Catalytic upgrading of tri-glycerides and fatty acids to transport biofuels

Fuels derived from the lipid fraction of biomass have recently received much attention for carbon neutral substitution of fossil fuels for transport use. In this article we review the current routes to catalytic upgrading of the biomass derived lipid fractions. The history and motivation for biofuels are discussed, including the link to current market trends amongst fuel prices. The sources of lipids and their chemical composition are considered. We review the current literature detailing the use of trans-esterification reactions (heterogeneous and homogeneous) which lead to oxygenated “Biodiesel”, and also decarboxylation, which leads to deoxygenated “Green Diesel”. Traditional methods are covered, as well as more recent novel research aiming to produce commercially viable fuels.