Application of sonochemistry in the production of bio-diesel catalyzed by alkali

The researches and the applications of sonochmeistry in the production of bio-diesel catalyzed by alkali are reviewed.The factors affecting the reaction are as follows: the category and usage of catalyst,reaction temperature,reaction time,the category and usage of alcohol,power and frequency of ultrasound and the category of raw material.The new sonochemical technologies are also analyzed,such as the continuous transesterification assisted by ultrasound,the transesterification with the help of hydrodynamic cavitation and the method of ultrasonically assistant extraction transesterification (USAET).It is referred that the sonochemical method is environmentally friendly and has the character of high reaction rate.However,it is needful to do further research on the aspects of engineering magnification and equipment design.