Page 7 - AJWEP-22-5

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 5 (2025), pp. 1-54.
doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025130095

REVIEW ARTICLE

A comprehensive review of biomass-derived
heterogeneous catalysts for efficient biodiesel production

Amit Kumar Rajak 1,2 , Shivani Dalal , Madiga Harikrishna ,
2
1
Uttam Kumar Sahoo , Mallampalli S.L. Karuna * ,
3
2
and Prakash Kumar Sarangi *
4
1 Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad,
Telangana, India
2 Department of Oils, Lipid Science and Technology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology,
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
3 Department of Forestry, School of Earth Science and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl,
Mizoram, India
4 Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, India
*Corresponding authors: Mallampalli S.L. Karuna (karuna@iict.res.in);
Prakash Kumar Sarangi (pks2023@cau.ac.in, sarangi77@yahoo.co.in)

Received: April 29, 2025; Revised: May 29, 2025; Accepted: June 3, 2025; Published online: July 29, 2025

Abstract: The transesterification process for biodiesel production relies on efficient catalysts to accelerate the
chemical reactions involved. Choosing the appropriate catalyst is crucial and depends primarily on the free fatty acid
content of the oil feedstock. Conventional biodiesel production processes typically employ homogeneous catalysts,
which present several disadvantage, including toxicity, high flammability, corrosiveness, and significant effluent
generation. Consequently, there is growing interest in biomass-derived heterogeneous catalysts and bio-waste, as
these offer sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly alternatives. These catalysts exhibit excellent
stability and catalytic efficiency in both acidic and basic environments, as well as superior water resistance. This
review provides an in-depth analysis of biomass-based heterogeneous catalysts, emphasizing their potential for
sustainable biodiesel production. The primary focus is on the usage of biomass and bio-waste-derived catalysts
for producing cost-effective biodiesel. This review offers an overview of present methods for synthesizing various
types of catalysts, such as basic, acidic, bifunctional, and nanocatalysts, using a range of feedstocks. Furthermore, it
explores the impact of different catalyst preparation techniques on biodiesel yield and evaluates the sustainability of
these catalysts. This study also identifies gaps in the present literature on biomass-derived heterogeneous catalysts
and other biocatalysts, offering suggestions for future research avenues.

Keywords: High catalytic activity; Homogeneous catalysts; Transesterification process; Biomass waste;
Heterogeneous catalysts

1. Introduction significantly in recent years. Concerns about global
warming, growing environmental consciousness,
The use of solid catalysts, also known as heterogeneous diminishing fossil fuel reserves, and the volatility of
catalysts, in biodiesel production has increased global oil prices are the primary drivers of this heightened

Volume 22 Issue 5 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025130095