Biodiesel
is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative
to fossil fuels. Despite nearly 3 decades of research in the field
of biodiesel, there remains major obstacles for large-scale production.
In the search for an active, selective, and reusable solid base catalyst,
strontium oxide (SrO) is emerging out as a preferred choice for the
transesterification reaction under various methods of activation.
SrO exhibits the highest activity among processable alkaline earth
metal oxides as a result of its strong basicity. SrO nanoparticles
(NPs) and hybrids showed improved performance. Recent progress achieved
in the development of synthetic methods of SrO NPs is reviewed. Advantages
of SrO-based nanocomposites for biodiesel production are discussed.
Finally, potential support materials for enhancing the catalytic performance
of SrO NPs with commercial implications are elaborated.