AI Summary
This article discusses a new technology developed to convert seaweeds into high-quality sources for bio-aviation fuels and energy storage devices. The process involves producing bio-aviation fuel precursors from seaweed and using residual biomass as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Seaweeds are seen as a promising raw material for bio-aviation fuel due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The eco-friendly bio-aviation fuel market is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
A new technology has been developed to convert common seaweeds such as Kkosiraegi, which are often used in cooking, into high-quality sources for both bio-aviation fuels and energy storage devices. The results were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
Dr. Kyoungseon Min’s research team at the Gwangju Clean Energy Energy Research Center of the Korea Institute of Energy Research, in collaboration with Kangwon National University, has developed a process to produce enantioselective bio-aviation fuel precursors [(R)-gamma-valerolactone] from seaweed. The residual biomass from this production process can also be used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
The utilization of marine biomass, like seaweed, in biorefineries can lead to the production of fuels and chemicals, replacing the need for traditional petroleum-based chemical production. Recently, seaweed has gained attention as a raw material for bio-aviation fuel, as applying bio-aviation fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 82% compared to conventional aviation fuel. As a result, the eco-friendly bio-aviation fuel market is expected to account for 35% of the total aviation fuel market by 2070.
Among the commercialized bio-aviation fuel production processes, the method with the greatest greenhouse gas reduction effect is the sugar-to-jet technology. Through a pre-treatment process, biomass is converted into fermentable sugars, which are utilized as a carbon source for microbial