German scientists create an alternative to oil: how algae will change aviation.

One of the most important natural resources - oil, is used in a wide range of industries and in the production of various products. 'Black gold' is an essential component for the production of plastics and lubricants.

German researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing acrylonitrile - a key component in the production of carbon fiber - from renewable biomass instead of oil. They used oil from microalgae that absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

What is known about the research

Acrylonitrile is typically produced from propylene, but researchers are attempting to use microalgae oil to create this product. This makes production in aviation partially carbon-neutral.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Biotechnology and the company SGL Carbon successfully conducted research on converting bioacrylonitrile into carbon fibers that have similar characteristics to traditional ones.

Why this is important

The Airbus corporation is already developing a research helicopter based on this technology, preparing the machine for its first flight. This technology can be successfully integrated into various industries, from aviation to wind energy and transport.

The GreenCarbon project helps Europe reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the chemical industry. At the same time, Saudi Arabia continues to develop 'green hydrogen', planning to build the largest hydrogen plant in the world.