Oleic Acid: Conversion of Free Fatty Acids into Biodiesel over Heterogeneous Catalysts

Abstract

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum diesel. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, so it is beneficial from an environmental viewpoint. The esterification reaction of long chain carboxylic acids, such as oleic acid, is interesting in the context of biodiesel production. In this chapter, the use of different solid catalysts for the conversion of free fatty acids (especially oleic acid) into biodiesel will be reviewed.