Literature on biodiesel production over the last 10 years (2007–2018) has been critically reviewed directing further research toward membrane-based sustainable and green production. The manuscript discusses how biodiesel production strategies have evolved in the recent years through adoption of better feedstock, better catalysts, more efficient reactor technology, and through incorporation of more efficient downstream separation-purification techniques. The review reveals that though transesterification reaction between alcohol and plant oil/animal fats leading to production of biodiesel is simple, the downstream separation and purification of the final product (fatty acid methyl esters) is quite challenging. This review shows that productivity can be enhanced through new generation catalysts, use of green solvents, and a more efficient reactor technology while the use of tailor-made membrane in appropriate modules holds the promise of low-cost and eco-friendly downstream purification. It is exposed that a membrane-based technology can bring about high degree of process intensification, whereas recovery and reuse of catalysts and alcohol are likely to add to the economy of the process, resulting in sustainable production technology.

对过去十年（2007-2018年）生物柴油生产的文献进行了严格审查，将进一步的研究转向基于膜的可持续和绿色生产。该手稿讨论了近年来通过采用更好的原料，更好的催化剂，更有效的反应器技术以及通过合并更有效的下游分离纯化技术，生物柴油生产策略如何发展。该评论表明，尽管醇与植物油/动物脂肪之间的酯交换反应导致生物柴油的生产很简单，但最终产物（脂肪酸甲酯）的下游分离和纯化却颇具挑战性。这项审查表明，通过使用新型催化剂，使用绿色溶剂，以及更高效的反应器技术，同时在适当的模块中使用量身定制的膜有望实现低成本和环保的下游纯化。公开了基于膜的技术可以带来高度的过程强化，而催化剂和醇的回收和再利用可能会增加过程的经济性，从而产生可持续的生产技术。