Natural Gas-Derived Synthetic Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of Pathways for Carbon Offset and Sustainability

The depletion of fossil fuels and the environmental impacts of conventional energy sources have accelerated the shift toward alternatives, with synthetic fuels─particularly those derived from natural gas─emerging as key solutions. gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology converts natural gas into ultraclean fuels and value-added chemicals, offering lower-emission alternatives to traditional crude oil-derived fuels. However, challenges, such as energy-intensive reforming stages, high capital costs, and the carbon footprint of natural gas feedstocks, hinder large-scale deployment. Additionally, the paraffinic composition and low aromatic content of GTL fuels present challenges in meeting engine performance and emissions targets without the use of tailored surrogate formulations. This review addresses these gaps by analyzing advancements in surrogate fuel development, with a focus on the limited kinetic data for high-molecular-weight iso-alkanes and cycloalkanes, which are critical for the accurate modeling of GTL-diesel and aviation fuels. Furthermore, the underexplored role of GTL-derived fuels in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) strategies is evaluated, highlighting their potential as transitional low-carbon fuels. Novel insights include the integration of AI-driven computational methods and computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) to optimize fuel properties and process efficiencies. The review also synthesizes key technical, computational, and policy challenges and presents forward-looking research directions to guide the future development of GTL and SAF pathways. By bridging the gap between GTL chemistry, combustion modeling, and sustainability metrics, this Perspective outlines pathways for enhancing the role of GTL in the global energy transition.