Lignocellulosic Materials as the Potential Source of Catalyst

Abstract

The lignocellulosic material is most prevalently used in the production of agro based activated carbons. These catalysts have been established as benign alternatives to the heterogeneous alkaline catalysts and the unrecyclable-homogeneous acid and base catalysts heterogeneous catalyst have been considered a viable alternative since they eliminate the usual difficulties related to homogenous catalyst and can be reused several times and hence solved many problems. Biomass derived solid acid catalyst is the renewable source of energy whereas homogeneous catalyst are non-renewable and also contribute to the environmental degradation as their synthesis and production process are hazardous. The thermal inertness, good mechanical and thermal stability properties make the carbon-based solid acids as the ideal catalysts for many reactions. Heterogeneous catalyst associated with high water tolerance, high selectivity, and high activity properties. Sulfonated carbons are the most promising solid acids. In the coming future need and the demand of more biodiesel is expected to increase, this encourages to consider the use of non-edible oil seeds as reliable as a sustainable feedstock for biofuel production. This work is aimed to give an overview on the production of solid acid catalyst and the potential of non-edible oil and cake waste as an alternative feedstock for the heterogeneous acid catalyst. This study also reviewed current literature on the activities and advantages of solid acid catalysts used in biodiesel production.