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Science Nation: Chemists Patent New Formula for Cleaner, Cheaper Diesel Fuel

3 minutes 18 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

Typically, diesel fuel is made from crude oil, but scientists can make high-grade diesel from coal, natural gas, plants, or even agricultural waste, using a process called Fischer–Tropsch (FT). FT Diesel is the ideal liquid transportation fuel for automobiles, trucks, and jets. It’s much cleaner burning than conventional diesel, and much more energy-efficient than gasoline. But, FT Diesel is expensive to make and generates lots of waste. With support from the National Science Foundation and its Center for Enabling New Technologies through Catalysis (CENTC), chemists around the United States are working together to improve the cost and energy efficiency of alternative fuels. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”

Media Details

Runtime: 3 minutes 18 seconds

Computer screens with color-shaded images of a spiral shaped storm. Caption: study hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards from the inside.
Science Nation
Episode 1
3 minutes 14 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 2
3 minutes 9 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 3
3 minutes 7 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 4
3 minutes 47 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 5
3 minutes 9 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 6
3 minutes 6 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 7
3 minutes 4 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 8
3 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 9
3 minutes 35 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
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Science Nation
Episode 10
3 minutes 19 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12