Biodiesel Production Directly from Rapeseeds

Abstract

Rapeseeds are desirable as feedstock for manufacturing biodiesel due to their high production capacity and oil yield. The standard production of biodiesel from rapeseeds is a lengthy process including multiple time-consuming steps, and the method is not environmentally friendly because of the large energy requirements, the use of high volumes of organic solvents and water, and the need for a catalyst, which must be captured, purified, and recycled. In this study, we report a method to produce biodiesel in a single mechanical step directly from intact rapeseeds without adding a catalyst. The process is more environmentally friendly as there is less need for water than in current industrial processes, and it reduces pollutants from organic solvents, catalysts, and wastewater. Additionally, the remaining biomass shows adsorption characteristics for metals, potentially making it useful in water remediation.