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This paper provides a review of progress in catalytic conversion of JP-8 fuel and its surrogates made over the last decade. The effect of different types of catalyst and support materials, as well as different preparation methods, is discussed in detail. The derivation of kinetic models for computational studies is also examined. Particular attention is given to the development of sulfur tolerant catalysts and the mechanisms by which catalyst poisoning occurs, as this is an important obstacle to overcome for systems using sulfur-laden fuel. Suggestions for further research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation behavior of dodecane and two mixtures of dodecane and m-xylene (90/10 wt.% and 80/20 wt.%) over an Rh catalyst in a meso-scale heat recirculating combustor was examined to isolate the effect of aromatic content on performance. The fuel conversion, product selectivities, and reaction kinetics were calculated, and the global combustion behavior observed. The results showed that increasing the amount of m-xylene in the fuel increased the fuel conversion from 85% (pure dodecane) to 92% (90/10) and further to 98% (80/20). The presence of xylene also significantly increased CO 2 /H 2 O selectivity and decreased CO/H 2 selectivity. Global activation energy increased linearly with increase in xylene content, supporting that addition of aromatic species to fuel lowers the overall reactivity. The non-catalytic reaction was also simulated using Chemkin software to determine the effect of the Rh catalyst on the combustor performance and to analyze the difference in chemical mechanisms. The results revealed that the catalyst promotes total oxidation over partial oxidation, and lowers the global activation energy by up to 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Performance of alternative fuels examined in meso-scale heat recirculating combustor. [•] Performance of the alternative fuels compared with conventional petroleum-based fuel. [•] Global combustion behavior as well as thermal efficiency was analyzed. [•] Instabilities observed for combustion of petroleum fuel but not in alternative fuels. [•] Fuel component impact flame stability and thermal performance in meso-scale combustor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autothermal reformation of military jet fuel (1096ppmw sulfur) was investigated with rhodium supported on thermally stabilized Y zeolite catalysts. The zeolite catalysts were thermally stabilized by ion exchanging with nitrate solutions of rare-earth metals (La, Ce, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er). Surface area analyses indicated that the exchanged zeolite could maintain its porous structure as high as 950°C instead of 800°C for a commercial NaY zeolite. The structure of the exchanged zeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Rh-SmNaY zeolite reforming catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness and organometallic synthesis. The JP8 reforming experiments were performed in a short contact time adiabatic reactor with a monolithic catalyst with the addition of air and steam at a temperature below 920°C. The effects of steam and fuel-to-air ratio (C/O ratio) were studied. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide were produced as the main products. Durability tests were performed with Rh/SmNaY-zeolite catalysts. This work shows that zeolite based catalysts can convert transportation fuels such as high sulfur jet fuel (over 1000ppmw S) to syngas for solid oxide fuel cell applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]