Production of Biodiesel from Palm ( Arecaceae ) Oil

Biodiesel from palm (Arecaceae) oil, is a fuel that can be useful in compression start motors and, further, in diesel-based motors without any mechanical modification. It is an effective and promising feedstock to produce biodiesel for advanced generations. It also contains different phytonutrients that can be isolated earlier for biodiesel generation. So far, Arecaceae biodiesel transformation using the catalytic pathway has been well investigated. Among these catalysts, homogeneous base catalysts are the most commonly used, even though they face serious issues when FFA (Free Fatty Acid) content becomes high as observed in the case of CPO (Crude Palm Oil). The alternative tactic to produce Arecaceae biodiesel eco-friendly is using advanced catalysts such as heterogeneous (acid and base), enzymatic, and supercritical processes. However, these strategies have never been promptly accessible at the industrial site as the catalysts get deactivated easily, and thus such strategies demand extra high efforts. This chapter reviews the generation of biodiesel from Arecaceae oil, offering an eco-friendly pathway.

Keywords: Arecaceae oil, Biodiesel, Crude Palm Oil, Free Fatty Acid, Transesterification.