New Zeolite Catalysts Enable Superior Control Over Refining Kerosene Fuels
Outcome/Accomplishment
Novel catalytic materials that improve the conversion of petroleum into fuels were developed in research funded by the Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources (CISTAR), an NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Purdue University.
Impact/Benefits
The improved kinetics and mass-transfer properties of the NSF CISTAR catalysts relative to commercially available versions has resulted in licensing and commercialization agreements. The catalysts also helped industrial partner Susteon Inc. to obtain Defense Department funding for developing kerosene-range fuels in a novel process.
Explanation/Background
The novel zeolite catalysts enable the production of heavier hydrocarbon liquids, such as aviation fuel, with superior control over product selectivity and catalyst lifetime. The catalysts also enable the use intermittent renewable energy sources and have the potential to convert surplus or off-grid renewable electricity into liquid fuel – thus storing energy at less expense than in batteries.
Reaction and process parameters were varied to map relationships between catalyst properties and reaction rates, product distribution, and catalyst lifetime. Researchers also developed ways to optimize zeolite synthesis to enable faster and cheaper manufacturing methods to help scale-up production for commercialization, including patent filings.
Location
West Lafayette, Indianawebsite
Start Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Novel catalytic materials that improve the conversion of petroleum into fuels were developed in research funded by the Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources (CISTAR), an NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Purdue University.
Location
West Lafayette, Indianawebsite
Start Year
Energy and Sustainability
Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
The improved kinetics and mass-transfer properties of the NSF CISTAR catalysts relative to commercially available versions has resulted in licensing and commercialization agreements. The catalysts also helped industrial partner Susteon Inc. to obtain Defense Department funding for developing kerosene-range fuels in a novel process.
Explanation/Background
The novel zeolite catalysts enable the production of heavier hydrocarbon liquids, such as aviation fuel, with superior control over product selectivity and catalyst lifetime. The catalysts also enable the use intermittent renewable energy sources and have the potential to convert surplus or off-grid renewable electricity into liquid fuel – thus storing energy at less expense than in batteries.
Reaction and process parameters were varied to map relationships between catalyst properties and reaction rates, product distribution, and catalyst lifetime. Researchers also developed ways to optimize zeolite synthesis to enable faster and cheaper manufacturing methods to help scale-up production for commercialization, including patent filings.