Assessing biodiesel feedstocks and production techniques: a comprehensive review

Fossil fuel sources are under a heavy strain as a result of the rapid population growth and corresponding increase in the demand for fossil fuels and the suitable substitute of technically viable, affordable and environmentally friendly biofuels are required. Biodiesel is considered to be one of the most prominent alternate fuel sources. Biodiesel which is renewable and nontoxic is usually derived from sustainable bioenergy sources, such as animal fats, edible and inedible sources of urban waste, and oil seed crops. The kinds of bio-oils used as a source of primary materials for the production of biodiesel are crucial. Because the fatty acid types and ratios in the bio-oil used are a good indicator of the fuel quality of the biodiesel. Dilution, micro-emulsion, pyrolysis, and trans-esterification are some of the common processes that are used to produce biodiesel. This article presents a systematic review of biodiesel resources and focuses on various production processes and cost comparison analysis of production of biodiesel using different feedstocks as per the policy and regulation of the international standards for production of biodiesel.