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Alternative Fuels for General Aviation Piston Engines: A Comprehensive Review

Author

Listed:
  • Florentyna Morawska

    (Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Paula Kurzawska-Pietrowicz

    (Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Remigiusz Jasiński

    (Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Andrzej Ziółkowski

    (Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

Abstract

This review synthesizes recent research on alternative fuels for piston-engine aircraft and related propulsion technologies. Biofuels show substantial promise but face technological, economic, and regulatory barriers to widespread adoption. Among liquid options, biodiesel offers a high cetane number and strong lubricity yet suffers from poor low-temperature flow and reduced combustion efficiency. Alcohol fuels (bioethanol, biomethanol) provide high octane numbers suited to high-compression engines but are limited by hygroscopicity and phase-separation risks. Higher-alcohols (biobutanol, biopropanol) combine favorable heating values with stable combustion and emerge as particularly promising candidates. Biokerosene closely matches conventional aviation kerosene and can function as a drop-in fuel with minimal engine modifications. Emissions outcomes are mixed across studies: certain biofuels reduce NO x or CO, while others elevate CO 2 and HC, underscoring the need to optimize combustion and advance second- to fourth-generation biofuel production pathways. Beyond biofuels, hydrogen engines and hybrid-electric systems offer compelling routes to lower emissions and improved efficiency, though they require new infrastructure, certification frameworks, and cost reductions. Demonstrated test flights with biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen confirm technical feasibility. Overall, no single option fully replaces aviation gasoline today; instead, a combined trajectory—biofuels alongside hydrogen and hybrid-electric propulsion—defines a pragmatic medium- to long-term pathway for decarbonizing general aviation.

Suggested Citation

  • Florentyna Morawska & Paula Kurzawska-Pietrowicz & Remigiusz Jasiński & Andrzej Ziółkowski, 2025. "Alternative Fuels for General Aviation Piston Engines: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:19:p:5299-:d:1766347
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liu, Guibin & Ruan, Can & Li, Zilong & Huang, Guan & Zhou, Qiyan & Qian, Yong & Lu, Xingcai, 2020. "Investigation of engine performance for alcohol/kerosene blends as in spark-ignition aviation piston engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    2. Trindade, Wagner Roberto da Silva & Santos, Rogério Gonçalves dos, 2017. "Review on the characteristics of butanol, its production and use as fuel in internal combustion engines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 642-651.
    3. Heather Klemick & Dennis Guignet & Linda T. Bui & Ron Shadbegian & Cameron Milani, 2022. "Cardiovascular Mortality and Leaded Aviation Fuel: Evidence from Piston-Engine Air Traffic in North Carolina," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-26, May.
    4. Paula Kurzawska-Pietrowicz & Remigiusz Jasiński, 2024. "A Review of Alternative Aviation Fuels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-22, August.
    5. Han, Xiaoye & Yang, Zhenyi & Wang, Meiping & Tjong, Jimi & Zheng, Ming, 2017. "Clean combustion of n-butanol as a next generation biofuel for diesel engines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 347-359.
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