Sustainable Biofuels from Vegetable Oils: Innovations and Challenges
A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 87
Editors
Interests: modification of surfactant properties by organic addition; properties of plant-derived surfactants; modification of the physicochemical properties of canola oil for its application as a biofuel; components of vegetable oils and their influence on the physicochemical properties of oils for use in engines; wetting of solids as well as properties of films formed on solid surfaces
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: modification of the physicochemical properties of canola oil for its application as a biofuel through the use of organic additives; evaluation of the components and parameters of surface tension, as well as adhesion work, in modified canola oil systems for lubrication applications; the role of saturated fatty acid components in defining the interfacial properties of canola oil systems; properties of plant-derived active substances; wetting and properties of films formed on solid surfaces
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Biofuel production remains a current and important research topic. This renewable fuel can be produced from various raw materials, including vegetable oils. The application of vegetable oils is beneficial from an ecological point of view because of their biodegradability, closed circulation of CO2, reduction of the greenhouse effect, and safety of transport. Unfortunately, differences in the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils and conventional diesel fuel, as well as their impact on the injection and combustion processes and toxic exhaust compounds, prevent the direct use of these oils in diesel engines. Therefore, to adjust the surface tension, density, viscosity, lubricity, and wettability of vegetable oils to those of diesel fuel, it is necessary their modification.
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to innovative modification techniques, including chemical, physical, and catalytic methods, which enable the tailoring of vegetable oil properties to meet stringent engine and environmental requirements. Furthermore, the integration of advanced analytical tools and modeling approaches allows for a deeper understanding of fuel behavior under real operating conditions, opening new pathways for optimization.
The purpose of this Special Issue is to present and disseminate the latest advances in the use of biofuels derived from vegetable oils in diesel engines, with particular emphasis on engine efficiency and environmental friendliness. We particularly encourage submissions that bridge fundamental research with practical applications, as well as interdisciplinary studies combining fuel chemistry, engine technology, and environmental analysis. Contributions addressing scalability, lifecycle assessment, and compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks are also highly welcomed.
Topics covered include:
- Modification of psychochemical properties of the vegetable oils for use as biofuel by different modifiers
- Parameters of the biofuel combustion process
- Biofuel exhaust emission level
- Modeling of energy use from biofuel-fueled vehicles
- Different applications of biofuels
- Performance of diesel engines powered by biofuels
- Techno-economic aspect of biofuels application
In addition, we invite authors to explore novel feedstocks, hybrid fuel systems, and the role of biofuels in the broader context of energy transition and decarbonization strategies. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration between academia and industry, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient biofuel technologies.
Prof. Dr. Anna Zdziennicka
Dr. Katarzyna Szymczyk
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- biofuel
- fuel modifiers
- combustion process
- biofuel applications
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