SOLAR-JET - Produces jet fuel from water and CO2

In a new move to quench the thirst of fuel and cut CO ₂ emissions, researchers at the SOLAR-JET project (solar-powered chemical reactor project and storage optimization Through a multi-step process, concentrated sunlight can be used to convert CO ₂ to kerosene (parrafine oil) and finally used as jet fuel.

Dr Andreas Sizmann, project coordinator at the Bauhaus Lufthart Research Institute in Munich, said: "Increasing supply and environmental security has always led the aviation industry to seek alternative fuel solutions. can be used instead of jet fuel today, is also known as the short-term solution. With the first idea about a type of kerosene, "solar", project sOLAR-JET made a significant step Towards truly sustainable fuels with almost unlimited material resources in the future. "

In terms of production

The process uses a cycle redox get energy from the sun with the metal material oxide at high temperatures to rearrange the electrons, convert _CO2 and water into hydrogen and carbon monoxide known as synthesis gas syngas .

"Solar reactor technology has features such as enhanced transmission heat radiation and accelerated dynamic response - two core elements to optimize energy conversion efficiency. " said Aldo Steinfield, lead researcher and developer of the solar reactor at ETH Zürich.

Finally, the process is completed by the Fischer-Tropsch process. This process has now been approved to produce fuel for commercial aviation and is used worldwide by fuel companies such as Shell. Developed in 1925 by two German scientists, Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch, the process consists of a series of chemical reactions to convert hydrogen and CO from the gas into liquid kerosene.