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Unraveling the role of water in mechanism changes for economically viable catalytic plastic upcycling

Author

Listed:
  • Taeeun Kwon

    (University of Science and Technology
    Korea University)

  • Byeongchan Ahn

    (Korea University)

  • Ki Hyuk Kang

    (Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT))

  • Wangyun Won

    (Korea University)

  • Insoo Ro

    (University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The surge in global plastic production, reaching 400.3 million tons in 2022, has exacerbated environmental pollution, with only 11% of plastic being recycled. Catalytic recycling, particularly through hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, offers a promising avenue for upcycling polyolefin plastic, comprising 55% of global plastic waste. This study investigates the influence of water on polyolefin depolymerization using Ru catalysts, revealing a promotional effect only when both metal and acid sites, particularly Brønsted acid site, are present. Findings highlight the impact of Ru content, metal-acid balance, and their proximity on this interaction, as well as their role in modulating the isomerization process, affecting product selectivity. Additionally, the interaction facilitates the suppression of coke formation, ultimately enhancing catalyst stability. A comprehensive techno-economic and life cycle assessment underscores the viability and environmental benefits of the process, particularly in the presence of water. These insights advance understanding and offer strategies for optimizing polyolefin plastic recycling processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Taeeun Kwon & Byeongchan Ahn & Ki Hyuk Kang & Wangyun Won & Insoo Ro, 2024. "Unraveling the role of water in mechanism changes for economically viable catalytic plastic upcycling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54495-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54495-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wei-Tse Lee & Antoine Muyden & Felix D. Bobbink & Mounir D. Mensi & Jed R. Carullo & Paul J. Dyson, 2022. "Mechanistic classification and benchmarking of polyolefin depolymerization over silica-alumina-based catalysts," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Jovana Zecevic & Gina Vanbutsele & Krijn P. de Jong & Johan A. Martens, 2015. "Nanoscale intimacy in bifunctional catalysts for selective conversion of hydrocarbons," Nature, Nature, vol. 528(7581), pages 245-248, December.
    3. Munir, Dureem & Irfan, Muhammad F. & Usman, Muhammad R., 2018. "Hydrocracking of virgin and waste plastics: A detailed review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 490-515.
    4. Ahn, Byeongchan & Park, Chulhwan & Liu, J. Jay & Ok, Yong Sik & Won, Wangyun, 2023. "Maximizing the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass: Process development and analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    5. Pavel A. Kots & Brandon C. Vance & Caitlin M. Quinn & Cong Wang & Dionisios G. Vlachos, 2023. "A two-stage strategy for upcycling chlorine-contaminated plastic waste," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(10), pages 1258-1267, October.
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