Researchers report the identification of a biomass-derived ether with favorable fuel properties using a priori computational screening and a high-yield catalytic process to continuously produce large quantities of the ether; when blended into petrodiesel, the ether exhibited improved ignition quality, reduced sooting tendency, storage stability in the presence of a common antioxidant, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, potential economic viability, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, compared with petrodiesel.
Article #19-11107: "Performance-advantaged ether diesel bioblendstock production by a priori design," by Nabila A. Huq et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Derek R. Vardon, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; tel: 303-384-7763, 720-582-1780; e-mail: derek.vardon@nrel.gov
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences