The transition to sustainable aviation fuels is imperative for reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Methanol, derived from CO₂ and converted to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), presents a promising alternative due to its potential for carbon neutrality and compatibility with existing infrastructure. However, the catalysts in this novel process chain bear significant challenges, primarily due to stability and selectivity. This presentation focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the development of catalysts along the transformation of CO₂ to SAF. This research not only highlights the importance of catalyst innovation but also underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in overcoming the barriers to methanol-based aviation fuel production from CO₂.

Dr. Nils Bottke holds the title of Senior Research Fellow at BASF SE, leading a research group New Technologies in Process Catalysis.

He studied chemistry in Würzburg, including research visits at ENSI Caen, France and Columbia University, USA, and received his PhD from the University of Würzburg. Working at BASF for more than 20 years, Nils has held various roles mainly in R&D and technology.

One of his areas of expertise is the development of new processes supporting sustainable growth of the chemical industry based on raw material change, alternative energy input and CO₂ conversion. He was technical lead of the team developing BASF’s Carbon Management Program, which targets the development of breakthrough technologies for low emission production.

The focus of his research is the development of heterogenous catalysts for the emerging field of energy transformation ranging from CO₂ via reforming, reverse watergas shift and methanol, zeolite catalysts for the hydrocarbon formation such as SAF as well as epoxidations.

He represents BASF in this field in the Chemistry and Energy division of the German chemical Society.