Scientists at Washington State University have successfully tested a new method for producing sustainable jet fuel using corn and other agricultural waste. Their research, published in the journal ‘Fuel Processing Technology’, highlights the potential of a ‘lignin-based fuel’ to enhance the cleanliness and usability of sustainable fuels in jet engines.
Lignin is derived from the stalks, cobs, and leaves leftover after corn harvesting. Due to its density, efficiency, and ability to swell seals, lignin-derived hydrocarbons could effectively substitute for fossil fuel-based compounds known as aromatics.
“The aviation industry aims to produce 100% renewable aviation fuel,” said Josh Heyne, a member of the research team and co-director of the WSU-PNNL Bioproducts Institute. “Lignin-based jet fuel complements existing technologies by enhancing the density of fuel blends, for example.”
As per the news report by Kiro 7, according to WSU, global aviation fuel consumption reached nearly 100 billion gallons in 2019, with demand projected to rise in the coming decades. Sustainable aviation fuels made from plant-based biomass could help lower the aviation sector’s carbon footprint, mitigate contrails, and contribute to international carbon neutrality goals.
“Our work brings this technology closer to practical application by providing data that helps assess its feasibility for commercial aviation,” said lead scientist Bin Yang, a professor in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.
The team is currently working on refining their process to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Advanced Refining Technologies LLC.
