A review on sustainable and scalable biodiesel production using ultra-sonication technology

Abstract

Fuels and renewable energy production are rising significantly each day. Biodiesel has emerged among renewable fuels as a possible substitute for mineral diesel due to its performance qualities required in diesel engines. Properly ensuring the thorough intermixing of reactants during biodiesel production is crucial. Limitations associated with conventional techniques make them impossible to raise biodiesel production at the required rate. For researchers and engineers, the ultrasound-assisted transesterification process opens up new opportunities to satisfy the future demand for transportation using renewable liquid fuels. The ultrasound used to manufacture biodiesel aids in emulsifying an immiscible liquid reactant by generating cavitation bubbles and micro-turbulence. Thus, this method can reduce processing time, save energy, increase fatty acid conversion to biodiesel, and improve production economics. Ultrasound is the primary strategy for creating innovation and green science with promising outcomes as a physical mechanism to produce biodiesel. The review provides a detailed fundamental understanding of ultrasonication, critical parameters selection for biodiesel production, state-of-the-art research on biodiesel production using ultrasound technique, scalable industrial production using ultrasonication, challenges, and future scope.