Synthetic fuels for clean aviation

This project focuses on studying the chemistry of synthetic fuels and linking their chemical composition to their physical properties to ensure suitability for airplane engines. The research will investigate how variations in fuel chemistry impact critical properties such as viscosity, density, energy content, and thermal stability. The ultimate goal is to use this understanding to guide the optimization of synthesis processes, ensuring the production of synthetic fuels that meet the stringent physical property requirements for aviation applications.

By working in reverse from the desired fuel properties, this project will enable a deeper understanding of how synthesis conditions and feedstock selection influence fuel characteristics. Candidates will conduct detailed analyses of fuel samples, exploring how changes in chemical structures affect physical behaviours. The insights gained will provide actionable guidelines for producers, helping them refine synthesis pathways to achieve fuels with optimal performance properties. This research is crucial for advancing sustainable aviation by ensuring synthetic fuels meet the high standards necessary for widespread adoption in the transportation sector.