The selection of the catalyst is independent of the biomass used to obtain biodiesel. The catalyst is used to accelerate the transesterification reaction speed.
It can be establish differences between the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
The selection of the catalyst is independent of the biomass used to obtain biodiesel. """ This statement is valid only for the process of transesterification of bioOILs to biodiesel. There are numerous processes to convert bioMASS to biodiesel.
Irrespective of the fact that the effectiveness of biodiesel catalysts is independent of the source but composition, I would give you generalized biological sources of basic catalysts: shells of animals, bones, ashes (of plants and animals) and any other organo-material that contain alkali metallic or alkali earth matallic oxides.
The acid catalysts (suitable for esterification) are usually synthesized from inorganic materials.