In a significant breakthrough, scientists at Washington State University have developed a 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 lignin-based fuel to enhance the cleanliness and usability of sustainable aviation fuels in jet engines.
Lignin, a byproduct from the stalks, cobs, and leaves left after corn harvesting, is rich in hydrocarbons that can effectively replace fossil fuel-derived compounds known as aromatics, thanks to its density and efficiency. Josh Heyne, a member of the research team and co-director of the WSU-PNNL Bioproducts Institute, emphasized the aviation industry’s goal of achieving 100% renewable aviation fuel, noting that lignin-based jet fuel could enhance existing technologies by increasing the density of fuel blends.
The demand for aviation fuel soared to nearly 100 billion gallons globally in 2019, and is projected to rise in the coming years. Sustainable aviation fuels, sourced from plant-based biomass, offer a promising solution to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint, lower contrails, and help meet international carbon neutrality targets.
Lead scientist Bin Yang, a professor in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, stated, “Our achievement takes this technology one step closer to real-world use by providing data that allows us to better assess its feasibility for commercial aviation.” The research team is currently focused on refining their process to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
This innovative research received support from 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.
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