1
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Liu J, Wan Y, Wang H, Zhang Y, Xu M, Song X, Zhou W, Zhang J, Ma W, Huo P. Enhanced activation of peroxymonosulfate by ZIF-67/g-C 3N 4 S-scheme photocatalyst under visible light assistance for degradation of polyethylene terephthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124682. [PMID: 39111530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalyst-activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) degradation of pollutants is already widely used for wastewater treatment under visible light. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in daily life, but waste plastics have an irreversible negative impact on the environment. In this paper, the ZIF-67/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction catalyst was synthesized as a photocatalyst to achieve a good effect on PET degradation in coordination with PMS. The results indicated that PET could be degraded up to 60.63 ± 2.12 % under the combined effect of catalyst, PMS, and light. In this experiment, the influence of catalyst-to-plastic ratio, PMS concentration, aqueous pH, and inorganic anions on plastic degradation by the photocatalytic synergistic PMS system was discussed, and the excellent performance of this system for degrading PET was highlighted through a comparative test. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and free radical quenching experiments demonstrated that SO4•- contributes the largest amount to the PET degradation performance. Furthermore, results from gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) indicated that the plastic degradation products include CO, CH4, and organic small-molecule liquid fuels. Finally, a possible mechanism for the light/PMS system to degrade PET in water was suggested. This paper provides a feasible solution to treat waste microplastics in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejing Liu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Yang Wan
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Huijie Wang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Yining Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Mengyang Xu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Xianghai Song
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Jisheng Zhang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan, 467000, PR China
| | - Pengwei Huo
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
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2
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Balzer AH, Hinton ZR, Vance BC, Vlachos DG, Korley LTJ, Epps TH. Tracking Chain Populations and Branching Structure during Polyethylene Deconstruction Processes. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1755-1764. [PMID: 39345819 PMCID: PMC11428289 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Catalytic deconstruction has emerged as a promising solution to valorize polyethylene (PE) waste into valuable products, such as oils, fuels, surfactants, and lubricants. Unfortunately, commercialization has been hampered by inadequate optimization of PE deconstruction due to an inability to either truly characterize the polymer transformations or adjust catalytic conditions to match the ever-evolving product distribution and associated property changes. To address these challenges, a detailed analysis of molar mass distributions and thermal characterization was developed herein and applied to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) deconstruction to enable more thorough identification of polymer chain characteristics within the solids (e.g., changes in molar mass or branching structure). For example, LDPE hydrocracking exhibited comparable rates of polymer chain isomerization and C-C bond scission, and the solids generated possessed a broadened molar mass distribution with a disappearance of a significant fraction of highly linear segments, indicating polymer-structure-dependent interactions with the catalyst. Solids analysis from pyrolysis yielded starkly different results, as the resulting solids were devoid of unreacted polymer chains and had a narrowed molar mass distribution even at short times (e.g., 0.2 h). By tracking the polymeric deconstruction behavior as a function of reaction type, time, and catalyst design, we mapped critical pathways toward PE valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex H Balzer
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Zachary R Hinton
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Brandon C Vance
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Dionisios G Vlachos
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - LaShanda T J Korley
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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3
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Oberhausen CM, Mahajan JS, Sun JA, Epps TH, Korley LTJ, Vlachos DG. Hydrogenolysis of Poly(Ethylene-co-Vinyl Alcohol) and Related Polymer Blends over Ruthenium Heterogeneous Catalysts. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202400238. [PMID: 38609332 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The hydrogenolysis of polymers is emerging as a promising approach to deconstruct plastic waste into valuable chemicals. Yet, the complexity of plastic waste, including multilayer packaging, is a significant barrier to handling realistic waste streams. Herein, we reveal fundamental insights into a new chemical route for transforming a previously unaddressed fraction of plastic waste - poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) and related polymer blends - into alkane products. We report that Ru/ZrO2 is active for the concurrent hydrogenolysis, hydrogenation, and hydrodeoxygenation of EVOH and its thermal degradation products into alkanes (C1-C35) and water. Detailed reaction data, product analysis, and catalyst characterization reveal that the in-situ thermal degradation of EVOH forms aromatic intermediates that are detrimental to catalytic activity. Increased hydrogen pressure promotes hydrogenation of these aromatics, preventing catalyst deactivation and improving alkane product yields. Calculated apparent rates of C-C scission reveal that the hydrogenolysis of EVOH is slower than low-density polyethylene. We apply these findings to achieve hydrogenolysis of EVOH/polyethylene blends and elucidate the sensitivity of hydrogenolysis catalysts to such blends. Overall, we demonstrate progress towards efficient catalytic processes for the hydroconversion of waste multilayer film plastic packaging into valuable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Oberhausen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Jignesh S Mahajan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 127 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Jessie A Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 127 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - LaShanda T J Korley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 127 The Green, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Dionisios G Vlachos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA
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4
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Conk RJ, Stahler JF, Shi JX, Yang J, Lefton NG, Brunn JN, Bell AT, Hartwig JF. Polyolefin waste to light olefins with ethylene and base-metal heterogeneous catalysts. Science 2024; 385:1322-1327. [PMID: 39208080 DOI: 10.1126/science.adq7316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The selective conversion of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and mixtures of these two polymers to form products with high volume demand is urgently needed because current methods suffer from low selectivity, produce large quantities of greenhouse gases, or rely on expensive, single-use catalysts. The isomerizing ethenolysis of unsaturated polyolefins could be an energetically and environmentally viable route to propylene and isobutylene; however, noble-metal homogeneous catalysts and an unsaturated polyolefin are currently required and the process has been limited to PE. We show that the simple combination of tungsten oxide on silica and sodium on gamma-alumina transforms PE, PP, or a mixture of the two, including postconsumer forms of these materials, to propylene or a mixture of propylene and isobutylene in greater than 90% yield at 320°C without the need for dehydrogenation of the starting polyolefins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Conk
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jules F Stahler
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jake X Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ji Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Natalie G Lefton
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - John N Brunn
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alexis T Bell
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - John F Hartwig
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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5
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Xu Q, Wang Q, Yang J, Liu W, Wang A. Recovering Valuable Chemicals from Polypropylene Waste via a Mild Catalyst-Free Hydrothermal Process. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:16611-16620. [PMID: 39215385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Waste polypropylene (PP) presents a significant environmental challenge, owing to its refractory nature and inert C-C backbone. In this study, we introduce a practical chemical recovery strategy from PP waste using a mild catalyst-free hydrothermal treatment (HT). The treatment converts 64.1% of the processed PP into dissolved organic products within 2 h in an air atmosphere at 160 °C. Higher temperatures increase the PP conversion efficiency. Distinct electron absorption and emission characteristics of the products are identified by spectral analysis. Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) reveals the oxidative cracking of PP into shorter-chain homologues (10-50 carbon atoms) containing carboxylic and carbonyl groups. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support a reaction pathway involving thermal C-H oxidation at the tertiary carbon sites in the polymer chain. The addition of 1% H2O2 further enhances the oxidation reaction to produce valuable short-chain acetic acids, enabling gram-scale recycling of both pure PP and disposable surgical masks from the real world. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and environmental life cycle costing (E-LCC) analysis suggest that this hydrothermal oxidation recovery technology is financially viable, which shows significant potential in tackling the ongoing plastic pollution crisis and advancing plastic treatment methodologies toward a circular economy paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Qiandi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Wenzong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Aijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
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6
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Jaydev SD, Martín AJ, Garcia D, Chikri K, Pérez-Ramírez J. Assessment of transport phenomena in catalyst effectiveness for chemical polyolefin recycling. NATURE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 1:565-575. [PMID: 39323546 PMCID: PMC11420077 DOI: 10.1038/s44286-024-00108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Since the dawn of agitated brewing in the Paleolithic era, effective mixing has enabled efficient reactions. Emerging catalytic chemical polyolefin recycling processes present unique challenges, considering that the polymer melt has a viscosity three orders of magnitude higher than that of honey. The lack of protocols to achieve effective mixing may have resulted in suboptimal catalyst effectiveness. In this study, we have tackled the hydrogenolysis of commercial-grade high-density polyethylene and polypropylene to show how different stirring strategies can create differences of up to 85% and 40% in catalyst effectiveness and selectivity, respectively. The reaction develops near the H2-melt interface, with the extension of the interface and access to catalyst particles the main performance drivers. Leveraging computational fluid dynamics simulations, we have identified a power number of 15,000-40,000 to maximize the catalyst effectiveness factor and optimize stirring parameters. This temperature- and pressure-independent model holds across a viscosity range of 1-1,000 Pa s. Temperature gradients may quickly become relevant for reactor scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibashish D Jaydev
