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Review

Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis

College of Metallurgy and Energy, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Street, Tangshan 063210, China
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3243; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 18 June 2025 / Revised: 24 July 2025 / Accepted: 31 July 2025 / Published: 1 August 2025

Abstract

Biodiesel, as one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, faces significant challenges in large-scale industrial production due to its high production costs. In addition to raw material costs, catalyst costs are also a critical factor that cannot be overlooked. This review summarizes various methods for preparing biodiesel catalysts from solid waste. These methods not only enhance the utilization rate of waste but also reduce the production costs and environmental impact of biodiesel. Finally, the limitations of waste-based catalysts and future research directions are discussed. Research indicates that solid waste can serve as a catalyst carrier or active material for biodiesel production. Methods such as high-temperature calcination, impregnation, and coprecipitation facilitate structural modifications to the catalyst and the formation of active sites. The doping of metal ions not only alters the catalyst’s acid-base properties but also forms stable metal bonds with functional groups on the carrier, thereby maintaining catalyst stability. The application of microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted methods reduces reaction parameters, making biodiesel production more economical and sustainable. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the reuse of solid waste and ecological protection, emphasizes the development potential of waste-based catalysts in biodiesel production, and offers unique insights for innovation in this field, thereby accelerating the commercialization of biodiesel.
Keywords: solid waste; catalyst; esterification; transesterification; biodiesel solid waste; catalyst; esterification; transesterification; biodiesel
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MDPI and ACS Style

Dong, Z.; Dong, K.; Li, H.; Zhang, L.; Wang, Y. Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis. Molecules 2025, 30, 3243. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243

AMA Style

Dong Z, Dong K, Li H, Zhang L, Wang Y. Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis. Molecules. 2025; 30(15):3243. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dong, Zhaolin, Kaili Dong, Haotian Li, Liangyi Zhang, and Yitong Wang. 2025. "Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis" Molecules 30, no. 15: 3243. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243

APA Style

Dong, Z., Dong, K., Li, H., Zhang, L., & Wang, Y. (2025). Progress and Challenges in the Process of Using Solid Waste as a Catalyst for Biodiesel Synthesis. Molecules, 30(15), 3243. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153243

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