Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
11:33
Laboratory Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals from a Rapeseed Oil through Catalytic Cracking Conversion
Published on: September 2, 2016
Life-cycle analysis of bio-based aviation fuels
Jeongwoo Han1, Amgad Elgowainy, Hao Cai
1Systems Assessment Group, Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, United States.
Bioresource Technology
|August 28, 2013
Summary
This study analyzes bio-based aviation fuels, finding significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to petroleum jet fuel. Hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel shows potential, with production stage emissions being a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Aviation industry seeks sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based jet fuel.
- Bio-based fuels offer a potential pathway to reduce aviation's environmental impact.
- Comprehensive analysis is needed to evaluate the well-to-wake (WTWa) emissions of various bio-jet fuels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a well-to-wake (WTWa) analysis of different bio-based aviation fuels.
- To compare the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions of these fuels against petroleum jet fuel.
- To identify key stages and factors influencing the overall WTWa emissions of bio-jet fuels.
Main Methods:
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology applied for WTWa analysis.
- Evaluation of hydroprocessed renewable jet (HRJ), Fischer-Tropsch jet (FTJ), and pyrolysis jet fuels.
- Comparison with conventional petroleum jet fuel baseline.
Main Results:
- Significant WTWa GHG emission reductions observed: 41-63% for HRJ, 68-76% for pyrolysis jet, and 89% for FTJ (from corn stover).
- For HRJ, the production stage is the primary contributor to WTWa GHG emissions.
- Feedstock collection (fertilizer use, N2O emissions) significantly impacts HRJ emissions, more so than feedstock type differences.
Conclusions:
- Bio-based aviation fuels, particularly FTJ from corn stover, offer substantial GHG emission reductions.
- Optimizing HRJ production and feedstock management is crucial for maximizing emission benefits.
- Co-product handling and factors like biomass share and carbon capture are critical for FTJ sustainability.
More Related Videos
11:44Qualitative Characterization of the Aqueous Fraction from Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae Using 2D Gas Chromatography with Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 6, 2016
11:28Biomass Conversion to Produce Hydrocarbon Liquid Fuel Via Hot-vapor Filtered Fast Pyrolysis and Catalytic Hydrotreating
Published on: December 25, 2016
Related Concept Videos
01:25Biofuels
The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...
01:20Fates of Pyruvate
Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
01:18Production of Biopesticides
Biopesticides offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, utilizing microbial agents to control agricultural pests. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely employed bacterium known for its potent insecticidal activity. Bt biopesticides are favored for their specificity to insect pests, minimal environmental impact, and natural degradability.Mechanism of Bt Toxin Action Bt produces insecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins during its sporulation phase. These proteins form parasporal...
02:14Combustion Energy: A Measure of Stability in Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
The low reactivity in alkanes can be attributed to the non-polar nature of C–C and C–H σ bonds. Alkanes, therefore, were initially termed as “paraffins,” derived from the Latin words: parum, meaning “too little,” and affinis, meaning “affinity.”
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
01:25Lipid Catabolism
Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...