Sustainable Aviation Fuels
16-18 years
5h + pre- and post-work
3876
Can dead trees become fuel for aeroplanes? How do enzymes break up tough plant waste so that it can be used in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)? In this module, learners explore SAFs and their key role in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. They work in teams to study the conversion of plant-based biomass into SAFs. Through practical laboratory activities, they learn core chemistry concepts, including the structure of organic compounds, the effect of enzymes on reaction rates, and biochemical reactions. Finally, through a case study discussion, learners consider SAF’s impact on local and global sustainability.
The learners will study two of the steps in industrial production of SAFs: enzymatic degradation of wood to sugar, and fermentation of sugar to fuel (ethanol). In the first step of the process, the SAF industry utilises cellulase enzymes (cellulases) to convert the cellulose of plant cell walls to sugar (glucose). The module consists of 5 activities:
Activity 1 - All about cellulose. The learners will each build a model of glucose sugar (monosaccharide), then link them together to make a model of cellulose (polysaccharide).
Activity 2 - Enzymes: from cellulose to sugar. The teacher demonstrates the action of cellulase enzyme to break down wood cellulose into glucose. Learners explore factors that control the reaction rate of the starch degradation to sugar, catalysed by the amylase.
Activity 3 - Fermentation: from sugar to alcohol. The learners will produce ethanol from a fermentation reaction using yeast, testing the effect of temperature on ethanol productions. Carbon dioxide and ethanol production are measured using data-logging sensors.
Activity 4 - Time for takeoff! Learners launch an ethanol rocket and discuss the role of aerodynamic design in sustainable aviation. Under Newton Teacher supervision, they learn about fuel combustion and attempt to send a rocket as far as possible.
Activity 5 - Sustainable production discussion. The learners will be consultants for the construction of a fuel factory in their region. They will argue the benefits and downsides of fossil fuels, different SAF production technologies, and choose the best location for the factory.
The day is concluded with a discussion of the optimum pathway for SAF production, based on the learners’ results throughout the day. Areas for future research are proposed.
