Recent Research Advancements in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste

The disposal of plastic waste is currently one of the major global issues affecting environmental balance and mankind. It is therefore crucial to turn waste plastic into value-added products. Thermochemical recycling techniques have been researched extensively to generate fuels, monomers, and other value-added products. It has been determined that pyrolysis is an effective method for chemical recycling. Plastic wastes are transformed into products including liquid oil, gas, and solid residues during the thermal breakdown. Low-quality liquid oil and gaseous products are also produced through thermal pyrolysis, which demands a long retention period and high temperature. Catalytic pyrolysis helps to deal with these problems. To obtain higher quantities of fuel in the form of liquid or gas, varieties of catalysts, such as natural zeolite, Y-zeolite, HZSM-5, ZSM-5, FCC, mud, Ca(OH)(2), Al2O3, and Fe2O3, are used. The present Perspective aims to briefly unveil the recent developments in the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste. It primarily focuses on the impact of catalytic pyrolysis on the yields and composition of products as well as their further applications. Also, an extensive review of techno-economic assessment based on capital and operating cost, utilization of coproducts, utilization as fuel, as well as feedstock logistics has been presented.

Automated summary

The disposal of plastic waste is a global issue that affects the environment and mankind. Thermochemical recycling techniques, particularly pyrolysis, have been extensively researched to convert waste plastics into value-added products. Catalytic pyrolysis is used to produce higher quantities of fuel, and various catalysts are employed for this purpose. This Perspective provides an overview of recent developments in catalytic pyrolysis, focusing on the impact on product yields and composition, as well as the potential applications. It also includes a thorough review of techno-economic assessment.