Ethanol-to-jet fuel process set for scale up at PNNL

The new Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) patented catalyst converts biofuel (ethanol) directly into n-butene, a versatile ‘platform’ chemical. A microchannel reactor design is said to further reduce costs while delivering a scalable modular processing system.

Currently, n-butene is produced from fossil-based feedstocks using the energy-intensive cracking 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.

Process increases viability of biofuels from plant waste

“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 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 localised, distributed energy production.”