Non-thermal Plasma for Deployable JP-10 Fuel Synthesis

Our Phase I project will synthesize JP-10 jet fuel from CO2 feedstock using a multi-step process.  CO2 will be converted to syngas (CO and H­2) in a plasma reactor. The syngas will be used as the feedstock for a catalytic Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of JP-10. This carbon-neutral system will be easily deployable to synthesize jet fuel in remote locations, fit in a standard shipping container, and integrate with renewable power sources (e.g., solar panels). The use of plasma technology allows chemical processes that can overcome thermodynamic limitations with high local points of energy (i.e., on the atomic and subatomic scales) while bulk process conditions remain mild. In fact, process temperature can remain as low as room temperature with atmospheric pressure. We plan to investigate three promising non-thermal plasma innovations: nanosecond-pulsed plasmas, supersonic plasma jets, and beam-generated plasmas. Each of these can dramatically improve plasma throughput and energy efficiency. An optimized plasma system, incorporating elements of each of the three prototype systems, will yield syngas at mild conditions with state-of-the-art energy efficiency. Following CO2 conversion to syngas, a catalytic approach will be taken to produce JP-10.  Novel catalyst development is anticipated; however, baseline zeolite-based catalyst will be used to confirm the reaction pathways from syngas to JP-10.  Two reactor configurations will be explored as part of Phase 1, a multi-functional 1-step catalyst and a graded bed approach where multiple distinct catalysts will be used for the conversion in sequence.  Each of these approaches will be evaluated for selectivity of JP-10 and future catalytic compositions will be proposed for subsequent development and scale-up.