefaction Case," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-31, December.
    16. Thushari, Indika & Babel, Sandhya & Samart, Chanatip, 2019. "Biodiesel production in an autoclave reactor using waste palm oil and coconut coir husk derived catalyst," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 125-134.
    17. Daniel Reißmann & Daniela Thrän & Dennis Blöhse & Alberto Bezama, 2021. "Hydrothermal carbonization for sludge disposal in Germany: A comparative assessment for industrial‐scale scenarios in 2030," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(3), pages 720-734, June.
    18. Akbar Saba & Kyle McGaughy & M. Toufiq Reza, 2019. "Techno-Economic Assessment of Co-Hydrothermal Carbonization of a Coal-Miscanthus Blend," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, February.
    19. Mansir, Nasar & Teo, Siow Hwa & Rashid, Umer & Saiman, Mohd Izham & Tan, Yen Ping & Alsultan, G. Abdulkareem & Taufiq-Yap, Yun Hin, 2018. "Modified waste egg shell derived bifunctional catalyst for biodiesel production from high FFA waste cooking oil. A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3645-3655.
    20. Subramonia Pillai, N. & Kannan, P. Seeni & Vettivel, S.C. & Suresh, S., 2017. "Optimization of transesterification of biodiesel using green catalyst derived from Albizia Lebbeck Pods by mixture design," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 185-196.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:644-:d:1026008. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.