Christian Pichler and his research team at TU Wien are developing a process to transform carbon dioxide (CO₂) into sustainable aviation fuel. The FFG-funded project combines electrolysis and catalytic conversion: CO₂ is first converted into ethylene, which is then processed into synthetic jet fuel, aiming to offer a climate-friendly alternative to fossil kerosene without relying on biomass. The environmental benefit depends on powering the entire process with renewable electricity.

From Research to Real-World Use

Pichler’s group is optimizing catalysts—especially copper-based materials—and plans to build a pilot reactor to produce small quantities of fuel for engine tests with industry partners. In the near term, CO₂ is expected to be sourced from industrial emissions rather than direct air capture, which remains costly. While large-scale commercial deployment is still years away, the project marks a promising advance toward closing the aviation carbon cycle.