Recycling polyolefin plastic waste at short contact times via rapid joule heating

Esun Selvam, Kewei Yu, Jacqueline Ngu, Sean Najmi and Dionisios G. Vlachos ()
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Esun Selvam: University of Delaware, 221 Academy St.
Kewei Yu: University of Delaware, 150 Academy St
Jacqueline Ngu: University of Delaware, 221 Academy St.
Sean Najmi: University of Delaware, 150 Academy St
Dionisios G. Vlachos: University of Delaware, 221 Academy St.

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The chemical deconstruction of polyolefins to fuels, lubricants, and waxes offers a promising strategy for mitigating their accumulation in landfills and the environment. Yet, achieving true recyclability of polyolefins into C2-C4 monomers with high yields, low energy demand, and low carbon dioxide emissions under realistic polymer-to-catalyst ratios remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate a single-step electrified approach utilizing Rapid Joule Heating over an H-ZSM-5 catalyst to efficiently deconstruct polyolefin plastic waste into light olefins (C2-C4) in milliseconds, with high productivity at much higher polymer-to-catalyst ratio than prior work. The catalyst is essential in producing a narrow distribution of light olefins. Pulsed operation and steam co-feeding enable highly selective deconstruction (product fraction of >90% towards C2-C4 hydrocarbons) with minimal catalyst deactivation compared to Continuous Joule Heating. This laboratory-scale approach demonstrates effective deconstruction of real-life waste materials, resilience to additives and impurities, and versatility for circular polyolefin plastic waste management.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50035-3

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