Use of ionic liquids in biodiesel production: a review

this paper discusses the feasibility of the use of ionic liquids as catalysts in the biodiesel production field, describing some studies already published in the literature on this theme. ionic liquids are regarded as a new generation of catalysts in the chemical industry, with several uses in different commercial segments. however only a few publications involving this topic can be found in the literature addressing the manufacture of biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats. through the analysis of the data generated in the studies reviewed, it is possible to affirm that ionic liquids present great potential as catalysts for biodiesel production, but 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.