By Andi Anderson
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have found an innovative way to turn everyday food waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Their new process, published in Nature Communications, could help the aviation industry achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
The technique uses a method known as hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), which applies high heat and pressure to convert food waste into a thick biocrude oil—similar to how crude oil naturally forms underground. This biocrude is then cleaned and refined using hydrogen and catalysts to make it suitable for jet engines.
Dr. Sabrina Summers, lead researcher from the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, explained that HTL can process various waste sources, including food scraps, animal manure, sewage sludge, and crop residues. This flexibility makes it ideal for creating renewable fuels from agricultural and industrial by-products.
After purification, the biocrude undergoes catalytic hydrotreating, which removes impurities such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The team discovered that a cobalt molybdenum catalyst was the most efficient for refining the fuel. The final product passed all ASTM and FAA jet fuel standards—proving it can power aircraft without blending with fossil fuels.
Professor Yuanhui Zhang, who led the project, emphasized that the technology offers vast potential for scaling up. “Our research provides solutions to engineering challenges and opens doors for industries to commercialize sustainable aviation fuel,” Zhang said. He added that this innovation not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens economic development by turning waste into valuable resources.
This research demonstrates how circular bioeconomy principles can reshape industries by reusing waste, reducing pollution, and creating sustainable products for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kn1
Categories: Illinois, Energy