Development of enzymatic renewable hydrocarbon fuel production from triacylglycerol: Performance evaluation, process intensification and feasibility studies

Efforts to address the climate crisis have intensified, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels with biofuels. Biodiesel, the most common biofuel, faces challenges like poor cold flow properties and stability issues, prompting interest in renewable hydrocarbon (HC) fuels. Conventional HC production relies on costly, harsh methods, while enzyme-based methods are limited by enzyme cost and slow reactions. This study introduces CO2-based ionic liquids (ILs) to improve enzymatic efficiency for the hydrolysis and decarboxylation reaction. Optimized conditions enhanced fatty acid conversion and HC yields, showcasing a cost-effective, eco-friendly approach to advancing renewable HC fuel production.