Two recent studies in the journal Science report that plant-derived hydrocarbons may one day be used to fuel cars, replacing fossil fuels which cause air pollution.

Work on using plants for fuel has hitherto focused on burning them, then converting the heat to electricity – a method unsuitable for long-haul trips, since electric cars have to be recharged constantly. Since then, scientists have focused on converting plant material into fuel that vehicles can use directly. In the newest study, researchers have found a way to harness the power of plant carbohydrates, which make up about 75% of a plant's dried weight.

In one study, scientists used a platinum catalyst to facilitate the reaction between plant carbohydrates and hydrogen gas, producing short carbon chains. In the next step, they used a magnesium based catalyst, this time to link the products from the first step together, to produce the longer carbon chains required for fuel. With more pressurized hydrogen and another platinum catalyst, scientists succeeded in delivering a finished fuel similar to conventional diesel.

Access the article at http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050531/full/050531-6.html.

Subscribers can also access the individual scientific journal articles at
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126%2Fscience.1111166 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1126%2Fscience.1085597.