Deoxygenation of waste oils and oxygen-containing plastics toward aviation-fuel-range hydrocarbons and sustainable aviation fuel pathways: Recent catalytic advances, industrial progress and future perspectives

Driven by the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems and increasing environmental pressures associated with waste accumulation, the valorization of waste-derived carbon resources has attracted growing attention. Deoxygenation provides an important route for converting waste oils and oxygen-containing aromatic plastics into aviation-fuel-range hydrocarbons and potential sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) components, depending on feedstock eligibility, fuel qualification, and sustainability assessment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in deoxygenation −based conversion of these waste feedstocks toward aviation-fuel-range hydrocarbons and potential SAF components, with particular emphasis on reaction pathways, catalyst design strategies, process optimization, and industrial development. Particular attention is given to the deoxygenation pathways of waste oils and oxygen-containing plastics, as well as the effects of catalyst properties, reaction conditions, and feedstock characteristics on product distribution. Furthermore, the current industrial implementation of waste-oil-derived SAF and the emerging potential of waste-plastic-derived aviation-fuel-range hydrocarbons are critically evaluated and compared. Key challenges associated with catalyst stability, feedstock complexity, process scalability, economic competitiveness, and fuel qualification are highlighted, and future perspectives toward efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable deoxygenation technologies are proposed. This review aims to provide insights into the development of waste-to-aviation-fuel technologies and their role in advancing circular carbon utilization and low-carbon aviation.