Research project corresponding to the call 2024 and reference PID2024-157003OB-C22, for grants for «Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento».

The overall objective of BIOCATFLY project is the transformation of biowaste derived molecules (ketones, carboxylic acids and alcohols) into sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) via C-C coupling reactions and olefin intermediates through the design of advanced catalytic systems.

Subproject-2, led by IMDEA Energy (IME), focuses on converting short-chain carboxylic acids (VFAs) and alcohols derived from biowaste into SAFs via the generation of olefin intermediates. Three main catalytic steps are involved in this approach: 1) hydrogenation and dehydration of the feedstocks to produce their corresponding olefins; 2) oligomerization to generate C8-C16 olefins; and 3) upgrading via hydrogenation to produce a pool of hydrocarbons suitable for jet-fuel formulation.

Two primary challenges arise from the characteristics of the feedstocks: a) for carboxylic acids (VFA), achieving selective conversion to their corresponding olefins without carbon loss via hydrogenation and dehydration routes; b) for alcohols, broadening the range of feedstocks to include bio-alcohols that have been minimally or not previously explored. In addition, an overarching challenge is the integration of the catalytic routes comprising the short olefins production and their oligomerization to C8-C16 carbon chains into a single reaction system.

Furthermore, Subproject-2 includes modelling and simulation alongside techno-economic, social and environmental assessments of the different conversion pathways proposed in the overall coordinated project. These activities will provide a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility and impact of the processes explored, compared to those currently available at advanced or industrial research level.

Partners: Rey Juan Carlos University (Coordinator); IMDEA Energy Institute

Funding Institution/Program: Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/AEI – FEDER-UE / Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2024

Period: 01/09/2025 – 31/08/2028

IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 240.000 €

IP IMDEA Energy: Dr. Patricia Pizarro