Land availability of Jatropha production in Malaysia

This study reports the conversion of Jatropha curcas oil to biodiesel catalyzed by sulphated zirconia loaded on an alumina catalyst using response surface methodology (RSM). Specifically, it studies the effect of interaction between process variables on the yield of biodiesel. Jatropha is found to be survived in different locations in South-East Asia. Jatropha oil is favoured to palm oil for its cold filter plugging the point (CFPP) values, making it a better option for use in cold climates. The increasing industrialization and modernization of the world have to a steep rise for the demand of petroleum products. Economic development in developing countries has led to huge increase in the energy demand. The crude oil demand of the country is met by imparting about 80%. Thus, the energy security has become a key issue for the nation as a whole. Petroleum-based fuels are limited. This article is an attempt to present the prevailing fossil-fuel scenario with respect to petroleum diesel, fuel properties of biodiesel of biodiesel resources for biodiesel production, processes for its production, purification, etc. At last, a discussion of stability of biodiesel is described here.