2.3.4.104 - Lignin Conversion to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstocks

The Lignin Conversion to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstocks (LigSAF) project focuses on the conversion of lignin-rich streams to deoxygenated aromatic and cycloalkane blendstocks in the jet fuel range. This work is done in close collaboration with the BETO-funded Lignin-First Biorefinery Development project and industrial scale-up partners, and the work is closely guided by analysis to develop cost-effective and sustainable routes to produce lignin-based SAF blendstocks. To date, we have demonstrated the continuous catalytic conversion of a lignin oil from poplar to deoxygenated aromatic products at -85% C-mol yield. This hydrodeoxygenation process uses a stable, earth-abundant catalyst and requires no solvent. We have also established a baseline process model and associated techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment that together demonstrate the potential to achieve cost parity with fossil carbon-based jet fuel at -70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Current work is focused on expanding the slate of feedstocks for hydrodeoxygenation to include lignin oils from softwoods, agricultural residues, and grasses as well as from hydrolysis lignin substrates from biochemical conversion and pulp-and-paper processes. We are also undertaking catalyst development efforts to tune the reaction selectivity from aromatic compounds to cycloalkanes. Lastly, we are investigating reaction engineering strategies to slurry solids for hydrodeoxygenation reactions.