Biofuel Research Journal

Biofuel Research Journal

Sustainable biokerosene from lipids using efficient ozone cracking

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Junli Liu 1, 2
Elena Robles Molina 1, 2
Nathan S. Mosier 1, 2
1 Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
2 Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
10.18331/BRJ2025.12.2.4
Abstract
Diesel fuels and jet fuels will dominate the future liquid fuel market. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel are alternatives for carbon sequestration in the transportation sector. However, biodiesel and renewable diesel are unsuitable for use during cold winter seasons or as jet fuel. Moreover, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel face challenges such as harsh operating conditions and high energy consumption. A groundbreaking production process was investigated to synthesize biokerosene using nonanoic acid, a major compound from lipid ozone cracking. Various alcohols can be used to tune the physicochemical properties of biokerosene. The synthesized biokerosene exhibited excellent low-temperature performance, characterized by cloud points ranging from −35 to −67 °C, making it suitable for winter-season diesel, kerosene, and jet fuels. In addition, the products showed several superior qualities, such as long oxidation stability for extended storage, high flash points for safe handling, and high cetane numbers. Emission analysis indicated that the presence of oxygen in the fuel molecules facilitates combustion and reduces hydrocarbon and CO emissions. Moreover, nitrogen oxide emissions, associated with a global warming potential about 300 times that of CO₂, were significantly lower than those of biodiesel and jet fuel. Preliminary techno-economic analysis showed that the production cost of biokerosene was approximately USD 0.97/kg. Preliminary life cycle assessment showed CO₂ emissions of about 20.6 g CO₂-eq/MJ, representing a 77% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions can be further reduced to about 6 g CO₂-eq/MJ with clean electricity and low-carbon alcohol. In summary, the biokerosene synthesis presented in this study offers a sustainable and economical route for producing winter-season diesel and jet fuel.

Graphical Abstract

Sustainable biokerosene from lipids using efficient ozone cracking

Highlights

  • Biokerosene is suitable for environments with temperatures as low as -67 oC.
  • Yields of biokerosene (No. 1 and No.2) can reach approximately 1.3 kg/kg oil.
  • Emission analysis showed that biokerosene can reduce NOx emissions by up to 40%.
  • Biokerosene use can reduce CO2 emissions by over 93%.
  • The annual biokerosene production in the U.S. could reach 25 BGal.

Keywords
Biokerosene
Ozone cracking
High oleic oils
Carbon sequestration
Combustion emissions
Sustainable aviation fuel
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Biofuel Research Journal
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
Spring 2025
Pages 2412-2431