Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 72-84 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 73 conventional diesel. For instance, the climate change potential from the production and use of rapeseed biodiesel is significantly lower than that of petrochemical diesel, making it a more sustainable option (González-García et al., 2012; Herrmann et al., 2013). Additionally, the byproducts of rapeseed oil biodiesel production, such as rapeseed cake and pellets, can be utilized as renewable energy sources, further enhancing the sustainability of the biodiesel production process (Klugmann-Radziemska and Ciunel, 2013; Zieniuk et al., 2020). This study elaborates on the current application status and future development prospects of rapeseed oil in biodiesel production. By introducing the background, importance, and main production processes of biodiesel, it lays the foundation for subsequent discussions. The focus is then on analyzing the advantages of rapeseed oil as a biodiesel feedstock, the progress of research, and the existing technical challenges. By reviewing relevant research findings from both domestic and international sources, the study summarizes the best practices and technological innovations in rapeseed oil biodiesel production. Combining the current global energy development trends and environmental policies, the study projects the future development prospects of rapeseed oil in biodiesel production and proposes corresponding strategies and recommendations. This study provides theoretical references and practical guidance for the development of the biodiesel industry, promoting further innovation and application of biodiesel technology. 2 Rapeseed Oil: An Ideal Biodiesel Feedstock 2.1 Composition and characteristics of rapeseed oil Rapeseed oil is characterized by its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which constitutes a significant portion of its fatty acid profile. This composition is advantageous for biodiesel production as it contributes to favorable fuel properties such as a high cetane number and good oxidative stability (Rashid et al., 2008; Bogdał et al., 2011). Additionally, rapeseed oil can be chemically modified to improve its thermo-oxidative stability and cold flow properties, making it a versatile feedstock for biodiesel and bio-lubricant applications (Arumugam et al., 2014). 2.2 Comparison with other biodiesel feedstocks When compared to other common biodiesel feedstocks such as soybean oil and palm oil, rapeseed oil exhibits several superior characteristics. For instance, rapeseed oil has a higher oil yield per hectare, making it a more efficient source of biodiesel (Tanner et al., 2023). Additionally, the biodiesel produced from rapeseed oil generally has a higher cetane number and better cold flow properties compared to soybean oil biodiesel (Rashid et al., 2008). While palm oil is also a high-yield feedstock, its biodiesel tends to have poorer cold flow properties and higher saturated fat content, which can affect engine performance and emissions negatively (Rashid et al., 2008; Bogdał et al., 2011). 2.3 Advantages of using rapeseed oil in biodiesel production The use of rapeseed oil in biodiesel production offers several advantages. Firstly, rapeseed oil-based biodiesel has been shown to have superior engine performance and lower emissions compared to traditional diesel and other biodiesel types (Arumugam et al., 2014; Mikulski et al., 2020). The high cetane number and good oxidative stability of rapeseed oil biodiesel contribute to efficient combustion and reduced engine wear (Arumugam et al., 2014). Furthermore, the hydroprocessing of rapeseed oil can produce hydrocarbon-based biodiesel that closely resembles conventional diesel, thus ensuring compatibility with existing diesel engines and infrastructure (Šimáček et al., 2009; Šimáček et al., 2010). Additionally, the production process for rapeseed oil biodiesel can be more environmentally friendly, with methods available that reduce the need for water, organic solvents, and catalysts (Tanner et al., 2023). In summary, rapeseed oil stands out as an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production due to its favorable composition, high yield, and the superior performance of the resulting biodiesel. Its advantages over other feedstocks and the potential for environmentally friendly production methods further enhance its prospects in the biodiesel industry.
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