U.S. dependence on foreign oil could be further reduced with the introduction of a patented technology that efficiently converts biomass- derived alcohols to fuels that can power gasoline, diesel and jet engines. "Our Z-CAT-B catalysts represent a disruptive technology," said Chaitanya Narula, a co-developer, "meaning that this has the potential to create a new market for biofuels." This allows current bioethanol from starch, sugar or biomass to be made into a "drop-in" fuel that utilizes existing fuel refinery and distribution infrastructure. This renewable fuel performed as well as gasoline in engine tests without modification to the engine or components. A techno-economic analysis suggests that the price of blend-stock produced from biomass-derived ethanol is cost-effective.
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