Chemistry Innovations for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: From Feedstocks to Drop‑In Jet Fuel

Decarbonizing aviation is uniquely challenging due to the sector’s strict safety requirements, long asset lifetimes, and the need for high energy-density fuels. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are a key near- and mid-term option because they can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while remaining compatible with existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure. Yet, rapid and responsible SAF scale-up depends on advances in green and sustainable chemistry: efficient conversion of diverse feedstocks, selective catalytic upgrading, reduction of hydrogen and energy intensity, and transparent sustainability verification.This Research Topic will showcase chemistry-led innovations that enable SAF production from biomass, residues, wastes, and CO₂-derived intermediates, with a clear focus on sustainable chemistry principles (resource efficiency, safer reagents/solvents, minimized waste, and lower-carbon process design). We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:-Renewable feedstock processing-Catalytic conversion and upgrading-Process intensification-Solvent and reagent design-Circularity of carbon-Robust life-cycle assessment (LCA) -Techno-economic analysis (TEA) linked to chemical choices.The collection aims to connect fundamental chemistry and catalysis with scalable, implementable SAF pathways, supporting credible climate benefits and faster translation from lab concepts to commercial deployment. Topic editors: Dmitry Yu. Murzin, JENNIFER CUETO Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77114/chemistry-innovations-for-sustainable-aviation-fuels-from-feedstocks-to-drop-in-jet-fuel