Optimization of Biodiesel and Biofuel Process

Dear Colleagues,

Although the compression ignition (C.I.) engine, invented by Rudolf Diesel, was originally intended to work with pure vegetable oils as fuel, more than a century ago it was adapted to be used with a fuel of fossil origin, obtained from oil. Therefore, there would be no technical difficulties to return to the primitive design of using biofuels of renewable origin, such as vegetable oils. The main drawback is found in the one billion C.I. engines which are currently in use, which would have to undergo a modification in the injection system in order to adapt them to the higher viscosity of vegetable oils in comparison to that of fossil fuel. Thus, the gradual incorporation of biofuels as substitutes of fossil fuels is mandatory.

This Special Issue aims to collect works that provide different technical solutions to make possible the smooth transition from the current state, in which diesel engines operate with fossil fuels, to a new situation in which diesel engines will work employing solely renewable biofuels. Thus, in addition to conventional biodiesel, obtained by catalytic or enzymatic transesterification of triglycerides, all research providing effective solutions to allow the use of fats and oils as biofuels in diesel engines, without having to perform any modification in them, will be welcomed. This Special Issue also aims to collect studies related but not limited to the production and engineering development of alternative high-quality biofuels from vegetable oils, obtained by the hydrotreating of triglycerides (green diesel), the production of novel biofuels that integrate glycerol in their composition, as well as the development of diesel and biodiesel additives. These biofuels seek to achieve 100% atom efficiency, because neither glycerol nor any byproduct is obtained. Thus, the overall production process of the biofuel is simplified to a great extent.

Prof. Dr. Diego Luna
Dr. Antonio Pineda
Dr. Rafael Estevez
Guest Editors

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