Review of various feedstocks used and the operating conditions for biodiesel production

The energy crisis has become an important global issue because of the depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels. Therefore there is a need to explore alternative sources to solve the energy security problem. Different sources are available for energy production among which biodiesel is considered to be effective for reducing the dependency on fossil fuels. Biodiesel production causes less adverse impacts on the environment compared to petroldiesel and even the fuel properties are superior. Transesterification reaction was employed for producing biodiesel from various feed-stocks such as edible oil, non-edible oils, animal fats and used cooking oil etc. Thus, the present study investigates the various precursor materials used for biodiesel production. It also reviews the types of catalysts used and the effect of operating conditions on the transesterification reaction.