Fluorescence Methods for Biodiesel Characterization

Dear Colleagues,

The pursuit of sustainable energy alternatives has driven biodiesel research. However, rigorous quality control is required to ensure optimal performance, stability, and safety during transportation and use. Therefore, sensitive, rapid, and non-destructive analytical methods are necessary for biodiesel characterization. Among the techniques used for this purpose, molecular fluorescence methods have become prominent because of their high sensitivity, high selectivity, and capacity to provide structural and environmental information about the species in the samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy allows for detecting both naturally fluorescent compounds and added probes, providing valuable information on purity, oxidative degradation, composition, and even the stages of biodiesel production. Compared with other analytical techniques, fluorescence offers advantages, including faster results, minimal reagent consumption, and the possibility of performing in situ or in-line analyses. Recent advances in optical instrumentation and chemometric data processing have further broadened its applications, making it possible to distinguish between different types of biodiesel and to identify adulteration.

We invite contributions to this Special Issue, which will foster a broad and insightful discussion on the advances, challenges, and future perspectives of fluorescence spectroscopy in biodiesel research. By gathering contributions from leading experts and emerging researchers, this Special Issue will strengthen fluorescence-based methods as vital analytical tools for developing sustainable fuels.

The objectives of this Special Issue are as follows:

• Share recent scientific and technological advances in using fluorescence techniques for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biodiesel and its precursors;
• Bring together experimental and theoretical studies that utilize various fluorescence methods to clarify the physicochemical properties of biodiesel systems;
• Highlight innovations in instrumentation and data analysis, including the use of chemometrics, artificial intelligence, and portable optical devices for detecting and measuring fluorescent components in biodiesel;
• Focus on real-world and industrial uses of fluorescence in monitoring biodiesel production, storage, and degradation, emphasizing quick, reliable, and eco-friendly methods;
• Promote the standardization and validation of fluorescence methods as a benchmark for biofuel quality control.

Original research articles and comprehensive reviews are encouraged. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Fluorescence-based analytical methods;
• Lifetime and time-resolved fluorescence techniques;
• Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy;
• Chemometric and machine learning methods for data interpretation;
• Design and application of fluorescent probes;
• Hyphenated and multimodal methods combining fluorescence techniques.

Prof. Dr. Samuel L. Oliveira
Prof. Dr. Keurison F. Magalhães
Prof. Dr. Anderson R. L. Caires
Guest Editors

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• biodiesel
• fluorescence spectroscopy
• molecular luminescence
• fluorescence lifetime
• time-resolved measurements
• chemometrics
• optical sensing
• fluorescent probes
• fuel quality control