Population growth has led to higher consumption of fossil fuel, and subsequently to a major increase of greenhouse gases emissions to the atmosphere, thus inducing global warming. Fossil fuel supplies are depleting, and the price of these fuels is increasing. Moreover, there are concerns about related emissions of toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we review alternative fuel technologies. We focus on how membrane reactors improve the existing production processes of renewable fuels. Advantages and environmental benefits of membrane reactors are compared to the conventional techniques. Membrane reactors have been applied successfully to improve biodiesel, hydrogen and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Membranes help the conversion of products, whilst shifting the equilibrium of the reaction and reducing undesired by-products. Membrane reactors also overcome immiscibility issues that hinder conventional reactor processes. Overall, membrane reactors reduce cost and energy needed for the treatment of wastewater from fuel production.

人口增长导致化石燃料消耗量增加，随后导致向大气排放的温室气体大幅增加，从而导致了全球变暖。化石燃料的供应正在枯竭，这些燃料的价格也在上涨。此外，人们还担心有毒污染物如二氧化硫和芳烃的相关排放。在这里，我们回顾了替代燃料技术。我们专注于膜反应器如何改善可再生燃料的现有生产工艺。膜反应器的优势和环境效益与常规技术相比。膜反应器已成功应用于改善生物柴油，氢气和费托合成工艺。膜有助于产品的转化，同时改变反应的平衡并减少不希望的副产物。膜反应器还克服了妨碍常规反应器工艺的不混溶性问题。总体而言，膜反应器可降低处理燃料生产废水所需的成本和能源。