Chinese scientists have developed a new method of synthesizing bio-kerosene from cellulose, which has a higher energy density than conventional petroleum-based kerosene. However, the production of this CO2-neutral fuel still requires the use of the toxic solvent dichloromethane. The aviation industry is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, with approximately 3.4 million flights taking off in July 2019 alone. To reduce the impact of air travel on the environment, researchers are exploring various approaches to make flying more eco-friendly. One such approach is the production of bio-kerosene from plant waste using a newly developed synthesis pathway.
The Chinese scientists have found that their synthesis pathway can produce bio-kerosene from materials such as straw, sawdust, and corn stalks. The resulting bio-kerosene has a higher energy density than conventional kerosene, making it a more viable alternative for airlines. Currently, bio-kerosene is used as a drop-in fuel by some airlines, but its two to three times higher price compared to conventional kerosene makes it economically unfeasible to replace entirely. By increasing the energy density of bio-kerosene, it could become a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for airlines.
The synthesis pathway involves converting cellulose from plant waste into ring-shaped hydrocarbons typical of fuel. The cellulose is first dissolved in dichloromethane and then transformed into a 2.5-hexanedione compound. The reaction has a high efficiency rate of over 70% at normal pressure and temperature. Longer chains are then produced by reacting the 2.5-hexanedione with hydrogen using various catalysts, resulting in polycycloalkanes with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. However, the use of dichloromethane makes the process environmentally unfriendly. The researchers are working on developing a sustainable solvent to replace dichloromethane in the hydrogenolysis process.
In conclusion, the development of a new synthesis pathway for bio-kerosene from plant waste is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of air travel. The higher energy density of the resulting bio-kerosene makes it a more viable alternative for airlines, but the use of dichloromethane in the process remains a concern. The researchers’ efforts to develop a sustainable solvent will be crucial in making the production of bio-kerosene truly eco-friendly.
