Methane and carbon dioxide post-combustion capturing: A step towards low carbon aviation fuel

Abstract

This study addresses the critical challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector by focusing on post-combustion methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture as a step toward the development of Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF). A novel combustion process was developed and evaluated, utilizing an innovative approach that integrates methane (CH₄) recycling, carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, and electrolysis-generated hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The methodology involved benchmarking the performance of the proposed process against conventional combustion processes. Experiments were conducted using two types of fuels—Type A and Type B—selected for their distinct carbon-to-hydrogen ratios to represent a spectrum of aviation fuel properties. Key performance metrics, including heat release, emissions, and methane (CH₄) and oxygen (O₂) production, were analyzed across multiple integration scenarios. The findings demonstrate that the proposed system significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, enhances methane (CH₄) recycling efficiency, and optimizes resource utilization compared to conventional methods. The integration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) methanation and oxygen (O₂) recycling not only minimizes environmental impact but also aligns with global decarbonization goals for aviation. These results highlight the potential of the proposed process to contribute to the sustainable transition of the aviation industry, offering an effective pathway to achieve energy security and climate targets. The proposed system achieves a methane (CH4) production of 1.71 kmol/hr, a 15 % reduction in NOx emissions, and a 4.4 % lower energy intensity compared to conventional processes.