Production of biodiesel from microalgae via nanocatalyzed transesterification process: A review

Abstract

There is a growing demand for use of alternative clean energy as against fossil fuel. In trying to meet these demands, researchers are investigating various approaches towards delivering affordable clean energy from the abundant biomass in our environment, including biodiesel. Therefore a review work on production of biodiesel from microalgae via nanocatalyzed transesterification process is presented. This work reviews issues involved in microalgae production, economic applications of microalgae including fuel production, food supplements extraction, CO2 capture for biorefinery leading to production of biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol and other byproducts. Application of nanocatalysis in biodiesel production was also reviewed, showing comparative issues involved in different classes of catalysts such as homogenous catalysts, heterogeneous catalysts, and enzymatic catalysts. The work further presents a novel approach in the use of nanocatalysts for biodiesel production from microalgae. Utilization of this technology for biofuel production can be harnessed and commercialized as it is vital for the growing biodiesel industry. Keywords: Nano-catalyst, Nano-catalysis, Micro-algae, Biodiesel, Transesterification