What Role Do Catalysts Play in Biofuel Production?
Biofuels are derived from biological materials like plant oils, animal fats, and microbial cultures. Catalysts are essential in converting these raw materials into usable fuels. For example, in the production of biodiesel, catalysts like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are used to transesterify fats and oils into fatty acid methyl esters. Similarly, in bioethanol production, enzymes act as biological catalysts to ferment sugars into ethanol.