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio J Martín
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Katia Chikri
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Javier Pérez-Ramírez
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Sun J, Dong J, Gao L, Zhao YQ, Moon H, Scott SL. Catalytic Upcycling of Polyolefins. Chem Rev 2024; 124:9457-9579. [PMID: 39151127 PMCID: PMC11363024 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
The large production volumes of commodity polyolefins (specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(vinyl chloride)), in conjunction with their low unit values and multitude of short-term uses, have resulted in a significant and pressing waste management challenge. Only a small fraction of these polyolefins is currently mechanically recycled, with the rest being incinerated, accumulating in landfills, or leaking into the natural environment. Since polyolefins are energy-rich materials, there is considerable interest in recouping some of their chemical value while simultaneously motivating more responsible end-of-life management. An emerging strategy is catalytic depolymerization, in which a portion of the C-C bonds in the polyolefin backbone is broken with the assistance of a catalyst and, in some cases, additional small molecule reagents. When the products are small molecules or materials with higher value in their own right, or as chemical feedstocks, the process is called upcycling. This review summarizes recent progress for four major catalytic upcycling strategies: hydrogenolysis, (hydro)cracking, tandem processes involving metathesis, and selective oxidation. Key considerations include macromolecular reaction mechanisms relative to small molecule mechanisms, catalyst design for macromolecular transformations, and the effect of process conditions on product selectivity. Metrics for describing polyolefin upcycling are critically evaluated, and an outlook for future advances is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakai Sun
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Santa
Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Jinhu Dong
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United
States
| | - Lijun Gao
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United
States
| | - Yu-Quan Zhao
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Santa
Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Hyunjin Moon
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United
States
| | - Susannah L. Scott
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Santa
Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5080, United
States
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8
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Kwon T, Jeong H, Kim M, Jung S, Ro I. Catalytic Approaches to Tackle Mixed Plastic Waste Challenges: A Review. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:17212-17238. [PMID: 39109437 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are widely used materials in our daily lives and various industries due to their affordability and versatility. The massive production of plastic waste, however, has recently emerged as a pressing environmental concern across all media. To address this, emerging technologies are being explored for the sustainable valorization of postconsumer plastic wastes including thermochemical, physical, and catalytic processes aimed at transforming them into higher value-added products. However, the chemical recycling of mixed plastic wastes poses a formidable challenge due to the diverse array of monomers and catalyst systems involved, each employing distinct mechanisms. Complicating matters further is that contaminants reduce catalytic efficacy, requiring rigorous and labor-intensive separation and purification processes to extract individual plastic streams from practical plastic waste mixtures. Consequently, the majority of such mixtures often end up in incineration and landfills, perpetuating environmental and societal challenges, such as leachate, carbon dioxide emissions, and other air pollutants. This review will introduce current technical developments available for recycling practical plastic waste mixtures through catalytic processes. The current challenges in process performance, low selectivity of the desired products, and catalyst deactivation from the catalysis of plastic waste mixtures are also discussed. Promising approaches to overcome the problems are suggested in future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeeun Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology,Daegu 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Huijeong Jeong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Mireu Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology,Daegu 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyup Jung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Insoo Ro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology,Daegu 01811, Republic of Korea
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9
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Zhang Q, He J, Wei X, Shen C, Ye P, An W, Liu X, Li H, Xu S, Su Z, Wang YZ. Oxidative Upcycling of Polyethylene to Long Chain Diacid over Co-MCM-41 Catalyst. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202407510. [PMID: 38774971 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging global threat due to lack of effective methods for transforming waste plastics into useful resources. Here, we demonstrate a direct oxidative upcycling of polyethylene into high-value and high-volume saturated dicarboxylic acids in high carbon yield of 85.9 % in which the carbon yield of long chain dicarboxylic (C10-C20) acids can reach 58.9% over cobalt-doped MCM-41 molecular sieves, in the absence of any solvent or precious metal catalyst. The distribution of the dicarboxylic acids can be controllably adjusted from short-chain (C4-C10) to long-chain ones (C10-C20) through changing cobalt loading of MCM-41 under nanoconfinement. Highly and sparsely dispersed cobalt along with confined space of mesoporous structure enables complete degradation of polyethylene and high selectivity of dicarboxylic acid in mild condition. So far, this is the first report on highly selective one-step preparation of long chain dicarboxylic acids. The approach provides an attractive solution to tackle plastic pollution and a promising alternative route to long chain diacids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Jiajia He
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyue Wei
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Chengfeng Shen
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Pengbo Ye
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Wenli An
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Haoze Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P.R. China
| | - Shimei Xu
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Zhishan Su
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Zhong Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
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10
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Wang Y, Yan N, Chen Z. Identification of coke species on Fe/USY catalysts used for recycling polyethylene into fuels. RSC Adv 2024; 14:22056-22062. [PMID: 39005255 PMCID: PMC11240219 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03608e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Fe/USY catalyst used for converting plastic waste into fuels faces coking problems. A comprehensive understanding of coke distribution and structure is crucial for catalyst design, enabling resistance to coke deposition and facilitating regeneration. In this study, we analyze the coke deposition on Fe/USY catalysts after catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene for fuel oil, and present insights into the coke distribution over the metal and acid sites, as well as its specific molecular structure. The coke distributes over both the metal and acid sites, exhibiting distinct TPO peaks corresponding to metal-site coke (370 °C) and acid-site coke (520 °C). The total coke yields range from 2.0% to 2.4%, with distribution on metal and acid sites dependent on Fe loading and acidity. Structurally, the coke is highly-condensed, containing more than four aromatic rings with limited alkyl groups. The acid-site coke is more condensed than the metal-site coke, showing lower H/C ratios (0.5-0.75) relative to the acid-site coke (0.75-0.9). Identified by MALDI-TOF mass analysis, the predominant molecular structures of the coke located on metal and acid sites are illustrated. The metal-site cokes typically exhibit 4-7 aromatic rings, while the acid-site cokes display even greater condensation with 5-12 aromatic rings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Wang
- Department of Engineering, Huzhou University 759 Erhuan North Road Huzhou 313000 China
| | - Na Yan
- Department of Engineering, Huzhou University 759 Erhuan North Road Huzhou 313000 China
| | - Zezhou Chen
- Department of Engineering, Huzhou University 759 Erhuan North Road Huzhou 313000 China
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11
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Sun S, Huang W. Chemical Upcycling of Polyolefin Plastics Using Structurally Well-defined Catalysts. JACS AU 2024; 4:2081-2098. [PMID: 38938810 PMCID: PMC11200224 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Single-use polyolefins are widely used in our daily life and industrial production due to their light weight, low cost, superior stability, and durability. However, the rapid accumulation of plastic waste and low-profit recycling methods resulted in a global plastic crisis. Catalytic hydrogenolysis is regarded as a promising technique, which can effectively and selectively convert polyolefin plastic waste to value-added products. In this perspective, we focus on the design and synthesis of structurally well-defined hydrogenolysis catalysts across mesoscopic, nanoscopic, and atomic scales, accompanied by our insights into future directions in catalyst design for further enhancing catalytic performance. These design principles can also be applied to the depolymerization of other polymers and ultimately realize the chemical upcycling of waste plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Sun
- Department
of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- US
Department of Energy, Ames National Laboratory, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Department
of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- US
Department of Energy, Ames National Laboratory, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
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12
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Cen Z, Han X, Lin L, Yang S, Han W, Wen W, Yuan W, Dong M, Ma Z, Li F, Ke Y, Dong J, Zhang J, Liu S, Li J, Li Q, Wu N, Xiang J, Wu H, Cai L, Hou Y, Cheng Y, Daemen LL, Ramirez-Cuesta AJ, Ferrer P, Grinter DC, Held G, Liu Y, Han B. Upcycling of polyethylene to gasoline through a self-supplied hydrogen strategy in a layered self-pillared zeolite. Nat Chem 2024; 16:871-880. [PMID: 38594366 PMCID: PMC11164678 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01506-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Conversion of plastic wastes to valuable carbon resources without using noble metal catalysts or external hydrogen remains a challenging task. Here we report a layered self-pillared zeolite that enables the conversion of polyethylene to gasoline with a remarkable selectivity of 99% and yields of >80% in 4 h at 240 °C. The liquid product is primarily composed of branched alkanes (selectivity of 72%), affording a high research octane number of 88.0 that is comparable to commercial gasoline (86.6). In situ inelastic neutron scattering, small-angle neutron scattering, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and isotope-labelling experiments reveal that the activation of polyethylene is promoted by the open framework tri-coordinated Al sites of the zeolite, followed by β-scission and isomerization on Brönsted acids sites, accompanied by hydride transfer over open framework tri-coordinated Al sites through a self-supplied hydrogen pathway to yield selectivity to branched alkanes. This study shows the potential of layered zeolite materials in enabling the upcycling of plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Cen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Han
