Progress in Research of Lewis Acid Ionic Liquids Used as Catalyst in Biodiesel Synthesis

Abstract

onic liquid is a green catalyzer and solvent which can be designed by changing the structure of its cation or anion. Ionic liquid has been used in diverse chemical reactions. Especially, Ionic liquids as environmentally friendly catalysts were applied in biodiesel production. Preparation of biodiesel catalyzed by ionic liquids have many merits, such as no corrosion to equipment, no pollution to environment, and reusability. In this paper, the advances in the Lewis acid ionic liquids catalysts and their application in biodiesel production were reviewed. The characterization of the ionic liquids were summarized. The catalytic reaction mechanism of the Lewis acid ionic liquids in the biodiesel production was discussed. In addition, the prospect for the application of the Lewis acid ionic liquids to catalyze biodiesel production was also stated. Since the cost of ionic liquid may be an issue, there are some challenges to be faced, such as the production of ionic liquids with low cost, easy recovery and with the possibility of reutilization of the catalyst for several cycles.