A Concise Review on Acid, Alkali and Enzyme Catalyzed Transesterification of Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (FAEG) to Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Fuel

Abstract

In Recent Scenario there are much more problems associated with energy, especially for the fear of depletion of mineral oils is becoming a most discussing matter. On the other side the environmental pollution, ozone Depletion, green house effect, global warming and acid rain are also life threatening issues. Fatty Acid Methyl Ester is a valuable alternative fuel which is able to fight against these problems. Vegetable oils can be used to alternative mineral diesel after reducing their flow properties including viscosity and specific gravity. For that purpose various methods are used. Among these, transesterification process is rapidly and used as it is the most reliable, most feasible, and can be used to produce FAME easily. The transformation ability of FAME by transesterification process is purely depends on the nature of Starting materials (feedstock), Quantity and Different types of alcohol and catalysts, various process parameters including temperature, and reaction time. In this review the Transesterification undergoing by use of acidic, basic and enzyme catalysts have been critically reviewed. Some other Processes like use of microwave Radiation and super critical alcohol have also been discussed critically in this review.