Scientists at the Shanghai Advanced Institute have created an iron-based catalyst that transforms carbon dioxide and water into long-chain hydrocarbons suitable for aviation kerosene. The process uses a reverse combustion reaction to produce energy-dense liquid fuels, offering a potential alternative to SAF feedstocks like cooking oil. Laboratory tests show the catalyst remains stable for over 800 hours of continuous operation. While the technology is still experimental and faces strict aviation certification hurdles, it could eventually allow industrial emitters to recycle carbon emissions into usable jet fuel.
