George Fulham gf325@cam.ac.uk
UK
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Churchill College
PhD thesis: Sustainable Jet Fuel from a Methanol Intermediate as an Alternative to Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis
Research interests:
1. Aviation Decarbonisation
2. Carbon Capture and Utilisation
3. Power-to-Liquid Fuels (i.e., using renewable electricity)
4. Bio-Fuels (from crops and biomass)
The need to decarbonise aviation is a pressing one. Unlike road and rail, the path to achieving this remains uncertain. Continuing to use jet fuel – but produced without fossil fuels – is likely the most practicable solution (alongside necessary policy changes). My PhD aims to experimentally investigate jet fuel synthesis from methanol, alongside a techno-economic assessment of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using this pathway. There already exist methods to produce SAF – predominantly using biomass, captured CO2, and/or renewable electricity. In many pathways, fuel is produced by upgrading carbon monoxide and hydrogen to larger hydrocarbons. Historically, this step has utilised Fisher-Tropsch synthesis. However, this produces fuel which, although close to the fossil analogue, is not wholly compatible with current aircraft. Current knowledge indicates that SAF from methanol would be more compatible. Moreover, there are persuasive reasons why producing SAF via a methanol intermediate could improve efficiency versus Fischer-Tropsch.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?
My research has largely been motivated by my work within the University’s Aviation Impact Accelerator over the past two summers. This has enabled me to conduct research across a range of areas within aviation decarbonisation – especially comparisons between candidate fuels based on their production routes and performance on aircraft. I have found this to be an absorbing area of research, and one in which I hope to make a meaningful contribution through my PhD. Finally, I am fortunate to have learned from numerous exceptional teachers who have helped develop my understanding and encourage me to pursue my interests.