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Longfei Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Sihai Yang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Wanying Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilong Wen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Yuan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghua Dong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiye Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubin Ke
- China Spallation Neutron Source, Institute of High Energy Physics, Dongguan, China
| | - Juncai Dong
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhu Liu
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jialiang Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Center for Physicochemical Analysis Measurements, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ningning Wu
- Center for Physicochemical Analysis Measurements, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Xiang
- Center for Physicochemical Analysis Measurements, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Lile Cai
- SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbo Hou
- SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Cheng
- Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Luke L Daemen
- Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Anibal J Ramirez-Cuesta
- Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Pilar Ferrer
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - David C Grinter
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Georg Held
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Yueming Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Buxing Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Wang K, Yuan F, Huang L. Recent Progresses and Challenges in Upcycling of Plastics through Selective Catalytic Oxidation. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300701. [PMID: 38409525 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Chemical upcycling of plastics provides an important direction for solving the challenging issues of plastic pollution and mitigating the wastage of carbon resources. Among them, catalytic oxidative cracking of plastics to produce high-value chemicals, such as catalytic oxidation of polyethylene (PE) to produce fatty dicarboxylic acids, catalytic oxidation of polystyrene (PS) to produce benzoic acid, and catalytic oxidation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to produce terephthalic acid under mild conditions has attracted increasing attention, and some exciting progress has been made recently. In this article, we will review recent progresses on the catalytic oxidation upcycling of plastics and provide our understanding on the current challenges in catalytic oxidation upcycling of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Wang
- Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fan Yuan
- Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Lei Huang
- Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
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14
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Gao L, Zhong X, Liu J, Chen J, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Wang D, Shakeri M, Zhang X, Zhang B. Selective Upcycling of Polyethylene over Ru/H-ZSM-5 Bifunctional Catalyst into High-Quality Liquid Fuel at Mild Conditions. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202400598. [PMID: 38697954 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
It has been known that plastics with undegradability and long half-times have caused serious environmental and ecological issues. Considering the devastating effects, the development of efficient plastic upcycling technologies with low energy consumption is absolutely imperative. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of single-use polyethylene over Ru-based catalysts to produce high-quality liquid fuel has been one of the current top priority strategies, but it is restricted by some tough challenges, such as the tendency towards methanation resulting from terminal C-C cleavage. Herein, we introduced Ru nanoparticles supported on hollow ZSM-5 zeolite (Ru/H-ZSM-5) for hydrocracking of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) under mild reaction conditions. The implication of experimental results is that the 1Ru/H-ZSM-5 (~1 wt % Ru) acted as an effective and reusable bifunctional catalyst providing higher conversion rate (82.53 %) and liquid fuel (C5-C21) yield (62.87 %). Detailed characterization demonstrated that the optimal performance in hydrocracking of PE could be attributed to the moderate acidity and appropriate positively charged Ru species resulting from the metal-zeolite interaction. This work proposes a promising catalyst for plastic upcycling and reveals its structure-performance relationship, which has guiding significance for catalyst design to improve the yield of high-value liquid fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Xia Zhong
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Junnan Chen
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziru Wang
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun, 113001, China
| | - Deli Wang
- Bilahe Forestry Bureau Bilahe, 165474, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Mozaffar Shakeri
- Laboratory of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, Tehran, 16363, Iran
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Bingsen Zhang
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
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15
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Shaw WJ, Kidder MK, Bare SR, Delferro M, Morris JR, Toma FM, Senanayake SD, Autrey T, Biddinger EJ, Boettcher S, Bowden ME, Britt PF, Brown RC, Bullock RM, Chen JG, Daniel C, Dorhout PK, Efroymson RA, Gaffney KJ, Gagliardi L, Harper AS, Heldebrant DJ, Luca OR, Lyubovsky M, Male JL, Miller DJ, Prozorov T, Rallo R, Rana R, Rioux RM, Sadow AD, Schaidle JA, Schulte LA, Tarpeh WA, Vlachos DG, Vogt BD, Weber RS, Yang JY, Arenholz E, Helms BA, Huang W, Jordahl JL, Karakaya C, Kian KC, Kothandaraman J, Lercher J, Liu P, Malhotra D, Mueller KT, O'Brien CP, Palomino RM, Qi L, Rodriguez JA, Rousseau R, Russell JC, Sarazen ML, Sholl DS, Smith EA, Stevens MB, Surendranath Y, Tassone CJ, Tran B, Tumas W, Walton KS. A US perspective on closing the carbon cycle to defossilize difficult-to-electrify segments of our economy. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:376-400. [PMID: 38693313 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00587-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Electrification to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate climate change. However, a substantial portion of our manufacturing and transportation infrastructure will be difficult to electrify and/or will continue to use carbon as a key component, including areas in aviation, heavy-duty and marine transportation, and the chemical industry. In this Roadmap, we explore how multidisciplinary approaches will enable us to close the carbon cycle and create a circular economy by defossilizing these difficult-to-electrify areas and those that will continue to need carbon. We discuss two approaches for this: developing carbon alternatives and improving our ability to reuse carbon, enabled by separations. Furthermore, we posit that co-design and use-driven fundamental science are essential to reach aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy J Shaw
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
| | | | - Simon R Bare
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Francesca M Toma
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon, Teltow, Brandenburg, Germany.
| | | | - Tom Autrey
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | | | - Shannon Boettcher
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mark E Bowden
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | | | - Robert C Brown
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Jingguang G Chen
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Peter K Dorhout
- Vice President for Research, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Laura Gagliardi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron S Harper
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - David J Heldebrant
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Oana R Luca
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Jonathan L Male
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- Biological Systems Engineering Department, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Rallo
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Rachita Rana
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert M Rioux
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Aaron D Sadow
- Ames National Laboratory, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Schulte
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - William A Tarpeh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dionisios G Vlachos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Bryan D Vogt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Robert S Weber
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Jenny Y Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Elke Arenholz
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Brett A Helms
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Ames National Laboratory, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - James L Jordahl
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Kourosh Cyrus Kian
- Independent consultant, Washington DC, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Johannes Lercher
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ping Liu
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA
| | | | - Karl T Mueller
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Casey P O'Brien
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | - Long Qi
- Ames National Laboratory, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Jake C Russell
- Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy, Department of Energy, Washington DC, USA
| | - Michele L Sarazen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Emily A Smith
- Ames National Laboratory, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Yogesh Surendranath
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Ba Tran
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - William Tumas
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Krista S Walton
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Kang Q, Zhang X, Feng Q, Zhang L, Chu M, Li C, Xu P, Cao M, He L, Zhang Q, Chen J. Hydrogen Bubbles: Harmonizing Local Hydrogen Transfer for Efficient Plastic Hydro-Depolymerization. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11438-11448. [PMID: 38627232 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hydro-depolymerization presents a promising avenue for transforming plastic waste into high-value hydrocarbons, offering significant potential for value-added recycling. However, a major challenge in this method arises from kinetic limitations due to insufficient hydrogen concentration near the active sites, requiring optimal catalytic performance only at higher hydrogen pressures. In this study, we address this hurdle by developing "hydrogen bubble catalysts" featuring Ru nanoparticles within mesoporous SBA-15 channels (Ru/SBA). The distinctive feature of Ru/SBA catalysts lies in their capacity for physical hydrogen storage and chemically reversible hydrogen spillover, ensuring a timely and ample hydrogen supply. Under identical reaction conditions, the catalytic activity of Ru/SBA surpassed that of Ru/SiO2 (no hydrogen storage capacity) by over 4-fold. This substantial enhancement in catalytic performance provides significant opportunities for near atmospheric pressure hydro-depolymerization of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Kang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, P. R. China
| | - Qianyue Feng
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Xu
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Muhan Cao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Le He
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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17
