(492b) Energy for Sustainability

Today’s world is facing two critical challenges: (1) high fuel prices, and (2) climatic changes. Both of these are linked to the overdependence on the fossil fuels: petroleum, natural gas, and coal.  The transport is almost totally dependent on fossil particularly petroleum based fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. The combination of rising oil prices, issues of security, climate instability and pollution, and deepening poverty in rural and agricultural areas, is propelling governments to enact powerful incentives for the use of renewable energy.

In this talk, NSF’s Energy for Sustainability program will be presented.   This program supports fundamental research and education that will enable innovative processes for the sustainable production of electricity and transportation fuels.  Processes for sustainable energy production must be environmentally benign, reduce greenhouse gas emission, and utilize renewable resources.  Projects include those related to biofuels, photovoltaic solar energy, wind energy, and advanced batteries for transportation. co�RttP~H�sdes such as jatropha oil and algal oil to obtain pure hydrocarbons, mostly n-alkanes. We have developed a process for biojet fuel production from jatropha oil and other triglyceride feedstocks. The long-chain hydrocarbons produced from hydrotreating reaction are selectively hydrocracked and hydroisomerized using suitably designed catalysts to give products that include jet fuel range hydrocarbons. Quality control specifications and approval protocol have been created to ensure that aviation biojet fuels can be directly use as a drop in fuel in the aircraft. Preliminary characterization of biojet fuel is done as per ASTM 1655 specifications. More detailed tests are being done to determine fit for purpose properties, followed by further tests such as those for fuel and engine system components so as to meet ASTM D 4054 specifications prior to final approval for use as a drop-in fuel².

References:

1. G. Marsh, Biofuels: aviation alternative, Renewable Energy Focus, 2008, 9, 48-51.

2. L. Rye, S. Blakey, C. W. Wilson, Energy and Environment Science, 2010,  3, 17- 27