Biochars and Their Use as Transesterification Catalysts for Biodiesel Production: A Short Review

Abstract

Biodiesel can be a significant alternative for diesel. Usually, it is produced through transesterification with a base catalyst. Using heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification, the process can be more efficient. Among the possible catalysts that can be used, biochars combine high performance for transesterification and valorization of waste biomass. Biochars are cheap materials, and are easy to activate through chemical treatment with acid or base solutions. In this short review, the application of biochar as solid heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification of lipids to produce biodiesel is discussed.