Rowan Researcher Awarded NSF Grant for Jet Fuel Study
The research project aims to convert biomass into sustainable aviation fuel to lower petroleum dependency.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Chemistry
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Jun Hee Jang at Rowan University has received a $199,999 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate new methods for creating sustainable aviation fuel. This research project is currently in the development stage.
Why it matters
The study addresses the critical challenge of reducing reliance on petroleum-based fuels by leveraging lignin as a sustainable aromatic alternative. It represents an effort to expand domestic production capabilities for greener jet fuel.
The research project utilizes a $199,999 NSF grant to test a size-selective catalyst designed to isolate smaller molecules from biomass. This method aims to convert these molecules into aromatic compounds suitable for aviation fuel.
The players
Jun Hee Jang
A researcher at Rowan University leading the study on biomass-derived aviation fuels.
National Science Foundation
A United States government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.
Rowan University
A public research university in New Jersey that hosts the laboratory and research team.
The details
The research team, which includes a doctoral student and a postdoctoral researcher, is investigating lignin—a complex organic polymer found in cell walls of plants—as a potential feedstock. They will employ a size-selective catalyst, a substance that accelerates chemical reactions by letting only specific, smaller molecules enter its porous structure. This process aims to refine the feedstock into aromatic compounds that can serve as a functional replacement for petroleum-based jet fuel components.
Timeline
2050 is the stated year for the goal of increased sustainable aviation fuel usage.
The Tech Race
This project aligns with broader federal initiatives to accelerate the development of renewable aviation fuels through the NSF's Engineering Research Initiation program. It sits within a competitive landscape of academic efforts seeking to optimize biomass conversion for industrial application.
While this research is currently laboratory-focused, successful outcomes could eventually contribute to the wider availability of sustainable jet fuel. The project marks a preliminary step toward scaling domestic biomass conversion processes for commercial use.
The takeaway
The research team is working to overcome the technical hurdles of turning lignin into a viable fuel precursor. Watch for future results from this Rowan University project as they refine their catalyst process for aromatic compound production.
Further reading
For more on the current state of chemical processing and material science, explore our coverage of Chemistry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hydrocarbononline.
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Should the government prioritize investment in biomass-derived fuels to reduce petroleum reliance?
