Studies on production of biodiesel from marine macroalgae using homogeneous catalysts

Abstract

The three dimensional energy threat of climate change affordability and energy demand has led the world to discover new secure energy sources that are renewable environment friendly affordable and above all sustainable Diminishing fossil fuel resources coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption have spurred the research interest in alternative and renewable energy sources From the point of view of protecting the global environment and concerns for long term energy security it is necessary to develop alternative fuels with properties comparable to petroleum based fuels Biodiesel is a well known alternative fuel its advantage resides in its ease of usage and integration with present engine models The replacement of petroleum derived diesel with biodiesel reduces the green house gas emissions up to 40 Biodiesel is methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acid made from virgin oil used vegetable oil and animal fat by transesterification reaction of triglycerides with methanol or ethanol in the presence of a catalyst At present the high cost of biodiesel is the major obstacle for its commercialization Approximately 75 90 of the total cost of biodiesel production is attributed to raw feedstocks Since India invests more on importing edible oils the exploitation of edible oils for engine fuel is not affordable Therefore attention has been rerouted towards non edible feedstock which does not rely on food supply