February 6, 2020 | Materials | Aerospace

Acetone and Light Create a Green Jet Fuel Additive

Aerospace INSIDER

Image of Los Alamos scientists — Starting with acetone derived from plants, scientists at Los Alamos are converting this simple molecule into jet fuel using a novel process that uses light. This has the potential to be blended with regular jet fuel to offer a greener option. (Los Alamos National Laboratory)

Common nail polish remover combined with light upgrades it to higher-mass hydrocarbons, creating an additive that can be blended with conventional jet fuel with environmental benefits. Los Alamos National Lab converted bio-derived acetone to isophorone and then used a UV lamp to convert it to a cyclobutane, a type of hydrocarbon with high energy density for fuels applications.