Biodiesel is one of the main biofuels capable of substituting fossil fuel usage in compression ignition vehicles, and is used in a variety of fuel blends worldwide. First-generation biodiesel has been used in national markets for some time, with fuel quality standards in place for this purpose. There remain, however, several restrictions to sustainable and long term market development, which is influenced by many factors, including food vs. fuel pressures. The development of new generations of biodiesel, aimed at more sustainable and effective feedstock utilisation alongside improved production efficiency and fuel quality, is critical to the future both of this industry and of the continuing use of biodiesel fuels in transportation. This book provides a timely reference on the advances in the development of biodiesel fuels, production processes and technologies. Part one reviews the life cycle sustainability assessment and socio-economic and environmental policy issues associated with advanced biodiesel production, as well as feedstocks and fuel quality standards. This coverage is extended in Part two, with chapters focussing on the development of methods and catalysts essential to the improvement and optimisation of biodiesel production processes and technologies. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Advances in biodiesel production a standard reference for chemical, biochemical and industrial process engineers, as well as scientists and researchers in this important field.

Highlighting sustainable catalytic processes in synthetic organic chemistry, this useful guide places special emphasis on catalytic reactions carried out at room temperature. It describes the fundamentals, summarizes key advances, and covers applications in the field of organic synthesis, biomass conversion, and pollution control. Throughout, the latest research from various disciplines is combined, such as homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, and photocatalysis. The book concludes with a chapter on future trends and energy challenges for the latter half of the 21st century and two case studies. With its multidisciplinary approach this is an essential reference for academic and industrial researchers in catalysis science aiming to design more sustainable and energy-efficient processes.

Discover solvent-free approaches for the synthesis of nanocatalysts as well as various catalytic transformations in this unique one-stop resource Solvent-free methods have attracted wide attention in organic synthesis and catalysis as a promising approach towards "greener" and more sustainable chemical transformations. In this regard, nanocatalysis has seen particular growth in recent years. Solvent-Free Methods in Nanocatalysis gives an in-depth overview of nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications using solvent-free methods. After a brief introduction, it covers various synthetic techniques for the preparation of nanocatalysts and supports using solvent-free methods, e.g. ball-milling, microwave- and plasma-assisted methods. The book discusses in detail different catalyst classes, such as metal oxides, doped and functionalized nanocarbons, as well as nitride- and silica-based materials to help researchers to understand the efficiency and nature of these catalysts/supports based on their chemical structure. In the book, readers will also find: A brief account of the history, challenges, and recent advances in the field Detailed discussion of advantages and disadvantages of solvent-free techniques for nanocatalyst preparation Treatment of important solvent- and catalyst-free organic transformations (i.e. oxidation, coupling and multicomponent reactions) A chapter on supported ionic liquids for solvent-free catalysis Written by leading researchers in the field, Solvent-Free Methods in Nanocatalysis is a useful reference for researchers and students working in organic synthesis, catalysis, and nanomaterials science.

Gasification involves the conversion of carbon sources without combustion to syngas, which can be used as a fuel itself or further processed to synthetic fuels. The technology provides a potentially more efficient means of energy generation than direct combustion. This book provides an overview of gasification science and engineering and the production of synthetic fuels by gasification from a variety of feedstocks. Part one introduces gasification, reviewing the scientific basis of the process and gasification engineering. Part two then addresses gasification and synthentic fuel production processes. Finally, chapters in part three outline the different applications of gasification, with chapters on the conversion of different types of feedstock.