CO-promoted polyethylene hydrogenolysis with renewable formic acid as hydrogen donor

Yuqi Wang, Qikun Hu, Shuairen Qian, Jiayang Zhao, Yi Cheng, Jun Ma, Jing Zhang () and Zhiqiang Niu ()
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Yuqi Wang: Harbin Institute of Technology
Qikun Hu: Tsinghua University
Shuairen Qian: Tsinghua University
Jiayang Zhao: Tsinghua University
Yi Cheng: Tsinghua University
Jun Ma: Harbin Institute of Technology
Jing Zhang: Harbin Institute of Technology
Zhiqiang Niu: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Hydrogenolysis has emerged as a promising strategy for the chemical recycling of plastic waste, yet its reliance on high-pressure hydrogen poses significant challenges. Biomass- or CO2-derived formic acid (FA) is a renewable hydrogen carrier with the advantages of low toxicity and ease of storage and transport. Here, we use FA to replace high-pressure hydrogen to convert polyethylene (PE) into fuels and chemicals with only 4.1% gaseous products by a RuPt alloy catalyst. We demonstrate that the trace amounts of CO generated from the decomposition of FA do not poison the active sites, but rather induce the formation of Ruδ+, which facilitates the C–C bond cleavage during PE hydrogenolysis. This approach eliminates the need for high-pressure hydrogen and provides a more flexible and adaptable approach for decentralized plastic processing.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63189-5

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