The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology has developed a technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel from landfill gas — a methane-rich mixture formed by the decomposition of organic waste. Such gas is usually burned or released into the atmosphere, but the researchers proposed using it as feedstock for SAF, a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel. According to the International Energy Agency, aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions.
The method is based on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, in which syngas is converted into hydrocarbons — the basis of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel. The main challenge in the process is the formation of large amounts of solid waxy by-products. The researchers addressed this problem with a hybrid catalyst based on cobalt and zeolite. In laboratory tests, it delivered more than 79% liquid hydrocarbons and remained stable for 900 hours.
For practical application, the scientists also created a microchannel reactor that removes heat more quickly and protects the catalyst from overheating. On this basis, a pilot-scale plant was built and is already producing about 100 kilograms of fuel per day. In essence, this points to a new model: not just looking for 'green fuel', but for fuel that can be made from cheap and available feedstock right next to the source of waste.
