Effect of reaction conditions on the hydrogenolysis of polypropylene and polyethylene into gas and liquid alkanes

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Towards the Circular Economy: Converting Aromatic Plastic Waste Back to Arenes over a Ru/Nb2O5 Catalyst

Yaxuan Jing et al.

Summary: By catalytic hydrogenolysis using a Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst, various aromatic plastic wastes containing C-O and/or C-C linkages can be upgraded to arenes, presenting a new approach to addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

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

Libo Yao et al.

Summary: This study demonstrated the non-thermal plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis of high-density polyethylene at room temperature, producing light alkanes with high selectivity. The findings highlight a novel strategy for upcycling plastics to valuable hydrocarbons under ambient conditions.

CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

Low-temperature catalytic upgrading of waste polyolefinic plastics into liquid fuels and waxes

Yosuke Nakaji et al.

Summary: A new low-temperature catalytic method using CeO2-supported Ru (Ru/CeO2) catalyst has been developed for upgrading waste polyolefinic plastics to valuable chemicals such as liquid fuels and waxes, with high yields of 92%. This catalyst is effective in hydrogenolysis of various polyethylenes and polypropylene, providing valuable chemicals with yields ranging from 83% to 90%. Additionally, commercial plastic bags and waste polyethylenes can be transformed to valuable chemicals with yields of 91% and 88%, respectively.

APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

Polypropylene Plastic Waste Conversion to Lubricants over Ru/TiO2 Catalysts

Pavel A. Kots et al.

Summary: Ruthenium deposited on titania is shown to be an active and selective catalyst in converting polypropylene into valuable lubricants. This method has the potential to promote plastic recycling and upcycling, contributing to environmental protection.

ACS CATALYSIS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Hydrogenolysis of Polypropylene and Mixed Polyolefin Plastic Waste over Ru/C to Produce Liquid Alkanes

Julie E. Rorrer et al.

Summary: Catalytic depolymerization of polyolefins is a promising chemical recycling strategy utilizing noble metal and hydrogen for breaking strong C-C bonds. The study investigated the conversion of polypropylene under mild conditions, demonstrating trade-offs between product yield and temperature, hydrogen pressure, and reaction time. The characterized catalyst was found to be recyclable and effective in depolymerizing a mixture of high-density polyethylene and PP, showcasing feasibility for mixed polyolefin waste streams.

ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

Deconstruction of high-density polyethylene into liquid hydrocarbon fuels and lubricants by hydrogenolysis over Ru catalyst

Chuhua Jia et al.

Summary: The report successfully achieved the depolymerization of high-density polyethylene using a Ru/C catalyst under relatively mild conditions, with maximum yields of 60.8% and 31.6% for jet-fuel and lubricant-range hydrocarbons respectively. After optimizing the reaction conditions, the total yield reached approximately 90% within only 1 hour. The solvation of PE in different solvents was found to determine the depolymerization reaction kinetics.

CHEM CATALYSIS (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Conversion of Polyolefin Waste to Liquid Alkanes with Ru-Based Catalysts under Mild Conditions

Julie E. Rorrer et al.

Summary: Chemical upcycling of waste polyolefins via hydrogenolysis using Ru/C catalysts demonstrates high activity and selectivity in the conversion of polyethylene into liquid alkanes and light alkane gases under mild conditions. The study also shows the feasibility of producing C-7-C-45 alkanes from long chain, low-density polyethylene and postconsumer LDPE plastic bottles, providing promising pathways for plastic waste valorization using Ru-based catalysts.

JACS AU (2021)

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Article Polymer Science