Jatropha Oil Transesterification and Byproducts

Abstract

Meeting world’s energy demand is a growing challenge for our societies. Steadily rising oil prices and environmental questions associated with the combustion of fossil fuels have also urged humanity to seek new energy sources. The diversification of energy sources and the development of new technologies are necessary to guarantee future energy supply. In this context, biodiesel obtained from renewable resources is produced in great amount because of its environmental and social benefits. Considering the oil productivity, Jatropha curcas L. is one of the most efficient oil plants, only surpassed by microalgae, coconut, and oil palm. In addition, J. curcas produces non-edible oil that does not compete with food production and is a suitable source of feedstock for the production of biodiesel. Here, we attempted to review the different approaches and techniques used to generate biodiesel from J. curcas oil. The relation between the fatty acid composition of J. curcas oil and biodiesel quality is also addressed. The fatty acid composition in feedstock determines changes in the molecular structures of the esters in biodiesel that are related to important properties, such as viscosity, density, combustion efficiency and oxidative stability. Furthermore, we also reviewed the conversion routes of glycerol—the main co-product of biodiesel production that may add value to J. curcas biodiesel.