Abstract:

Research progress in microwave promoted biodiesel synthesis is summarized in terms of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis processes. Compared with heterogeneous catalysis process，most studies have focused on homogeneous catalysis. Basic catalysts are used widely than acid catalysts for the faster transesterification reaction rate in homogeneous process，while side reactions are prominent. In heterogeneous process，both basic and acid catalysts have been used，in which activated carbon supported catalysts are frequently used for the advantages of low cost and high performance，but the catalyst lifetime needs to be prolonged.