The approach is inexpensive, uncomplicated and uses common materials. It is cheaper than the processes used to turn hydrogen and water into fuel.
There are countless challenges in bringing this to aircraft. The laboratory method produced only a few grams of fuel – you would clearly need much more to support even a single flight, let alone an entire fleet. You would need a much wider use of carbon capture. And if you really want zero emissions, the capture and conversion systems would have to run on clean energy.
The researchers are talking to industrial partners, however, and see no major scientific obstacles. It may also be one of the most viable options for fleets. Many of them would have to replace their planes to stay electric or change fuel types. This conversion process would allow airlines to maintain their existing aircraft and become carbon neutral until they are truly ready for environmentally friendly propulsion.