Methods and apparatus for synthesizing biodiesel using an alkali ion donating material are disclosed. Generally, the methods include placing an alcohol and a triglyceride in a container having the alkali ion donating material. A biodiesel reaction driving force is applied to the contents of the container. This force may cause the ion donating material to release alkali ions that react with the alcohol to form an alkali alcoholate. In turn, the alkali alcoholate reacts with triglycerides to form biodiesel and an alkali salt of glycerine. When the driving force is removed and where the alkali ion donating material comprises a catalyst with a high affinity for alkali ions, the alkali ion in the alkali salt of glycerine returns to the alkali ion donating material. Accordingly, the apparatus and methods may produce substantially pure biodiesel and glycerine.