Topics in Catalysis

, Volume 53, Issue 11–12, pp 714–720 | Cite as

Biodiesel: Current Trends and Properties

Original Paper
First Online:

Abstract

Biodiesel, an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel fuel, is defined as the mono-alkyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats. Several current issues affecting biodiesel that are briefly discussed include the role of new feedstocks in meeting increased demand for biodiesel and circumventing the food versus fuel issue, biodiesel production, as well as fuel properties and their improvement.

Keywords

Biodiesel Fatty esters Fuel properties Algae Genetic modification Microbiology Vegetable oils 
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Notes

Disclaimer

Product names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.

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Copyright information

© GovernmentEmployee: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research 2010

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of AgriculturePeoriaUSA

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