Photothermal recycling of waste polyolefin plastics into liquid fuels with high selectivity under solvent-free conditions

Yingxuan Miao, Yunxuan Zhao (), Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Run Shi, Li-Zhu Wu and Tierui Zhang ()
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Yingxuan Miao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yunxuan Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse: The University of Auckland
Run Shi: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Li-Zhu Wu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Tierui Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The widespread use of polyolefin plastics in modern societies generates huge amounts of plastic waste. With a view toward sustainability, researchers are now seeking novel and low-cost strategies for recycling and valorizing polyolefin plastics. Herein, we report the successful development of a photothermal catalytic recycling system for transforming polyolefin plastics into liquid/waxy fuels under concentrated sunlight or xenon lamp irradiation. Photothermal heating of a Ru/TiO2 catalyst to 200–300 °C in the presence of polyolefin plastics results in intimate catalyst-plastic contact and controllable hydrogenolysis of C-C and C-H bonds in the polymer chains (mediated by Ru sites). By optimizing the reaction temperature and pressure, the complete conversion of waste polyolefins into valuable liquid fuels (86% gasoline- and diesel-range hydrocarbons, C5-C21) is possible in short periods (3 h). This work demonstrates a simple and efficient strategy for recycling waste polyolefin plastics using abundant solar energy.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40005-6

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