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Zhang W, Yao H, Khare R, Zhang P, Yang B, Hu W, Ray D, Hu J, Camaioni DM, Wang H, Kim S, Lee MS, Sarazen ML, Chen JG, Lercher JA. Chloride and Hydride Transfer as Keys to Catalytic Upcycling of Polyethylene into Liquid Alkanes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319580. [PMID: 38433092 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Transforming polyolefin waste into liquid alkanes through tandem cracking-alkylation reactions catalyzed by Lewis-acid chlorides offers an efficient route for single-step plastic upcycling. Lewis acids in dichloromethane establish a polar environment that stabilizes carbenium ion intermediates and catalyzes hydride transfer, enabling breaking of polyethylene C-C bonds and forming C-C bonds in alkylation. Here, we show that efficient and selective deconstruction of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to liquid alkanes is achieved with anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and gallium chloride (GaCl3). Already at 60 °C, complete LDPE conversion was achieved, while maintaining the selectivity for gasoline-range liquid alkanes over 70 %. AlCl3 showed an exceptional conversion rate of 5000g L D P E m o l c a t - 1 h - 1 ${{{\rm g}}_{{\rm L}{\rm D}{\rm P}{\rm E}}{{\rm \ }{\rm m}{\rm o}{\rm l}}_{{\rm c}{\rm a}{\rm t}}^{-1}{{\rm \ }{\rm h}}^{-1}}$ , surpassing other Lewis acid catalysts by two orders of magnitude. Through kinetic and mechanistic studies, we show that the rates of LDPE conversion do not correlate directly with the intrinsic strength of the Lewis acids or steric constraints that may limit the polymer to access the Lewis acid sites. Instead, the rates for the tandem processes of cracking and alkylation are primarily governed by the rates of initiation of carbenium ions and the subsequent intermolecular hydride transfer. Both jointly control the relative rates of cracking and alkylation, thereby determining the overall conversion and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747, Garching, Germany
| | - Hai Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747, Garching, Germany
| | - Rachit Khare
- Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747, Garching, Germany
| | - Peiran Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747, Garching, Germany
| | - Boda Yang
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Wenda Hu
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Debmalya Ray
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Jianzhi Hu
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
- The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164, USA
| | - Donald M Camaioni
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Sungmin Kim
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Mal-Soon Lee
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
| | - Michele L Sarazen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544, USA
| | - Jingguang G Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, 10027, USA
| | - Johannes A Lercher
- Institute for Integrated Catalysis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Washington, 99354, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747, Garching, Germany
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18
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Chu M, Wang X, Wang X, Xu P, Zhang L, Li S, Feng K, Zhong J, Wang L, Li Y, He L, Cao M, Zhang Q, Chi L, Chen J. Layered Double Hydroxide Derivatives for Polyolefin Upcycling. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10655-10665. [PMID: 38564662 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
While Ru-catalyzed hydrogenolysis holds significant promise in converting waste polyolefins into value-added alkane fuels, a major constraint is the high cost of noble metal catalysts. In this work, we propose, for the first time, that Co-based catalysts derived from CoAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) are alternatives for efficient polyolefin hydrogenolysis. Leveraging the chemical flexibility of the LDH platform, we reveal that metallic Co species serve as highly efficient active sites for polyolefin hydrogenolysis. Furthermore, we introduced Ni into the Co framework to tackle the issue of restricted hydrogenation ability associated with contiguous Co-Co sites. In-situ analysis indicates that the integration of Ni induces electron transfer and facilitates hydrogen spillover. This dual effect synergistically enhances the hydrogenation/desorption of olefin intermediates, resulting in a significant reduction in the yield of low-value CH4 from 27.1 to 12.6%. Through leveraging the unique properties of LDH, we have developed efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the sustainable recycling and valorization of waste polyolefin materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xianpeng Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Xuchun Wang
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Panpan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Advanced Materials Division, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Shengming Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Kun Feng
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Youyong Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Le He
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Muhan Cao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lifeng Chi
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P. R. China
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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19
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Kumar M, Bhujbal SK, Kohli K, Prajapati R, Sharma BK, Sawarkar AD, Abhishek K, Bolan S, Ghosh P, Kirkham MB, Padhye LP, Pandey A, Vithanage M, Bolan N. A review on value-addition to plastic waste towards achieving a circular economy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171106. [PMID: 38387564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous recent studies have shown the application and feasibility of various PW conversion techniques to produce materials with better economic value. Within this framework, the current review provides an in-depth analysis of cutting-edge thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, carbonization, and photocatalysis that can be used to value plastic and mixed PW in order to produce energy and industrial chemicals. Additionally, a thorough examination of the environmental impacts of contemporary PW upcycling techniques and their commercial feasibility through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economical assessment are provided in this review. Finally, this review emphasizes the opportunities and challenges accompanying with existing PW upcycling techniques and deliver recommendations for future research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India.
| | - Sachin Krushna Bhujbal
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Kirtika Kohli
- Distillate and Heavy Oil Processing Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun 248005, India
| | - Ravindra Prajapati
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Brajendra K Sharma
- Prairie Research Institute-Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Eastern Regional Research Center Sustainable Biofuels and Co-Products Research Unit, 600 E. Mermaid Ln., Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Ankush D Sawarkar
- Department of Information Technology, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (SGGSIET), Nanded, Maharashtra 431 606, India
| | - Kumar Abhishek
- Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Bihar, Patna, India
| | - Shiv Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226 001, India; Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee Dae Ro 26, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Lucknow 226029, India
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia.
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20
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Pichugov AV, Escomel L, Lassalle S, Petit J, Jabbour R, Gajan D, Veyre L, Fonda E, Lesage A, Thieuleux C, Camp C. Highly Selective and Efficient Perdeuteration of n-Pentane via H/D Exchange Catalyzed by a Silica-Supported Hafnium-Iridium Bimetallic Complex. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400992. [PMID: 38373040 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
A Surface OrganoMetallic Chemistry (SOMC) approach is used to prepare a novel hafnium-iridium catalyst immobilized on silica, HfIr/SiO2, featuring well-defined [≡SiOHf(CH2 tBu)2(μ-H)3IrCp*] surface sites. Unlike the monometallic analogous materials Hf/SiO2 and Ir/SiO2, which promote n-pentane deuterogenolysis through C-C bond scission, we demonstrate that under the same experimental conditions (1 bar D2, 250 °C, 3 h, 0.5 mol %), the heterobimetallic catalyst HfIr/SiO2 is highly efficient and selective for the perdeuteration of alkanes with D2, exemplified on n-pentane, without substantial deuterogenolysis (<2 % at 95 % conversion). Furthermore this HfIr/SiO2 catalyst is robust and can be re-used several times without evidence of decomposition. This represents substantial advance in catalytic H/D isotope exchange (HIE) reactions of C(sp3)-H bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Pichugov
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Léon Escomel
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sébastien Lassalle
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Julien Petit
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Ribal Jabbour
- Centre de RMN à Hauts Champs de Lyon CRMN, UMR5082, Université de Lyon, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - David Gajan
- Centre de RMN à Hauts Champs de Lyon CRMN, UMR5082, Université de Lyon, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Laurent Veyre
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emiliano Fonda
- Synchrotron SOLEIL L'Orme des Merisiers, Saint Aubin BP-48, 91192, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anne Lesage
- Centre de RMN à Hauts Champs de Lyon CRMN, UMR5082, Université de Lyon, CNRS, ENS Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Chloé Thieuleux
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Clément Camp
- Laboratory of Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials, CP2 M UMR 5128, Université de Lyon, Institut de Chimie de Lyon, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616, Villeurbanne, France
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21
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Cleary SR, Starace AK, Curran-Velasco CC, Ruddy DA, McGuirk CM. The Overlooked Potential of Sulfated Zirconia: Reexamining Solid Superacidity Toward the Controlled Depolymerization of Polyolefins. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:6612-6653. [PMID: 38509763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Closed-loop recycling via an efficient chemical process can help alleviate the global plastic waste crisis. However, conventional depolymerization methods for polyolefins, which compose more than 50% of plastics, demand high temperatures and pressures, employ precious noble metals, and/or yield complex mixtures of products limited to single-use fuels or oils. Superacidic forms of sulfated zirconia (SZrO) with Hammet Acidity Functions (H0) ≤ - 12 (i.e., stronger than 100% H2SO4) are industrially deployed heterogeneous catalysts capable of activating hydrocarbons under mild conditions and are shown to decompose polyolefins at temperatures near 200 °C and ambient pressure. Additionally, confinement of active sites in porous supports is known to radically increase selectivity, coking and sintering resistance, and acid site activity, presenting a possible approach to low-energy polyolefin depolymerization. However, a critical examination of the literature on SZrO led us to a surprising conclusion: despite 40 years of catalytic study, engineering, and industrial use, the surface chemistry of SZrO is poorly understood. Ostensibly spurred by SZrO's impressive catalytic activity, the application-driven study of SZrO has resulted in deleterious ambiguity in requisite synthetic conditions for superacidity and insufficient characterization of acidity, porosity, and active site structure. This ambiguity has produced significant knowledge gaps surrounding the synthesis, structure, and mechanisms of hydrocarbon activation for optimized SZrO, stunting the potential of this catalyst in olefin cracking and other industrially relevant reactions, such as isomerization, esterification, and alkylation. Toward mitigating these long extant issues, we herein identify and highlight these current shortcomings and knowledge gaps, propose explicit guidelines for characterization of and reporting on characterization of solid acidity, and discuss the potential of pore-confined superacids in the efficient and selective depolymerization of polyolefins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Cleary
