Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): A Mini-Review of Advances in Catalytic Pathways Using Lipid-Based Feedstocks and Plastic Waste

The fast growth of the aviation sector has intensified the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based jet fuels. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as one of the most promising strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while remaining compatible with existing aviation infrastructure. Among the different feedstocks explored for SAF production, lipid-based resources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oil have received considerable attention due to their high content of triglycerides and free fatty acids. Additionally, the increasing generation of plastic waste has stimulated interest in its catalytic valorization as an alternative carbon source for hydrocarbon fuel production. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in catalytic pathways for producing jet-fuel-range hydrocarbons (C8–C16) from lipid-based feedstocks and polyolefins. Particular emphasis is given on hydroprocessing reactions, including deoxygenation, cracking, and isomerization, which are essential to adjust fuel properties and meet aviation specifications. In this context, bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts play a crucial role, particularly regarding the influence of the metal phase and catalyst support on catalytic activity and stability. Different support classes, including metal oxides, mesoporous silicas, and zeolites, are discussed. Carbon-based materials, especially carbon nanotubes (CNT), are also highlighted due to their outstanding chemical and textural properties.