Non-thermal plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis of polyethylene to light hydrocarbons

Non-thermal plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis of polyethylene to light hydrocarbons

Upcycling is an attractive approach for valorization of waste plastics to valuable chemicals. Here we report the first case study of non-thermal plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to C1-C3 hydrocarbons. Light alkanes, predominately CH4, C2H6 and C3H8 with >95% sele...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Libo Yao, Jaelynne King, Dezhen Wu, Steven S.C. Chuang, Zhenmeng Peng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-02-01
Series:Catalysis Communications
Subjects:
Plastic upcycling
Non-thermal plasma
Hydrogenolysis
Light hydrocarbon
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566736720303502
Description
Summary:Upcycling is an attractive approach for valorization of waste plastics to valuable chemicals. Here we report the first case study of non-thermal plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to C1-C3 hydrocarbons. Light alkanes, predominately CH4, C2H6 and C3H8 with >95% selectivity, were obtained under ambient condition as result of favorable thermodynamics and fast reaction kinetics. The findings demonstrated that hydrogenolysis that typically demands above 300 °C with thermal catalysis can occur at room temperature in assistance of non-thermal plasma. This proof-of-concept study showcases a novel strategy for upcycling of plastics to valuable hydrocarbons under ambient condition.
ISSN:1873-3905

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