Scientists successfully turn CO2 into jet fuel

A group of scientists at Oxford University has successfully turned CO2 into jet fuel, raising the possibility of conventionally-powered aircraft with net zero emissions.

According to a report of Wired, it can have a revolutionary impact on air travel as electric aircraft and alternative fuels are still not a reality, reports Engadget. 

The technique effectively reverses the process of burning fuel by relying on the organic combustion method. The team heated a mix of citric acid, hydrogen and an iron-manganese-potassium catalyst to turn CO2 into a liquid fuel capable of powering jet aircraft.

The approach is inexpensive, uncomplicated and uses commonplace materials. It's cheaper than processes used to turn hydrogen and water into fuel.

There are numerous challenges to bringing this to aircraft. The lab method only produced a few grams of fuel — but clearly, a lot more needed much more to support even a single flight, let alone an entire fleet. And for effective zero emissions, the capture and conversion systems would have to run on clean energy.

The researches are talking with industrial partners, though, and don't see any major scientific hurdles. It might also be one of the most viable options for fleets. Many of them would have to replace their aircraft to go electric or switch fuel types. This conversion process would let airlines keep their existing aircraft and go carbon neutral until they're truly ready for eco-friendly propulsion.