From waste to fuel: Challenging aspects in sustainable biodiesel production from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks and role of metal organic framework as innovative heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

The rapid depletion of petroleum products and other environmental concerns have led to increased research on the production of biofuels, such as biodiesel. In agriculturally rich nations, lignocellulosic biomass is the most affordable, easily accessible, and highly renewable natural resource. Recent technological developments have made it possible to produce biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass effectively, meeting the demand for sustainable energy. This review evaluates the new findings and discoveries with special emphasis on the use of agricultural waste and its implications for sustainable biodiesel production. Challenges in using lignocellulose biomass are discussed, and potential solutions to the problems that currently prevent the practical production of biodiesel from agricultural biomass are presented. The catalysts play critical role in cost-effective biodiesel production and different catalysts including homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic catalysts, are thoroughly discussed, along with their impact on catalysis and the problems associated with current catalysts used in biodiesel synthesis. This paper provides a comparative review on different feedstocks subject to the various heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification reaction and their effect on biodiesel yield. The utilization of metal organic frameworks as heterogenous catalysts appears to be a promising for biodiesel production. Overall, this review provides valuable insight into biodiesel production for agricultural biomass and highlights the potential of MOF for sustainable and cost-effective biofuel production.