Next-Generation Catalysis for Green Biolubricants and Biofuel Production
A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomass Catalysis".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biomass; biodiesel; biolubricants; methane reforming; glycerol
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The transition from laboratory research to industrial-scale production of biolubricants and biofuels requires catalysts that combine high efficiency, selectivity, and durability. Innovative catalytic systems are central to this process, enabling the conversion of renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, and lignocellulosic biomass into high-performance biolubricants and biofuels. At the laboratory level, research focuses on designing catalysts with tailored active sites, nanostructured supports, and multifunctional properties to optimize reaction pathways and minimize by-products. These advances improve key parameters in the resulting product (like viscosity, oxidative stability, and biodegradability for biolubricants, while enhancing energy density and combustion quality for biofuels).
Scaling up introduces challenges related to catalyst stability, regeneration, and cost-effectiveness under continuous operation. Industrial implementation emphasizes robust materials, process intensification, and integration with existing infrastructure to ensure economic viability. Emerging trends include the use of green solvents, low-temperature processes, and hybrid catalytic systems that combine heterogeneous and enzymatic approaches. Ultimately, innovative catalysts bridge the gap between sustainability goals and practical applications, supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil resources. Future developments will focus on improving scalability, reducing environmental impact, and achieving competitive performance in large-scale production. Thus, the scope of this Special Issue mainly covers the development of innovative catalysts for biofuel and biolubricant production, with a special focus on the feasibility of industrial implementation or the positive environmental impact of the process.
Dr. Sergio Nogales Delgado
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- biolubricants
- biofuels
- vegetable oils
- waste cooking oil
- nanocatalysts
- homogeneous catalysis
- heterogeneous catalysis
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