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Anne K Starace
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Caleb C Curran-Velasco
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Daniel A Ruddy
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - C Michael McGuirk
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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22
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Hu P, Zhang C, Chu M, Wang X, Wang L, Li Y, Yan T, Zhang L, Ding Z, Cao M, Xu P, Li Y, Cui Y, Zhang Q, Chen J, Chi L. Stable Interfacial Ruthenium Species for Highly Efficient Polyolefin Upcycling. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7076-7087. [PMID: 38428949 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The present polyolefin hydrogenolysis recycling cases acknowledge that zerovalent Ru exhibits high catalytic activity. A pivotal rationale behind this assertion lies in the propensity of the majority of Ru species to undergo reduction to zerovalent Ru within the hydrogenolysis milieu. Nonetheless, the suitability of zerovalent Ru as an optimal structural configuration for accommodating multiple elementary reactions remains ambiguous. Here, we have constructed stable Ru0-Ruδ+ complex species, even under reaction conditions, through surface ligand engineering of commercially available Ru/C catalysts. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that surface-ligated Ru species can be stabilized in the form of a Ruδ+ state, which, in turn, engenders a perturbation of the σ bond electron distribution within the polyolefin carbon chain, ultimately boosting the rate-determining step of C-C scission. The optimized catalysts reach a solid conversion rate of 609 g·gRu-1·h-1 for polyethylene. This achievement represents a 4.18-fold enhancement relative to the pristine Ru/C catalyst while concurrently preserving a remarkable 94% selectivity toward valued liquid alkanes. Of utmost significance, this surface ligand engineering can be extended to the gentle mixing of catalysts in ligand solution at room temperature, thus rendering it amenable for swift integration into industrial processes involving polyolefin degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Hu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Congyang Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xianpeng Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Youyong Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, P. R. China
| | - Tianran Yan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhifeng Ding
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Muhan Cao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Xu
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Li
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cui
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lifeng Chi
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, P. R. China
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23
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Jaydev SD, Martín AJ, Usteri ME, Chikri K, Eliasson H, Erni R, Pérez-Ramírez J. Consumer Grade Polyethylene Recycling via Hydrogenolysis on Ultrafine Supported Ruthenium Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317526. [PMID: 38105396 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Catalytic hydrogenolysis has the potential to convert high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which comprises about 30 % of plastic waste, into valuable alkanes. Most investigations have focused on increasing activity for lab grade HDPEs displaying low molecular weight, with limited mechanistic understanding of the product distribution. No efficient catalyst is available for consumer grades due to their lower reactivity. This study targets HDPE used in bottle caps, a waste form generated globally at a rate of approximately one million units per hour. Ultrafine ruthenium particles (1 nm) supported on titania (anatase) achieved up to 80 % conversion into light alkanes (C1 -C45 ) under mild conditions (498 K, 20 bar H2 , 4 h) and were reused for three cycles. Small ruthenium nanoparticles were critical to achieving relevant conversions, as activity sharply decreased with particle size. Selectivity commonalities and peculiarities across HDPE grades were disclosed by a reaction modelling approach applied to products. Isomerization cedes to backbone scission as the reaction progresses. Within this trend, low molecular weight favor isomerization whilst high molecular weight favor cleavage. Commercial caps obeyed this trend with decreased activity, anticipating the influence of additives in realistic processing. This study demonstrates effective hydrogenolysis of consumer grade polyethylene and provides selectivity patterns for product control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibashish D Jaydev
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio J Martín
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc-Eduard Usteri
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katia Chikri
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henrik Eliasson
- Electron Microscopy Center, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Erni
- Electron Microscopy Center, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Javier Pérez-Ramírez
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Lamb JV, Lee YH, Sun J, Byron C, Uppuluri R, Kennedy RM, Meng C, Behera RK, Wang YY, Qi L, Sadow AD, Huang W, Ferrandon MS, Scott SL, Poeppelmeier KR, Abu-Omar MM, Delferro M. Supported Platinum Nanoparticles Catalyzed Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage of Polyolefins: Role of the Oxide Support Acidity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11361-11376. [PMID: 38393744 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Supported platinum nanoparticle catalysts are known to convert polyolefins to high-quality liquid hydrocarbons using hydrogen under relatively mild conditions. To date, few studies using platinum grafted onto various metal oxide (MxOy) supports have been undertaken to understand the role of the acidity of the oxide support in the carbon-carbon bond cleavage of polyethylene under consistent catalytic conditions. Specifically, two Pt/MxOy catalysts (MxOy = SrTiO3 and SiO2-Al2O3; Al = 3.0 wt %, target Pt loading 2 wt % Pt ∼1.5 nm), under identical catalytic polyethylene hydrogenolysis conditions (T = 300 °C, P(H2) = 170 psi, t = 24 h; Mw = ∼3,800 g/mol, Mn = ∼1,100 g/mol, Đ = 3.45, Nbranch/100C = 1.0), yielded a narrow distribution of hydrocarbons with molecular weights in the range of lubricants (Mw = < 600 g/mol; Mn < 400 g/mol; Đ = 1.5). While Pt/SrTiO3 formed saturated hydrocarbons with negligible branching, Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 formed partially unsaturated hydrocarbons (<1 mol % alkenes and ∼4 mol % alkyl aromatics) with increased branch density (Nbranch/100C = 5.5). Further investigations suggest evidence for a competitive hydrocracking mechanism occurring alongside hydrogenolysis, stemming from the increased acidity of Pt/SiO2-Al2O3 compared to Pt/SrTiO3. Additionally, the products of these polymer deconstruction reactions were found to be independent of the polyethylene feedstock, allowing the potential to upcycle polyethylenes with various properties into a value-added product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica V Lamb
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jiakai Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Carly Byron
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Ritesh Uppuluri
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Robert M Kennedy
- Aeternal Upcycling, Inc., Chicago, Illinois 60640, United States
| | - Chao Meng
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Ranjan K Behera
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Yi-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Long Qi
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Aaron D Sadow
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Magali S Ferrandon
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Susannah L Scott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Kenneth R Poeppelmeier
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Mahdi M Abu-Omar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Massimiliano Delferro
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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25
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Rani S, Aslam S, Lal K, Noreen S, Alsader KAM, Hussain R, Shirinfar B, Ahmed N. Electrochemical C-H/C-C Bond Oxygenation: A Potential Technology for Plastic Depolymerization. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300331. [PMID: 38063812 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we provide eco-friendly and safely operated electrocatalytic methods for the selective oxidation directly or with water, air, light, metal catalyst or other mediators serving as the only oxygen supply. Heavy metals, stoichiometric chemical oxidants, or harsh conditions were drawbacks of earlier oxidative cleavage techniques. It has recently come to light that a crucial stage in the deconstruction of plastic waste and the utilization of biomass is the selective activation of inert C(sp3 )-C/H(sp3 ) bonds, which continues to be a significant obstacle in the chemical upcycling of resistant polyolefin waste. An appealing alternative to chemical oxidations using oxygen and catalysts is direct or indirect electrochemical conversion. An essential transition in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries is the electrochemical oxidation of C-H/C-C bonds. In this review, we discuss cutting-edge approaches to chemically recycle commercial plastics and feasible C-C/C-H bonds oxygenation routes for industrial scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Rani
- Department of Chemistry, The Women University Multan, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Samina Aslam
- Department of Chemistry, The Women University Multan, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Kiran Lal
- Department of Chemistry, The Women University Multan, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Noreen
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, 40100, Pakistan
| | | | - Riaz Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Education Lahore, D.G. Khan Campus, 32200, Pakistan
| | - Bahareh Shirinfar
- West Herts College - University of Hertfordshire, Watford, WD17 3EZ, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
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26
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Kim CA, Sahasrabudhe CA, Wang YY, Yappert R, Heyden A, Huang W, Sadow AD, Peters B. Population Balance Equations for Reactive Separation in Polymer Upcycling. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:4096-4107. [PMID: 38350109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Many polymer upcycling efforts aim to convert plastic waste into high-value liquid hydrocarbons. However, the subsequent cleavage of middle distillates to light gases can be problematic. The reactor often contains a vapor phase (light gases and middle distillates) and a liquid phase (molten polymers and waxes with a suspended or dissolved catalyst). Because the catalyst resides in the liquid phase, middle distillates that partition into the vapor phase are protected against further cleavage into light gases. In this paper, we consider a simple reactive separation strategy, in which a gas outflow removes the volatile products as they form. We combine vapor-liquid equilibrium models and population balance equations (PBEs) to describe polymer upcycling in a two-phase semibatch reactor. The results suggest that the temperature, headspace volume, and flow rate of the reactor can be used to tune selectivity toward the middle distillates, in addition to the molecular mechanism of catalysis. We anticipate that two-phase reactor models will be important in many polymer upcycling processes and that reactive separation strategies will provide ways to boost the yield of the desired products in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhae Andrew Kim
