<br/>Single-use plastics impose an enormous environmental threat but their recycling, especially of polyolefins, has proven challenging. We report a direct method to selectively convert various polyolefins, including virgin materials, layered materials, and everyday plastics, to branched, liquid fuels including diesel, jet, and gasoline-range hydrocarbons, with high yields and at low temperatures in the melt. We also demonstrate effective catalysts for producing lubricants and find the product possesses good properties. We discover and discuss new mechanisms by which polyolefins depolymerize. For example, we show how to electronically modify the catalyst to enhance reactivity without altering selectivity. We also discuss how multiscale simulation can provide insights into the mechanisms.

Mechanistic insights and technological advances in polyolefin conversion

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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