A comprehensive review of the influence of physicochemical properties of biodiesel on combustion characteristics, engine performance and emissions

Abstract Energy is a basic requirement for development in the world. The continuously rising demand for energy resources and the fast depletion of fossil fuel is raises researcher's concern to focus on alternative sources of energy that can replace the shortage of fossil fuels soon. Biodiesel is recognized as one of the potential alternative renewable energy fuels that can be easily available in a wide range in every part of the world. This paper reviews biodiesel's prospect and focuses on the different fuel properties (physicochemical) of 100 biodiesels from first-, second- and third-generation followed by the evaluation of CI engine characteristics. It has been observed that the fuel properties of first-, second- and third-generation biodiesel are compatible with the ASTM standards. The present paper discussed the potential of various generations of biodiesel feedstocks from production perspectives. This paper also examined many aspects of these feedstocks which include different biodiesel feedstock sources, biodiesel conversion technology, and second-generation biodiesel performance and emission characteristics. Most of the studies showed that biodiesel derived from plant feedstock is costly than diesel. Thus, more influence is to be given to non-edible sources. However, the engine characteristics are shown promising behavior with biodiesel and a slight increase in NOX is also reported on using various biodiesel.