The alcoholysis process requires high activity catalysts for biodiesel production. Heterogeneous catalysts have been proven to possess highly active nature and are environment-friendly. The present article emphasizes on various types of solid base catalysts that have been used in the recent past for the production of biodiesel by transesterification of oils. The parameters and conditions affecting the transesterification reaction and biodiesel yield have also been mentioned in the article. Heterogeneous catalysts have the capability to be recycled for many runs in the process without greatly abating the biodiesel yield. Also, such catalysts possess noncorrosive nature, thus making the biodiesel safe to be used in engine without any damage. The exploitation of waste materials as catalysts would reduce the overall production cost of biodiesel. Calcium-based catalysts in the reviewed literature have shown promising outcomes for the future use and would make the process economical for large-scale industrial applications.

醇解过程需要用于生物柴油生产的高活性催化剂。多相催化剂已被证明具有高度活性，对环境无害。本文着重介绍了近年来通过油的酯交换反应用于生产生物柴油的各种类型的固体碱催化剂。文章中还提到了影响酯交换反应和生物柴油收率的参数和条件。非均相催化剂具有在该过程中用于许多运行的再循环能力，而不会大大降低生物柴油的产率。而且，此类催化剂具有非腐蚀性，因此使生物柴油安全地用于发动机中而没有任何损坏。利用废料作为催化剂将降低生物柴油的总生产成本。