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Chinmay A Sahasrabudhe
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yi-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Ryan Yappert
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Andreas Heyden
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Aaron D Sadow
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Baron Peters
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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27
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Yuan Y, Xie Z, Turaczy KK, Hwang S, Zhou J, Chen JG. Controlling Product Distribution of Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis Using Bimetallic RuM 3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) Catalysts. CHEM & BIO ENGINEERING 2024; 1:67-75. [PMID: 38434798 PMCID: PMC10906090 DOI: 10.1021/cbe.3c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Plastic hydrogenolysis is an attractive approach for producing value-added chemicals due to its mild reaction conditions, but controlling product distribution is challenging due to the formation of undesired CH4. This work reports several bimetallic RuM3/CeO2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts that shift the product of low-density polyethylene hydrogenolysis toward longer-chain hydrocarbons. These catalysts were characterized by using X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, electron microscopy imaging, and H2 temperature-programmed reduction. The combined catalytic evaluation and characterization results revealed that the product distribution was regulated by the formation of bimetallic alloys. A model compound, n-hexadecane, was selected to further understand the differences in hydrogenolysis over the Ru-based catalysts. Although a longer reaction time shifted the product toward smaller molecules, the bimetallic (RuCo3/CeO2) catalyst limited the further conversion of C2-C5 into CH4. This work highlights the role of bimetallic alloys in tailoring the interaction with hydrocarbons, thereby controlling the product distribution of polymer hydrogenolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yuan
- Chemistry
Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Zhenhua Xie
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Kevin K. Turaczy
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Sooyeon Hwang
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Jingguang G. Chen
- Chemistry
Division, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
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28
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Ran H, Zhang S, Ni W, Jing Y. Precise activation of C-C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics. Chem Sci 2024; 15:795-831. [PMID: 38239692 PMCID: PMC10793209 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05701a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid accumulation of plastic waste has led to a severe environmental crisis and a noticeable imbalance between manufacturing and recycling. Fortunately, chemical upgradation of plastic waste holds substantial promise for addressing these challenges posed by white pollution. During plastic upcycling and recycling, the key challenge is to activate and cleave the inert C-C bonds in plastic waste. Therefore, this perspective delves deeper into the upcycling and recycling of polyolefins from the angle of C-C activation-cleavage. We illustrate the importance of C-C bond activation in polyolefin depolymerization and integrate molecular-level catalysis, active site modulation, reaction networks and mechanisms to achieve precise activation-cleavage of C-C bonds. Notably, we draw potential inspiration from the accumulated wisdom of related fields, such as C-C bond activation in lignin chemistry, alkane dehydrogenation chemistry, C-Cl bond activation in CVOC removal, and C-H bond activation, to influence the landscape of plastic degradation through cross-disciplinary perspectives. Consequently, this perspective offers better insights into existing catalytic technologies and unveils new prospects for future advancements in recycling and upcycling of plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshun Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
- Institute for the Environment and Health, Nanjing University Suzhou Campus Suzhou 215163 China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
- Institute for the Environment and Health, Nanjing University Suzhou Campus Suzhou 215163 China
| | - Wenyi Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
- Institute for the Environment and Health, Nanjing University Suzhou Campus Suzhou 215163 China
| | - Yaxuan Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
- Institute for the Environment and Health, Nanjing University Suzhou Campus Suzhou 215163 China
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29
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Chauhan M, Antil N, Rana B, Akhtar N, Thadhani C, Begum W, Manna K. Isoreticular Metal-Organic Frameworks Confined Mononuclear Ru-Hydrides Enable Highly Efficient Shape-Selective Hydrogenolysis of Polyolefins. JACS AU 2023; 3:3473-3484. [PMID: 38155638 PMCID: PMC10751774 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Upcycling nonbiodegradable plastics such as polyolefins is paramount due to their ever-increasing demand and landfills after usage. Catalytic hydrogenolysis is highly appealing to convert polyolefins into targeted value-added products under mild reaction conditions compared with other methods, such as high-temperature incineration and pyrolysis. We have developed three isoreticular zirconium UiO-metal-organic frameworks (UiO-MOFs) node-supported ruthenium dihydrides (UiO-RuH2), which are efficient heterogeneous catalysts for hydrogenolysis of polyethylene at 200 °C, affording liquid hydrocarbons with a narrow distribution and excellent selectivity via shape-selective catalysis. UiO-66-RuH2 catalyzed hydrogenolysis of single-use low-density polyethylene (LDPE) produced a C12 centered narrow bell-shaped distribution of C8-C16 alkanes in >80% yield and 90% selectivity in the liquid phase. By tuning the pore sizes of the isoreticular UiO-RuH2 MOF catalysts, the distribution of the products could be systematically altered, affording different fuel-grade liquid hydrocarbons from LDPE in high yields. Our spectroscopic and theoretical studies and control experiments reveal that UiO-RuH2 catalysts enable highly efficient upcycling of plastic wastes under mild conditions owing to their unique combination of coordinatively unsaturated single-site Ru-active sites, uniform and tunable pores, well-defined porous structure, and superior stability. The kinetics and theoretical calculations also identify the C-C bond scission involving β-alkyl transfer as the turnover-limiting step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manav Chauhan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Neha Antil
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Bharti Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Naved Akhtar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Chhaya Thadhani
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Wahida Begum
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Kuntal Manna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
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30
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Lai Q, Mason AH, Agarwal A, Edenfield WC, Zhang X, Kobayashi T, Kratish Y, Marks TJ. Rapid Polyolefin Hydrogenolysis by a Single-Site Organo-Tantalum Catalyst on a Super-Acidic Support: Structure and Mechanism. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312546. [PMID: 37948306 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The novel electrophilic organo-tantalum catalyst AlS/TaNpx (1) (Np=neopentyl) is prepared by chemisorption of the alkylidene Np3 Ta=CHt Bu onto highly Brønsted acidic sulfated alumina (AlS). The proposed catalyst structure is supported by EXAFS, XANES, ICP, DRIFTS, elemental analysis, and SSNMR measurements and is in good agreement with DFT analysis. Catalyst 1 is highly effective for the hydrogenolysis of diverse linear and branched hydrocarbons, ranging from C2 to polyolefins. To the best of our knowledge, 1 exhibits one of the highest polyolefin hydrogenolysis activities (9,800 (CH2 units) ⋅ mol(Ta)-1 ⋅ h-1 at 200 °C/17 atm H2 ) reported to date in the peer-reviewed literature. Unlike the AlS/ZrNp2 analog, the Ta catalyst is more thermally stable and offers multiple potential C-C bond activation pathways. For hydrogenolysis, AlS/TaNpx is effective for a wide variety of pre- and post-consumer polyolefin plastics and is not significantly deactivated by standard polyolefin additives at typical industrial concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingheng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Alexander H Mason
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Amol Agarwal
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Wilson C Edenfield
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Takeshi Kobayashi
- U.S. DOE Ames National Laboratory, IOWA State University, Ames, IA50011-3020, USA
| | - Yosi Kratish
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
| | - Tobin J Marks
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL-60208-3113, USA
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31
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Kang Q, Chu M, Xu P, Wang X, Wang S, Cao M, Ivasenko O, Sham TK, Zhang Q, Sun Q, Chen J. Entropy Confinement Promotes Hydrogenolysis Activity for Polyethylene Upcycling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202313174. [PMID: 37799095 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical upcycling that catalyzes waste plastics back to high-purity chemicals holds great promise in end-of-life plastics valorization. One of the main challenges in this process is the thermodynamic limitations imposed by the high intrinsic entropy of polymer chains, which makes their adsorption on catalysts unfavorable and the transition state unstable. Here, we overcome this challenge by inducing the catalytic reaction inside mesoporous channels, which possess a strong confined ability to polymer chains, allowing for stabilization of the transition state. This approach involves the synthesis of p-Ru/SBA catalysts, in which Ru nanoparticles are uniformly distributed within the channels of an SBA-15 support, using a precise impregnation method. The unique design of the p-Ru/SBA catalyst has demonstrated significant improvements in catalytic performance for the conversion of polyethylene into high-value liquid fuels, particularly diesel. The catalyst achieved a high solid conversion rate of 1106 g ⋅ gRu -1 ⋅ h-1 at 230 °C. Comparatively, this catalytic activity is 4.9 times higher than that of a control catalyst, Ru/SiO2 , and 14.0 times higher than that of a commercial catalyst, Ru/C, at 240 °C. This remarkable catalytic activity opens up immense opportunities for the chemical upcycling of waste plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyun Kang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Chu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Smart Systems, Advanced Materials Division, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xuchun Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Shiqi Wang
- Innovation Center for Chemical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Muhan Cao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Oleksandr Ivasenko
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tsun-Kong Sham
- Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Qiming Sun
- Innovation Center for Chemical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jinxing Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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32
