A Review on Graphene-Based Catalysts for Biodiesel Production

Due to the superiorities of low emissions, high combustion efficiency, and biodegradability, biodiesel has become a viable and sustainable substitute for conventional fossil fuels, with the production and utilization rates of it significantly increasing across various regions worldwide. Graphene (G), a carbon allotrope with a two-dimensional structure, exhibits remarkable advantages in heterogeneous catalysis for biodiesel production, attributable to its distinctive structural properties, extensive specific surface area, and superior electronic conductivity. Its atomically flat surface and abundant edge functional groups provide an ideal chemical environment for the loading of active components, while its high mechanical strength and chemical stability ensure the reusability of the catalytic system under complex reaction conditions. Compared with traditional catalyst supports, graphene-based materials not only exhibit excellent environmental compatibility but also enable precise regulation of catalytic active sites through functional design. Here, this review provides a unique perspective by systematically classifying the roles of graphene-based catalysts into two distinct mechanisms: as dispersive supports and as functionalized catalysts, while critically evaluating their catalytic efficiency and recyclability. The structural tunability of graphene-based catalysts and functionalized graphene’s ability to improve biodiesel conversion efficiency and extend catalyst life are key technical challenges. These aspects form the theoretical basis for designing next-generation catalysts, addressing critical needs such as higher efficiency, better reusability, and tailored functionality through graphene material design.