Process Intensification Strategies for the Production of Biodiesel—A Review

The need of process intensification (PI) strategies for biodiesel production focuses on enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability of the process. The PI-transformative approach to biodiesel production aligns with green chemistry principles and promotes higher yields and cost-effectiveness. The production of biodiesel from second-generation feedstocks, with an emphasis on selectivity, yield, and efficiency, is extensively discussed in this abstract. This comprehensive review methodically describes the various classes of PI technologies, including microwave, ultrasonic, reactive distillation, and microreactors for biodiesel production. It also describes about the recent advancements in PI technologies, emphasizing strategies for improving efficiency and sustainability. The review also highlights the challenges possessed by these technologies. The present review supports in the selection of a more ecologically friendly intensification technology for the good-yield synthesis of biodiesel, facilitating process scaling up.