Scientific communities recognise hydrogen as a green fuel capable of achieving complete decarbonisation throughout various industrial, transportation sectors and power systems. Research teams face key technological challenges in handling hydrogen because of its low density and volatile nature. The International Journal of Hydrogen Energy recently published research (referenced below) demonstrating how lignin-based jet fuel (LJF) could bind hydrogen and create stable liquid hydrogen storage solutions despite current storage and transportation difficulties.
Lipton, A. S., Ibrahim, T., Schwartz, W., Gieleciak, R., Xiao, D., & Yang, B. (2025). In-situ dehydrogenation of lignin-based jet fuel: A novel and sustainable liquid organic hydrogen carrier. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 98, 1275–1282. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJHYDENE.2024.12.082
A collaboration between scientists at Washington State University (WSU), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the University of New Haven, and Natural Resources Canada showed that LJF can chemically bind hydrogen, allowing for storage without the need for pressurised tanks. The method provides a strategy for easier hydrogen management which enhances its compatibility with existing fuel networks allowing for easier integration.
Professor Bin Yang, the lead researcher from WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, highlighted the significance of the discovery.
“This new, lignin jet fuel-based technology could enable efficient, high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle sustainable aviation fuel, eliminating the need for pressurised tanks for storage and transport,”
Lignin, a structural component of plants, is a byproduct of biofuel and paper production. Yang’s lab has previously worked on converting lignin into aviation fuel, aiming to create a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Now, their research suggests that this biofuel can also function as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC)—a material that can store and release hydrogen on demand.
The research team discovered that hydrogen can be chemically integrated into the molecular structure of LJF through specific catalytic processes. When needed, the stored hydrogen can be released through controlled reactions, allowing for on-site generation without complex storage requirements.
“Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that could help the U.S. meet its targets for zero-emission mobility, integration of renewables, and decarbonisation of industry,”
Said Yang.
This application makes LJF desirable for the aviation industry because transport aviation needs to decrease emissions while dealing with constraints in existing hydrogen storage systems. Unlike gaseous hydrogen, which requires cryogenic tanks or high-pressure storage, hydrogen stored in LJF could be transported and handled like conventional fuels.
The research’s positive developments require additional work to achieve maximum process effectiveness according to team members. The researchers plan to develop a catalyst using artificial intelligence which will enhance hydrogen extraction from LJF through improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Beyond aviation applications this technology demonstrates potential uses across multiple sectors. The successful scalability of LJF-based hydrogen storage systems would facilitate renewable energy integration and fuel cell advancement along with industrial decarbonisation progress.
