Toward net-zero sustainable aviation fuel with wet waste-derived volatile fatty acids
Abstract
To meet the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), conversion pathways are needed that leverage wet waste carbon and meet jet fuel property specifications. Here, we demonstrate SAF production from food waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFA) by targeting normal paraffins for a near-term path to market and branched isoparaffins to increase the renewable content long term. Combining these distinct paraffin structures was shown to synergistically improve VFA-SAF flash point and viscosity to increase the renewable blend limit to 70%. Life cycle analysis shows the dramatic impact on the carbon footprint if food waste is diverted from landfills to produce VFA-SAF, highlighting the potential to meet jet fuel safety, operability, and environmental goals.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2021
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2023008118
- Bibcode:
- 2021PNAS..11823008H
- Keywords:
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- biojet;
- food waste;
- decarbonization;
- ketonization