Advancements in biodiesel production from castor oil: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a non-food industrial oleaginous crop with the potential for biofuel production. It grows in diverse regions and thrives in marginal soils without competing with food crops. This paper reviews the current state and perspectives of producing biofuels, primarily biodiesel, from castor oil. It begins with a brief introduction to the castor plant, its genetics, and breeding, as well as methods and challenges of castor oil production, extraction, and refinement. Biodiesel production technologies, optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics, and the techno-economic, environmental, and social assessment are discussed. Other castor-based biofuels are highlighted, including bio-jet fuel, biogas, and bioethanol in biorefineries. The future of biofuel production depends on cost-effective and sustainable methods, land availability, and considering various aspects. Challenges remain for large-scale production, but further research can enable castor biomass to become a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock while mitigating environmental and social impacts.