IIT Jodhpur researchers creates bio-jet fuel From waste biomass – Times of India

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur’s researchers have created a new method of producing bio-jet-fuel from plant-based biomass. This innovation can provide the aviation industry with more affordable and environmentally friendly fuels, which could have a significant impact on the energy sector.
The team has created a cost-effective solution to a long-standing issue in the aviation industry. They developed an iron-based catalyst (Fe/Silica-Alumina) that is easily accessible and used it with non-edible oils and waste biomass to produce bio-jet fuel. This breakthrough has made the manufacturing process profitable.
The global aviation sector heavily relies on petroleum-based fuels and has an estimated daily fuel demand of over 800 million litres. This makes it one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world.
However, in comparison to ground transportation or residential and commercial buildings, the aviation industry cannot readily transition to renewable energy sources with current technology.
According to researchers in the Sustainable Energy and Fuels journal, plant-based bio-jet fuels could be a competitive and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum fuels. This has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This study is important for creating aviation fuel using a catalyst made of Fe/SiO2-AI2O3, which is abundant in the earth. The catalyst, which is similar to natural clay, can be reused up to 10 times (although it can actually be used for more than 50 cycles) with low hydrogen pressure and mild reaction conditions. This is particularly useful for producing bio-jet fuel.
The findings of this research are encouraging, particularly due to the catalyst’s strong acidity and distinctive texture, which can be achieved using gentle processing conditions like low H2 pressure without any solvent. The Department of Biotechnology is also providing support for this project through the DBT PAN-IIT Center for Bioenergy.
Dr. Rakesh K Sharma, Professor at the Department of Chemistry, IIT Jodhpur, stated that their work is remarkable because they have been able to produce bio jet fuel from biomass using a reusable and earth-abundant iron catalyst. What’s more, this process has achieved greater efficiency and decreased greenhouse gas emissions in the airline industry.