Unravelling the potential of date palm seeds for sustainable biodiesel production

Abstract

The demand for sustainable energy is increasing due to interest in non-edible and waste-derived biodiesel. The date palm is a well-known plant and produces delicious fruit, with its seed often considered a byproduct. It’s a powerful source for natural oil production and has unique applications. This review highlights the date palm seeds’ potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production, explores advancements in oil extraction and transesterification techniques and evaluates fuel properties along with engine efficacy. Moving beyond conventional overviews, this review also provides a novel and critical analysis of date seed oil (DSO) valorisation, examining a consolidated synthesis of advanced green extraction techniques (ultrasonic and protic ionic liquid recovery), waste-derived/magnetic heterogeneous catalysts, hydroprocessing pathways for bio-jet fuels and green gasoline; quantitative engine emission metrics; fuel property compliance with ASTM D6751 and EN 14,214 standards; and a multi-generational comparative benchmark addressing research gaps in commercial scalability. Its significance is also discussed, including future challenges in feedstock variability, catalyst efficiency, and process scalability. In arid regions, date palm seed biodiesel is a feasible contributor to the bioeconomy and energy security. DSO valorisation supports circular bioeconomy initiatives and low-carbon transportation, particularly in arid date-producing regions.