Millions of tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year and only 6.5% is recycled. To address this environmental challenge, a new technology called ChemPren is being developed. This proposed technology catalytically converts co-mingled waste plastic to valuable low molecular weight organic compounds using solid catalyst components comprised of a zeolite with modifiers, having active metallic and bi-metallic centers<sup>1</sup>. Illustrative examples using a zeolite-based catalyst in a fluid bed reactor to produce benzene, toluene and xylene will be discussed. New catalyst synthesis methods, including the use of electroless deposition to create bi-metallic centers, will be explored. Recent advances in non-equilibrium plasma discharges have enabled the processing of materials at ambient conditions. Such plasmas can be used for selective ablation and etching of polymeric surfaces. This emerging technology is currently being explored for nonthermal plastics gasification and subsequent chemical transformations using the ChemPren technology. The U. of Michigan nuclear engineering department is currently developing a global model to assess the plasma chemistry and plasma driven reaction rates to optimize the plasma processing conditions. These calculations will then inform the design of the optimal reactor. Applicable plasma technology and computational modeling will be presented for incorporation with catalytic processing of co-mingled waste plastic.<br/>

ChemPren catalysts for disassembly of polymers into valuable products

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.