Navy granted patent for cheaper biodiesel production method

In California, Techlink Center reports that the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Weapons Division has been issued a patent for breaking down lignocellulosic material into cheaper biodiesel using acid-catalyzed condensation of the food-grade flavor enhancer 2-tridecanone. The use of 2-tridecanone means it’s not only cheaper but the cetane numbers are also up to 30 units higher than standard biodiesel and 50 units higher than fossil diesel. The sustainability of the new fuel process has already been highlighted in scientific journals.