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Catalytic Upgrading of Biodiesel by Partial Hydrogenation of Its FAME Composition: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandros Psalidas

    (Department of Chemistry, School of Science, International Hellenic University, Ag. Loukas, 654 04 Kavala, Greece)

  • Elissavet Emmanouilidou

    (Department of Chemistry, School of Science, International Hellenic University, Ag. Loukas, 654 04 Kavala, Greece
    Petroleum Institute, International Hellenic University, Ag. Loukas, 654 04 Kavala, Greece)

  • Nikolaos C. Kokkinos

    (Department of Chemistry, School of Science, International Hellenic University, Ag. Loukas, 654 04 Kavala, Greece
    Petroleum Institute, International Hellenic University, Ag. Loukas, 654 04 Kavala, Greece)

Abstract

Biodiesel is one of the most popular biofuels as it is a promising substitute for conventional diesel fuel, but for now, it cannot be used as a stand-alone fuel due to its low oxidative stability. For this reason, there have been efforts to upgrade biodiesel in the last few years through the partial hydrogenation of its fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). This procedure succeeds in resolving the problem of low oxidative stability, but in some cases, a new issue arises as non-selective hydrogenation deteriorates the fuel’s cold flow properties, which are crucial for vehicle’s operation without damaging the vehicle’s engine. More specifically, the problem of deteriorated cold flow properties is caused by the formation of trans-monounsaturated and fully saturated FAMEs during the hydrogenation reaction. Hydrogenated biodiesels are preferred to contain more cis-monounsaturated FAMEs because these are considered to have the best combination of high oxidative stability and good cold flow properties. As a result, various systems and methods have been tested to achieve selective partial hydrogenation of biodiesel FAMEs. In this review article, the catalytic systems and processes that stood out in various research studies are presented, and the factors that lead to the best possible outcome are investigated and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandros Psalidas & Elissavet Emmanouilidou & Nikolaos C. Kokkinos, 2024. "Catalytic Upgrading of Biodiesel by Partial Hydrogenation of Its FAME Composition: A Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:3:p:561-:d:1325329
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhang, Linye & Xin, Zongwu & Liu, Zihan & Wei, Guangtao & Li, Zhongmin & Ou, Yuning, 2020. "Mechanistic study of the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biodiesel catalyzed by Raney-Ni under microwave heating," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 695-704.
    2. Rodica Niculescu & Adrian Clenci & Victor Iorga-Siman, 2019. "Review on the Use of Diesel–Biodiesel–Alcohol Blends in Compression Ignition Engines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-41, March.
    3. Emmanouilidou, Elissavet & Mitkidou, Sophia & Agapiou, Agapios & Kokkinos, Nikolaos C., 2023. "Solid waste biomass as a potential feedstock for producing sustainable aviation fuel: A systematic review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 897-907.
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