Author Archive: Jim Lane

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Peak Whale: Pathways to SAF, XCF Global and the Quest for Biocrude

Peak Whale: Pathways to SAF, XCF Global and the Quest for Biocrude

October 13, 2025 |

“Thar’ she blows!” The cry cracked across the waves like musket fire. The decks of the Elizabeth Starbuck were slick with oil and brine, the air heavy with salt and smoke. In the dawn light off the whale-rich grounds of New Zealand, 4000 leagues sou’west of Nantucket, three boats dropped from the davits and pulled […]

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The Upcycle Diaries: Aidan & Aileen assess
 the Future of Marine Fuels

The Upcycle Diaries: Aidan & Aileen assess
 the Future of Marine Fuels

October 12, 2025 |

Inside the race between LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen — where data meets daylight and every molecule gets a second chance. Episode 1 – Four Fuels and a Vegan Burger They say the studio was once a broom closet. Now it’s home to The Upcycle Diaries, a semi-official, occasionally award-winning podcast about finding value in […]

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The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low-Load Cycle Emission Control

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low-Load Cycle Emission Control

October 9, 2025 |

Focused on enhancing low-temperature SCR activity for hard-to-electrify applications, this project leverages Operando EPR and DFT calculations to study Cu-zeolite kinetics. A key finding is that strong Brönsted acid sites (BAS) enhance low-temperature activity by promoting the hydrolysis and transfer of Cu(II) complexes. The team validated that NH3 overdosing inhibits NOx conversion by hindering the […]

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The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Challenges with Renewable Fuels

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Challenges with Renewable Fuels

October 8, 2025 |

This project uses atomic-level insights (HAADF-STEM) to understand catalyst durability against biodiesel poisoning and H2-ICE exhaust. Technologically, highly stable Pd-core Pt/Pd-shell structures were identified in commercial catalysts for oxidation. Key findings show high H2O content increases low-temperature SCR N2O formation, while H2 slip reduces redox-active Cu(II) sites above $200C. H2-SCR concepts are advancing to significantly […]

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The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low Greenhouse Gas NOx Control

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low Greenhouse Gas NOx Control

October 7, 2025 |

This research fundamentally clarifies N2O formation mechanisms during low-temperature SCR using Cu-zeolite catalysts and advanced characterization (DRIFTS/EPR). Key findings indicate that N2O formation is driven by the gaseous NO2 pool and that Brönsted acid sites (BAS) catalyze NH4NO3 decomposition. This work supports advanced technological solutions, demonstrating that a multi-component catalyst bed arrangement (Fe-CHA and composite […]

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The Fuel Carriers of the New Oceans

The Fuel Carriers of the New Oceans

October 7, 2025 |

From Pearl Harbor’s smoke to the IMO’s clock, the maritime world faces its most decisive refueling mission since 1942. “The next Guadalcanal of this campaign won’t be a battle at sea — it will be a price curve, a port standard, a policy vote.” It began in smoke. Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941. The harbor […]

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The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Optimized Low Carbon Fuel Range Extenders (HiREX)

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Optimized Low Carbon Fuel Range Extenders (HiREX)

October 6, 2025 |

This project focuses on demonstrating a nonroad series hybrid powertrain to achieve more than 50% LCA GHG reduction. Technological foundations include optimized hybrid engines, high-temperature Motor/Generators/Inverters, and predictive control. Key findings include developing the series hybrid model and defining the Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) architecture. A roadmap is progressing to evaluate future low-carbon powertrains, […]

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Circular Bossa Nova: The Global Longing for Nature’s Leavings as the Source of Energy

Circular Bossa Nova: The Global Longing for Nature’s Leavings as the Source of Energy

October 6, 2025 |

If a Martian ever lands on Earth, I hope the landing finds the beaches of southern Brazil. So much would feel familiar to our Mars-based friends: the red-oxide terra roxa soil, a culture that reveres nature and reuses waste for energy — just as fossil-free Mars must do to survive. And what a shock to […]

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A ‘green’ perception of CO2 – when derived from biofuels and other sources

A ‘green’ perception of CO2 – when derived from biofuels and other sources

October 6, 2025 |

By Sam A. Rushing, President, Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd. Special to The Digest Yes, carbon dioxide as a green chemical – however, what about the effects on the environment and economy? Carbon dioxide is ever – more a green – natured agent when applied in a growing number of industries. Further, it is often difficult to […]

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Whip It Good! 
India’s Isobutanol 
Remix for Diesel

Whip It Good! 
India’s Isobutanol 
Remix for Diesel

October 6, 2025 |

Gevo, Praj in focus as India tips a blending strategy to complement biodiesel, renewable diesel When a problem comes along, you must whip it. That was Devo’s advice in 1980 — and, four decades later, it’s exactly what India’s energy strategists are doing with a stubborn technical groove called diesel blending. Ethanol, the star of India’s […]

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