Polyolefins (PO) like polyethylene and polypropylene constitute a major part (~20 million tons) of plastic waste discarded each year. A small percentage of this waste is subjected to pyrolysis at high temperatures. We use catalytic processes such as hydrocracking and hydrogenolysis in presence of sold catalysts (such as Pt/WO3/ZrO2, Ru/TiO2, and several others) at high hydrogen pressure to effectively convert PO to lubricant and fuel range hydrocarbons. Mechanistic studies using low molecular weight surrogates and labeled compounds allow us to analyze the reaction mechanism and connect it with previous knowledge on small alkane hydroconversion. Thus, we were able to propose several guidelines for further catalyst development.

Bridging the knowledge gap between alkanes and polyolefins to improve plastic waste hydroconversion

ACS Spring 2022

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