Advances in biodiesel production research Editorial

Abstract

Global energy demand is increasing alongside growing concern for environmental protection. The energy crisis triggered by the current political and economic situation in the world requires the transition to a more sustainable and secure energy system. Therefore, the focus is again on alternative fuels as a solution to replace fossil oil sources in the transport sector. Biofuels stand out as the most promising alternative to fossil fuels providing energy transition without changes in the current infrastructure. Among biofuels, biodiesel is a renewable alternative to fossil diesel obtained from bio-sources such as vegetable oils (edible, nonedible, and waste/used), animal fats, or algae oil. It has many advantages, such as biodegradability, low toxicity, reduced emissions of char, benzene, toluene, sulfur oxides, harmful nitrogen compounds, and other greenhouse gasses due to the closed CO₂ cycle, and improved engine combustion due to O₂ content. In addition, it can be used without the internal combustion engine modification and mixed in any ratio with ordinary fossil-based diesel fuel, so it is easy to be commercialized. Besides the environmental aspect, biodiesel production has a positive impact on the rural economy. Still, there is a need for improvement in biodiesel production concerning the replacement of edible oils as feedstocks for its obtaining, reducing the high cost of its synthesis, and the quality of the final product. Therefore, this special issue aims to provide recent developments and advances in sustainable biodiesel production regarding feedstocks, catalysts, properties, and technologies.