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Samudrala K, Conley MP. A Supported Ziegler-Type Organohafnium Site Metabolizes Polypropylene. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145. [PMID: 37921588 PMCID: PMC10655186 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Cp2Hf(CH3)2 reacts with silica containing strong aluminum Lewis sites to form Cp2Hf-13CH3+ paired with aluminate anions. Solid-state NMR studies show that this reaction also forms neutral organohafnium and hafnium sites lacking methyl groups. Cp2Hf-13CH3+ reacts with isotatic polypropylene (iPP, Mn = 13.3 kDa; Đ = 2.4; mmmm = 94%; ∼110 C3H6/Hf) and H2 to form oils with moderate molecular weights (Mn = 290-1200 Da) in good yields. The aliphatic oils show characteristic 13C{1H} NMR properties consistent with complete loss of diastereoselectivity and formation of regioirregular errors under 1 atm H2. These results show that a Ziegler-Natta-type active site is compatible in a common reaction used to digest waste plastic into smaller aliphatic fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew P. Conley
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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33
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Wu X, Lee WT, Turnell-Ritson RC, Delannoi PCL, Lin KH, Dyson PJ. Controlling the selectivity of the hydrogenolysis of polyamides catalysed by ceria-supported metal nanoparticles. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6524. [PMID: 37845260 PMCID: PMC10579319 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Catalytic hydrogenolysis is a promising approach to transform waste plastic into valuable chemicals. However, the transformation of N-containing polymers, such as polyamides (i.e. nylon), remains under-investigated, particularly by heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we demonstrate the hydrogenolysis of various polyamides catalysed by platinum-group metal nanoparticles supported on CeO2. Ru/CeO2 and Pt/CeO2 are both highly active but display different selectivity; Ru/CeO2 is selective for the conversion of all polyamides into water, ammonia, and methane, whereas Pt/CeO2 yields hydrocarbons retaining the carbon backbone of the parent polyamide. Density functional theory computations illustrate that Pt nanoparticles require higher activation energy for carbon-carbon bond cleavage than Ru nanoparticles, rationalising the observed selectivity. The high activity and product selectivity of both catalysts was maintained when converting real-world polyamide products, such as fishing net. This study provides a mechanistic basis for heterogeneously catalysed polyamide hydrogenolysis, and a new approach to the valorisation of polyamide containing waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- XinBang Wu
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wei-Tse Lee
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roland C Turnell-Ritson
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pauline C L Delannoi
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kun-Han Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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34
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Zhou Q, Wang D, Wang Q, He K, Lim KH, Yang X, Wang WJ, Li BG, Liu P. Mechanistic Understanding of Efficient Polyethylene Hydrocracking over Two-Dimensional Platinum-Anchored Tungsten Trioxide. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305644. [PMID: 37325872 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Chemical upcycling of polyethylene (PE) can convert plastic waste into valuable resources. However, engineering a catalyst that allows PE decomposition at low temperatures with high activity remains a significant challenge. Herein, we anchored 0.2 wt.% platinum (Pt) on defective two-dimensional tungsten trioxide (2D WO3 ) nanosheets and achieved hydrocracking of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste at 200-250 °C with a liquid fuel (C5-18 ) formation rate up to 1456 gproducts ⋅ gmetal species -1 ⋅ h-1 . The reaction pathway over the bifunctional 2D Pt/WO3 is elucidated by quasi-operando transmission infrared spectroscopy, where (I) well-dispersed Pt immobilized on 2D WO3 nanosheets trigger the dissociation of hydrogen; (II) adsorption of PE and activation of C-C cleavage on WO3 are through the formation of C=O/C=C intermediates; (III) intermediates are converted to alkane products by the dissociated H. Our study directly illustrates the synergistic role of bifunctional Pt/WO3 catalyst in the hydrocracking of HDPE, paving the way for the development of high-performance catalysts with optimized chemical and morphological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Deliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Qingyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Kailin He
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for the Synergetic Control and Resource Reuse of the Multi-Pollutants of Flue Gas, National Sintering and Pelletizing Equipment System Engineering Research Center, Zhongye Changtian International Engineering Co., Ltd., Changsha, 410205, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Khak Ho Lim
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Geng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Pingwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Institute of Zhejiang University-Quzhou, 99 Zheda Rd, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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35
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Tennakoon A, Wu X, Meirow M, Howell D, Willmon J, Yu J, Lamb JV, Delferro M, Luijten E, Huang W, Sadow AD. Two Mesoporous Domains Are Better Than One for Catalytic Deconstruction of Polyolefins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17936-17944. [PMID: 37540829 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Catalytic hydrogenolysis of polyolefins into valuable liquid, oil, or wax-like hydrocarbon chains for second-life applications is typically accompanied by the hydrogen-wasting co-formation of low value volatiles, notably methane, that increase greenhouse gas emissions. Catalytic sites confined at the bottom of mesoporous wells, under conditions in which the pore exerts the greatest influence over the mechanism, are capable of producing less gases than unconfined sites. A new architecture was designed to emphasize this pore effect, with the active platinum nanoparticles embedded between linear, hexagonal mesoporous silica and gyroidal cubic MCM-48 silica (mSiO2/Pt/MCM-48). This catalyst deconstructs polyolefins selectively into ∼C20-C40 paraffins and cleaves C-C bonds at a rate (TOF = 4.2 ± 0.3 s-1) exceeding that of materials lacking these combined features while generating negligible volatile side products including methane. The time-independent product distribution is consistent with a processive mechanism for polymer deconstruction. In contrast to time- and polymer length-dependent products obtained from non-porous catalysts, mSiO2/Pt/MCM-48 yields a C28-centered Gaussian distribution of waxy hydrocarbons from polyolefins of varying molecular weight, composition, and physical properties, including low-density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, and mixtures of multiple, post-industrial polyolefins. Coarse-grained simulation reveals that the porous-core architecture enables the paraffins to diffuse away from the active platinum site, preventing secondary reactions that produce gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akalanka Tennakoon
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Xun Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Max Meirow
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Daniel Howell
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Jarod Willmon
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Jessica V Lamb
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Massimiliano Delferro
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Erik Luijten
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Wenyu Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Aaron D Sadow
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
- Chemical and Biological Sciences Division, Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
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36
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Zhou Y, Rodríguez-López J, Moore JS. Heterogenous electromediated depolymerization of highly crystalline polyoxymethylene. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4847. [PMID: 37563151 PMCID: PMC10415396 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-consumer plastic waste in the environment has driven the scientific community to develop deconstruction methods that yield valued substances from these synthetic macromolecules. Electrocatalysis is a well-established method for achieving challenging transformations in small molecule synthesis. Here we present the first electro-chemical depolymerization of polyoxymethylene-a highly crystalline engineering thermoplastic (Delrin®)-into its repolymerizable monomer, formaldehyde/1,3,5-trioxane, under ambient conditions. We investigate this electrochemical deconstruction by employing solvent screening, cyclic voltammetry, divided cell studies, electrolysis with redox mediators, small molecule model studies, and control experiments. Our findings determine that the reaction proceeds via a heterogeneous electro-mediated acid depolymerization mechanism. The bifunctional role of the co-solvent 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) is also revealed. This study demonstrates the potential of electromediated depolymerization serving as an important role in sustainable chemistry by merging the concepts of renewable energy and circular plastic economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhou
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Joaquín Rodríguez-López
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Moore
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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37
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Hervàs-Arnandis S, Palomar-de Lucas B, Bilanin C, Mingueza-Verdejo P, Viciano M, Oliver-Meseguer J, Leyva-Pérez A. Functionalization of polyethylene with hydrolytically-stable ester groups. RSC Adv 2023; 13:23859-23869. [PMID: 37577098 PMCID: PMC10413336 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05024f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-density (LD) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), recycled or not, incorporates up to 7 wt% of ester groups after reacting either with ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) under catalytic and solvent free-reaction conditions, or with maleic anhydride (MA) and acrylates (AC) under catalytic radical conditions. The resulting upcycled polyethylene esters are hydrolytically stable at extreme pH (0-14) and can be further transformed into carboxylic acids, carboxylates, other esters and amides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susi Hervàs-Arnandis
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Brenda Palomar-de Lucas
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Cristina Bilanin
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Paloma Mingueza-Verdejo
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Mónica Viciano
- AIMPLAS, València Parc Tecnològic C/Gustave Eiffel, 4 46980 Paterna Valencia Spain
| | - Judit Oliver-Meseguer
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Antonio Leyva-Pérez
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universidad Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas Avda. de los Naranjos s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
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Ji H, Wang X, Wei X, Peng Y, Zhang S, Song S, Zhang H. Boosting Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis Performance of Ru-CeO 2 Catalysts by Finely Regulating the Ru Sizes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300903. [PMID: 37096905 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogenolysis is an effective method for converting polyolefins into high-value chemicals. For the supported catalysts commonly used, the size of active metals is of great importance. In this study, it is discovered that the activity of CeO2 -supported Ru single atom, nanocluster, and nanoparticle catalysts shows a volcanic trend in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) hydrogenolysis. Compared with CeO2 supported Ru single atoms and nanoparticles, CeO2 -supported Ru nanoclusters possess the highest conversion efficiency, as well as the best selectivity toward liquid alkanes. Through comprehensive investigations, the metal-support interactions (MSI) and hydrogen spillover effect are revealed as the two key factors in the reaction. On the one hand, the MSI is strongly related to the Ru surface states and the more electronegative Ru centers are beneficial to the activation of CH and CC bonds. On the other hand, the hydrogen spillover capability directly affects the affinity of catalysts and active H atoms, and increasing this affinity is advantageous to the hydrogenation of alkane species. Decreasing the Ru sizes can promote the MSI, but it can also reduce the hydrogen spillover effect. Therefore, only when the two effects achieve a balance, as is the case in CeO2 -supported Ru nanoclusters, can the hydrogenolysis activity be promoted to the optimal value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Ji
