Fluorescent carbon dots for biodiesel production: A Comprehensive review (2019-2024)

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel that is produced through the chemical reaction of oils and fats derived from plants and animals with short -chain alcohols. Widespread interest has been shown in biodiesel as a possible substitute for fuels derived from fossil fuels. Heterogeneous catalysts can provide a more appealing and environmentally beneficial method for meeting cleaner, sustainable production needs when used in the biodiesel synthesis process. Transesterification is the prevailing method for biodiesel production, wherein the reaction occurs spontaneously but is frequently facilitated by both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts, such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, are chosen over homogeneous catalysts due to their advantages of not requiring special equipment and being easier to remove from the end product. Nevertheless, traditional heterogeneous catalysts possess many drawbacks, such as limited suitability for industrial use. Carbon -based nanoparticles, such as carbon dots (C -dots), have recently been suggested as possible catalysts. C -dots, a nascent discovery, show great potential as a heterogeneous catalyst because of their straightforward and economical synthesis, adaptability, large specific surface area, precise specificity, and exceptional conversion efficiency. In addition, unlike other catalysts, C -dots do not require removal after biodiesel production and can be used as an additive that enhances fuel and engine efficiency while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. This brief analysis seeks to emphasize the growing significance of C -dots in the process of biodiesel production by transesterification.