{"id":348,"date":"2023-01-13T12:31:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-multi-dev.utk.edu\/energy-dev\/?page_id=348"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T18:06:08","slug":"alternative-fuels","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/mobility\/research-areas\/alternative-fuels\/","title":{"rendered":"Alternative Fuels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alternative Fuels<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Preparing renewable and low-carbon fuels to meet real-world needs<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Low-carbon alternative fuels will facilitate the transition from fossil fuels in more ways than one. Cars and trucks already on the road may soon be able to run on biofuels derived from plants. Biofuels and hydrogen combustion engines can help decarbonize aviation, while hydrogen fuel cells may shape the future of US freight hauling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our interdisciplinary research on fuels creates opportunities to efficiently and economically reduce mobility\u2019s carbon footprint and secure US energy independence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The decarbonization of transportation<\/a> is essential, but electrification<\/a> is not the only option\u2014or even the most viable\u2014for every mode of transportation. By researching and developing low-carbon high-performance biofuels and hydrogen fuels, we are building a bridge to a clean mobility future and creating energy options that complement electrification solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT faculty use various methods to understand and improve biofuel production\u2019s environmental sustainability, economic viability, and real-world performance. Researchers at the Center for Renewable Carbon<\/a>, for example, are working to reduce the overall carbon intensity of sustainable aviation fuel<\/a> by improving biomass cultivation in the Southeast while contributing to a regional circular bioeconomy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faculty from multiple disciplines are exploring the fundamental principles behind efficiently converting plant matter into fuel using catalysts, heat<\/a>, and bacteria<\/a>. Other researchers are investigating how to maximize the potential of specific plant species, plant components such as lignin, and new biorefining processes<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT researchers are exploring fuel cells as additional alternatives to fossil fuels. Researchers use UT facilities in Knoxville and Tullahoma and resources at Oak Ridge National Laboratory<\/a> to study next-generation fuel cells, with an emphasis on improving internal membranes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hydrogen fuel cells, in particular, hold great promise for US long-haul trucking<\/a>. As a partner in the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck Consortium<\/a>, UT\u2019s ultimate goal is to increase fuel cell durability and decrease the cost of ownership<\/a>, making hydrogen fuel cells more competitive with conventional diesel systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When you combine UT\u2019s strengths in this space, Tennessee\u2019s mobility and biomass industries, and collaboration with ORNL, we are pushing the limits of science forward.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Niki Labb\u00e9, Professor & Assistant Director, Center for Renewable Carbon<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Trinh Part of ORNL-Led Center Focused on Biofuels Receiving Funding Renewal<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At Oak Ridge National Laboratory\u2019s Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Ferguson Faculty Fellow Cong Trinh continues to play an important role in research funded by the US Department of Energy. He uses microbial biocatalysts to improve processes for converting biomass to jet fuel precursor and other products.

Learn more about Trinh\u2019s research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ragauskas Works to Reduce Marine Emissions with New Biofuel<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Marine shipping faces unique challenges transitioning away from petroleum to clean energy sources. UT\u2013ORNL Governor\u2019s Chair for Biorefining Art Ragauskas is researching lignin-based solutions to create cost-competitive alternatives with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more about Ragauskas\u2019s research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Inventor Spotlight: Anirban Roy and Doug Aaron<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anirban Roy, a doctoral student, and Doug Aaron, research associate professor of mechanical engineering, secured a grant to make hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective. The UT Research Foundation helped Roy explore the technology\u2019s commercial potential.

Learn more about their work on efficient, low-cost hydrogen production.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UTIA Professor Presents at International Transport Forum Summit<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Edward Yu, professor of agricultural and resource economics and a National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board appointee, presented his research on developing sustainable aviation fuel supply chains at the world\u2019s premier global transport policy event.

Learn more about Yu\u2019s research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A number of programs, facilities, and equipment are involved in UT\u2019s alternative fuels research, supporting activities that range from manipulating chemical reactions to studying bacteria genomes to processing lignin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n