fuel chemistry

Fuel chemistry involves the study of how fuels like gasoline, diesel, or natural gas store energy through chemical bonds. When burned, these bonds break, releasing energy as heat, which then powers engines or turbines. Fuels are mainly hydrocarbons—molecules composed of hydrogen and carbon—that vary in structure and energy content. The efficiency and cleanliness of a fuel depend on its chemical composition, how completely it burns, and the presence of impurities. Understanding fuel chemistry helps improve fuel design, optimize combustion, and reduce pollutants, supporting better energy use and environmental outcomes.