A patented process for converting alcohol sourced from renewable or industrial waste gasses into jet or diesel fuel is being scaled up.
Two key technologies power the energy-efficient fuel production units.
A single-step chemical conversion streamlines what is currently a multi-step process. The new PNNL-patented catalyst converts biofuel (ethanol) directly into a versatile «platform» chemical called n-butene. A microchannel reactor design further reduces costs while delivering a scalable modular processing system.
The new process would provide a more efficient route for converting renewable and waste-derived ethanol to useful chemicals. Currently, n-butene is produced from fossil-based feedstocks using the energy-intensive cracking — or breaking down — of large molecules. The new technology reduces emissions of carbon dioxide by using renewable or recycled carbon feedstocks. Using sustainably derived n-butene as a starting point, existing processes can further refine the chemical for multiple commercial uses, including diesel and jet fuels, and industrial lubricants.
Watch how a PNNL-patented catalyst, combined with a unique microchannel reactor, can convert ethanol to a useful chemical with multiple commercial uses, including jet fuel. (Video by Eric Francavilla; Animation by Mike Perkins | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
«Biomass is a challenging source of renewable energy because of its high cost. Additionally, the scale of biomass drives the need for smaller, distributed processing plants,» said Vanessa Dagle, co-primary investigator of the initial research study, which was published in the journal ACS Catalysis. «We have reduced the complexity and improved efficiency of the process, while simultaneously reducing capital costs. Once modular, scaled processing has been demonstrated, this approach offers a realistic option for localized, distributed energy production.»
Micro-to-macro jet fuel
Story Source: Materials provided by DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Original written by Karyn Hede. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.