The transition toward sustainable energy has intensified research on renewable fuels for compression ignition engines. iodiesel is considered a promising replacement for fossil diesel because it is derived from renewable resources and exhibits inherent biodegradability, and inherent oxygen content. However, the physicochemical properties and combustion characteristics of biodiesel are strongly influenced by feedstock type, which subsequently affects engine performance and emission behavior. This mini review systematically evaluates the impact of biodiesel derived from various feedstocks including rapeseed, palm oil, soybean, Jatropha curcas, Calophyllum inophyllum, waste cooking oil (WCO), animal fats, microalgae, and hybrid blends on diesel engine performance parameters and exhaust emissions. The review indicates that most biodiesel blends (B5–B30) demonstrate performance characteristics close to conventional diesel, although slight reductions in brake power and torque (typically 3–9%) and increases in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) (approximately 2–13%) are commonly reported. These effects primarily stem from biodiesel’s inferior calorific value and higher kinematic viscosity in comparison with conventional diesel. From an emission perspective, biodiesel consistently reduces hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 10–36% due to improved oxidation from fuel-bound oxygen. However, a moderate increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx), typically ranging from 2–13%, is frequently observed and remains a major technical challenge. Overall, the findings highlight that feedstock selection significantly influences fuel properties, combustion dynamics, and emission profiles. Low-level blends such as B5–B20 generally provide an optimal balance between engine performance and emission reduction without requiring major engine modifications.
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