# ERI: Encapsulated Catalysts for Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstocks

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Rowan University (NJ) · $199,999

## Abstract

Jet fuel helps move people and goods across long distances.  A reliable affordable fuel supply is central to U.S. economic strength and national security. Sustainable aviation fuel made from domestic biomass can strengthen U.S. energy independence.  It also can create high-value markets for U.S. farmers and rural industries. Current biomass-to-jet fuel pathways are costly because plant-based feedstocks are chemically diverse.  This requires multiple catalytic steps and energy-intensive separations to convert the biomass to jet fuel. This project will address a key bottleneck in using lignin for jet fuel.  Lignin is a plant-derived source of aromatic molecules. Lignin comes in a wide range of molecule sizes, but only the smaller molecules can be efficiently converted into key jet-fuel. The project will develop a catalyst strategy that reduces separation demands.  The goal is to selectively upgrade smaller molecules without touching larger molecules. The research will help enable more practical and competitive domestic routes to jet-fuel blendstocks.  It will also provide useful design rules for catalysts used in biomass upgrading. The project will train postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate researchers.  It will also engage K–12 students through hands-on outreach activities that demonstrate selective catalysis using simple physical models.

This project will develop porous catalysts that use nanoscale confinement to selectively upgrade smaller lignin-derived molecules wh

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2552929
- **Awardee organization:** Rowan University (NJ)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DMDEQP66JL85
- **PI:** Jun Hee Jang
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $199,999
- **Funds obligated:** $199,999
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2026 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2552929

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2552929, ERI: Encapsulated Catalysts for Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstocks. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2552929. Licensed CC0.

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