Catalytic Depolymerization of Waste Polyolefins by Induction Heating: Selective Alkane/Alkene Production.

ABSTRACT: Low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) have been selectively depolymerized, without added H₂, to C2-C20 + alkanes/alkenes via energy-efficient radio frequency induction heating, coupled with dual-functional heterogeneous Fe₃O₄ and Ni- or Pt-based catalysts. Fe₃O₄ was used to locally generate heat when exposed to magnetic fields. Initial results indicate that zeolite-based Ni catalysts are more selective to light olefins, while Ni supported on ceria catalysts are more selective to C7-C14 alkanes/alkenes. LDPE conversions up to 94% were obtained with minimal aromatic, coke, or methane formation which are typically observed with thermal heating. Two depolymerization mechanisms, a reverse Cossee-Arlman mechanism or a random cleavag

SUBMITTER: Whajah B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8554762 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature