Hydrogenolysis
of
consumer-grade
high-density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
is
a
pivotal
strategy
for
upcycling
plastic
waste
into
value-added
fuels.
Though
Ru
catalysts
demonstrated
activity
in
the
hydrogenolysis
inert
C–C
bonds
HDPE,
precise
design
nanoparticles
still
represents
critical
challenge
to
boost
performance.
Here,
ultrafine
(∼1
nm)
supported
on
MgAl-layered
double
oxides
(MgAl-LDO)
exhibited
selectivity
over
90%
liquid
fuels,
lubricants,
and
waxes
HDPE.
By
tuning
thermal
treatments
Mg/Al
ratios,
Ruδ+/Ru0
ratio
acidity/basicity
MgAl-LDO
were
determined
as
performance
descriptors.
Notably,
confining
effects
layered
structure
can
be
optimized
facilitate
effective
dispersion
nanoparticles,
even
at
elevated
loadings
up
9%.
Moreover,
Ru/Mg1Al-LDO
catalyst
good
applicability
various
HDPE
substrates
excellent
stability,
maintaining
five
recycling
runs.
Research Square (Research Square),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 23, 2024
Abstract
The
surge
in
global
plastic
production,
reaching
to
390.7
million
tons
2021,
exacerbates
environmental
pollution,
with
only
11%
of
being
recycled.
Catalytic
recycling,
particularly
through
hydrogenolysis
and
hydrocracking,
offers
a
promising
avenue
for
upcycling
polyolefin
plastic,
comprising
55%
waste.
This
study
investigates
the
influence
water
on
depolymerization
using
Ru
catalysts,
revealing
promotional
effect
when
both
metal
acid
sites,
Brønsted
acid,
are
present.
Findings
highlight
impact
content,
metal-acid
balance,
their
proximity
this
interaction,
as
well
role
modulating
isomerization
process,
affecting
product
selectivity.
Additionally,
interaction
facilitates
suppression
coke
formation,
ultimately
enhancing
catalyst
stability.
A
comprehensive
techno-economic
life
cycle
assessment
underscores
viability
benefits
presence
water.
These
insights
advance
understanding
offer
strategies
optimizing
recycling
processes.
Hydrogenolysis
of
consumer-grade
high-density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
is
a
pivotal
strategy
for
upcycling
plastic
waste
into
value-added
fuels.
Though
Ru
catalysts
demonstrated
activity
in
the
hydrogenolysis
inert
C–C
bonds
HDPE,
precise
design
nanoparticles
still
represents
critical
challenge
to
boost
performance.
Here,
ultrafine
(∼1
nm)
supported
on
MgAl-layered
double
oxides
(MgAl-LDO)
exhibited
selectivity
over
90%
liquid
fuels,
lubricants,
and
waxes
HDPE.
By
tuning
thermal
treatments
Mg/Al
ratios,
Ruδ+/Ru0
ratio
acidity/basicity
MgAl-LDO
were
determined
as
performance
descriptors.
Notably,
confining
effects
layered
structure
can
be
optimized
facilitate
effective
dispersion
nanoparticles,
even
at
elevated
loadings
up
9%.
Moreover,
Ru/Mg1Al-LDO
catalyst
good
applicability
various
HDPE
substrates
excellent
stability,
maintaining
five
recycling
runs.
