Scientists from the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute have developed a new iron-based catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into heavy olefins, the primary building blocks for jet fuel. The process operates at 330 degrees Celsius and has demonstrated stability over an 800-hour continuous run, suggesting the technology is ready for industrial scaling. While lab results are promising, the path to commercialization requires rigorous airworthiness certification. Start-ups like Feynman Dynamics are already working on pilot projects in Inner Mongolia to produce electro-synthesized sustainable aviation fuel, aiming for cost parity with traditional fuels within a decade.
