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  • Open Access
  • Review

Recent Advances in Combustion Chemistry of Biofuels: A Review

  • Dorcas Cheptoo Sombei 1,   
  • Cleophas Achisa Mecha 2,3,*,   
  • Martha Noro Chollom 3

Received: 05 Mar 2026 | Revised: 10 Jun 2026 | Accepted: 22 Jun 2026 | Published: 10 Jul 2026

Abstract

Renewable energy sources such as biofuels play a critical role in climate change mitigation and in meeting the rising global energy demand. To achieve carbon neutrality, biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas are a promising solution because they are renewable. The use of biofuels has potential to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to increased access to clean and affordable energy as envisioned in sustainable development goal 7 (SDG 7). However, their effective utilization is constrained by challenges in combustion kinetics, fuel property variability, and emission trade-offs arising from complex reaction pathways compared to conventional fuels. The present study provides a concise review of key aspects in combustion kinetics and mechanisms of bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas. Comparative analysis is provided to highlight inconsistencies in reported findings and limitations in current methodologies. The study proposes ways to address these challenges through combining fundamental research, computational modelling and experimental innovation to accelerate the transition toward a cleaner energy future.

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DOI
10.53941/tsa.2026.100014
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Volume 1, Issue 3
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Sombei, D. C.; Mecha, C. A.; Chollom, M. N. Recent Advances in Combustion Chemistry of Biofuels: A Review. Thermal Science and Applications 2026, 1 (3), 215–238. https://doi.org/10.53941/tsa.2026.100014.
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