Prospects of Biodiesel production by Alkali-based transesterification from Jatropha curcas and waste oil

Abstract

The increasing industrialization and motorization of the world has led to step rise for the demand of petroleum based fuels. Petroleum based fuels are obtained from limited reserves. These finite reserves are highly concentrated in certain regions of the world. So the scarity of known petroleum reserves will make renewable energy resources more attractive. The most feasible way to meet this growing demand is by utilizing alternative fuels. Biodiesel is defined as the monoalkyl esters of vegetable oils or animals fats. Biodiesel is the best candidates for diesel fuels in diesel engines. The biggest advantage that biodiesel has over gasoline and petroleum diesel is its environmental friendliness. Biodiesel probably has better efficiency than gasoline. Biodiesel is now mainly being produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, palm oils and also from non edible oils obtained from plant species such as Jatropha curcas (Ratanjot), Pangamia pinnata (Karanj), Chlorophytum inophyllum (Nagchampta) etc. Vegetable oils have to undergo the process of transesterification to be usable in internal combustion engines. Transesterification is the reaction of a fat or oil with an alcohol to form esters and glycerols.