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Green technology

Breakthrough in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from Mahidol University in Thailand have made a significant breakthrough in producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from agricultural bioresources. The team, led by Atthapon Srifa, has developed a novel catalyst that enables the single-step production of SAF through the deoxygenation and isomerization of palm kernel oil. This innovative process aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy).

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team has successfully developed a bimetallic catalyst (Pt-Re, Pd-Re, and Ru-Re) supported on SAPO-11, which enables the single-step production of SAF with high yields and minimal environmental impact.
  • The incorporation of Pt, Pd, or Ru with Re/SAPO-11 significantly enhances deoxygenation and isomerization activities, achieving nearly theoretical yields of 70% for n- and iso-alkanes with 100% triglycerides (TGs) conversion.
  • The bimetallic Ru-Re catalyst produced the highest jet fuel yield of 60% with a high iso-to-n-alkane (i/n) ratio of 1.2 under optimized conditions.
  • The unrefined biofuel produced with the Ru-Re catalyst exhibited the lowest freezing point (T-f) at -31.9°C, meeting Jet A standards when blended with commercial Jet A at 10% (v/v).
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis.
  • Funders for this research include the National Science Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) through the Mahidol University (Fundamental Fund), National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and Mahidol University under a Mid-Career Research Grant and postdoctoral fellowship program.
  • Additional authors for this research include Wanichaya Praikaew, Jirawat Chuseang, Sakhon Ratchahat, Weerawut Chaiwat, Wanida Koo-Amornpattana, Chularat Sakdaronnarong, Vorranutch Itthibenchapong, Apiluck Eiad-ua, and Suttichai Assabumrungrat.

Statistics:

  • The bimetallic Ru-Re catalyst achieved a jet fuel yield of 60% with a high iso-to-n-alkane (i/n) ratio of 1.2 under optimized conditions.
  • The unrefined biofuel produced with the Ru-Re catalyst exhibited a freezing point (T-f) of -31.9°C, meeting Jet A standards when blended with commercial Jet A at 10% (v/v).
  • The study was published in the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, Volume 190, in 2025.
  • The research team has successfully demonstrated the stability of the bimetallic Ru-Re catalyst over 60 hours of continuous operation.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings Reported from Mahidol University Describe Advances in Sustainability Research (Single-step Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel By Deoxygenation and Isomerization of Palm Kernel Oil Using Pt-, Pd-, or Ru-incorporated Re/ Sapo-11 ...). Biotech Week. September 3, 2025; p 92.
  • Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2025;190.

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