- School of Rare Earths, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Science, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xiaoxu Wei
- School of Rare Earths, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Science, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Yuxuan Peng
- School of Rare Earths, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Science, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Shuyan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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39
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Miao Y, Zhao Y, Waterhouse GIN, Shi R, Wu LZ, Zhang T. Photothermal recycling of waste polyolefin plastics into liquid fuels with high selectivity under solvent-free conditions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4242. [PMID: 37454122 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxuan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Run Shi
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Zhu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Tierui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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40
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Du J, Zeng L, Yan T, Wang C, Wang M, Luo L, Wu W, Peng Z, Li H, Zeng J. Efficient solvent- and hydrogen-free upcycling of high-density polyethylene into separable cyclic hydrocarbons. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:772-779. [PMID: 37365277 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01429-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a planetary threat that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the surge in medical waste, personal protective equipment and takeaway packaging. A socially sustainable and economically viable method for plastic recycling should not use consumable materials such as co-reactants or solvents. Here we report that Ru nanoparticles on zeolitic HZSM-5 catalyse the solvent- and hydrogen-free upcycling of high-density polyethylene into a separable distribution of linear (C1 to C6) and cyclic (C7 to C15) hydrocarbons. The valuable monocyclic hydrocarbons accounted for 60.3 mol% of the total yield. Based on mechanistic studies, the dehydrogenation of polymer chains to form C=C bonds occurs on both Ru sites and acid sites in HZSM-5, whereas carbenium ions are generated on the acid sites via the protonation of the C=C bonds. Accordingly, optimizing the Ru and acid sites promoted the cyclization process, which requires the simultaneous existence of a C=C bond and a carbenium ion on a molecular chain at an appropriate distance, providing high activity and cyclic hydrocarbon selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Du
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yan
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanhao Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Wang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Luo
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijun Peng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, People's Republic of China.
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41
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Kwon H, Mpourmpakis G. Ab Initio Thermochemistry of Highly Flexible Molecules for Thermal Decomposition Analysis. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:3652-3663. [PMID: 37310272 PMCID: PMC10308812 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pyrolysis is a promising technology for chemical recycling of waste plastics, since it enables the generation of high-value chemicals with low capital and operating cost. The calculation of thermodynamic equilibrium composition using the Gibbs free energy minimization approach can determine pyrolysis operating conditions that produce desired products. However, the availability of thermochemical data can limit the application of equilibrium calculations. While density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been commonly used to produce accurate thermochemical data (e.g., enthalpies of formation) of small molecules, the accuracy and computational cost of these calculations are both challenging to handle for large, flexible molecules, exhibiting multiple conformations at elevated (i.e., pyrolysis) temperatures. In this work, we develop a computational framework to calculate accurate, temperature-dependent thermochemistry of large and flexible molecules by combining force field based conformational search, DFT calculations, thermochemical corrections, and Boltzmann statistics. Our framework produces accurately calculated thermochemistry that is used to predict equilibrium thermal decomposition profiles of octadecane, a model compound of polyethylene. Our thermochemistry results are compared against literature data demonstrating a great agreement, and the predicted decomposition profiles rationalize a series of pyrolysis experimental observations. Our work systematically addresses entropic contributions of large molecules and suggests paths for accurate and yet computationally feasible calculations of Gibbs free energies. The first-principles-based thermodynamic equilibrium analysis proposed in this work can be a significant step toward predicting temperature-dependent product distributions from plastic pyrolysis and guide experimentation on chemical plastic recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giannis Mpourmpakis
- Department of Chemical and
Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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42
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Qiu Z, Lin S, Chen Z, Chen A, Zhou Y, Cao X, Wang Y, Lin BL. A reusable, impurity-tolerant and noble metal-free catalyst for hydrocracking of waste polyolefins. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg5332. [PMID: 37343106 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg5332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
One-step conversion of low-purity polyolefins to value-added products without pretreatments represents a great opportunity for chemical recycling of waste plastics. However, additives, contaminants, and heteroatom-linking polymers tend to be incompatible with catalysts that break down polyolefins. Here, we disclose a reusable, noble metal-free and impurity-tolerant bifunctional catalyst, MoSx-Hbeta, for hydroconversion of polyolefins into branched liquid alkanes under mild conditions. The catalyst works for a wide scope of polyolefins, including different kinds of high-molecular weight polyolefins, polyolefins mixed with various heteroatom-linking polymers, contaminated polyolefins, and postconsumer polyolefins with/without cleaning under 250°C and 20 to 30 bar H2 in 6 to 12 hours. A 96% yield of small alkanes was successfully achieved even at a temperature as low as 180°C. These results demonstrate the great potentials of hydroconversion in practical use of waste plastics as a largely untapped carbon feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zetian Qiu
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yitian Zhou
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Cao
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 239 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Lin Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
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43
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Wan Y, Wang H, Liu J, Liu X, Song X, Zhou W, Zhang J, Huo P. Enhanced degradation of polyethylene terephthalate plastics by CdS/CeO 2 heterojunction photocatalyst activated peroxymonosulfate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131375. [PMID: 37030225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Waste plastics have posed enormous to the environment, but their recycling, especially polyethylene terephthalate plastics, was still a huge challenge. Here, CdS/CeO2 was used as the photocatalyst to promote the degradation of PET-12 plastics by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) synergistic photocatalytic system. The results showed that 10 % CdS/CeO2 had the best performance under the illumination condition, and the weight loss rate of PET-12 could reach 93.92 % after adding 3 mM PMS. The effects of important parameters (PMS dose and co-existing anions) on PET-12 degradation were systematically studied, and the excellent performance of the photocatalytic-activated PMS system was verified by comparison experiments. SO4•- contributed the most to the degradation performance of PET-12 plastics, which was demonstrated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and free radical quenching experiments. Furthermore, the results of GC showed that the gas products including CO, and CH4. This indicated that the mineralized products could be further reduced to hydrocarbon fuel under the action of the photocatalyst. This job supplied a new idea for the photocatalytic treatment of waste microplastics in the water, which will help recycle waste plastics and recycle carbon resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wan
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Huijie Wang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Jiejing Liu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Xianghai Song
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Weiqiang Zhou
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Jisheng Zhang
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Pengewei Huo
- Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
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44
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Whajah B, Heil JN, Roman CL, Dorman JA, Dooley KM. Zeolite Supported Pt for Depolymerization of Polyethylene by Induction Heating. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023; 62:8635-8643. [PMID: 37304911 PMCID: PMC10251740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c04568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that for polyethylene depolymerization with induction heating (IH), using a bifunctional (Pt- or Pt-Sn-containing zeolite) hydrocracking catalyst, we can obtain high hydrocarbon product yields (up to 95 wt % in 2 h) at a relatively low surface temperature (375 °C) and with a tunable product distribution ranging from light gas products to gasoline- to diesel-range hydrocarbons. Four zeolite types [MFI, LTL, CHA(SSZ-13), and TON] were chosen as the supports due to their varying pore sizes and structures. These depolymerization results are obtained at atmospheric pressure and without the use of H2 and result in an alkane/alkene mixture with virtually no methane, aromatics, or coke formation. We also demonstrate how IH helps overcome diffusional resistances associated with conventional thermal heating and thereby shortens reaction times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Whajah
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Joseph N. Heil
- Department
of Chemistry and Physics, LeTourneau University, Longview, Texas 75602, United States
| | - Cameron L. Roman
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - James A. Dorman
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Kerry M. Dooley
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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Kim T, Nguyen-Phu H, Kwon T, Kang KH, Ro I. Investigating the impact of TiO 2 crystalline phases on catalytic properties of Ru/TiO 2 for hydrogenolysis of polyethylene plastic waste. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121876. [PMID: 37263565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A series of TiO2-supported Ru catalysts with different TiO2 crystalline phases was synthesized and employed for the hydrogenolysis of polyethylene (PE). CO chemisorption, high-angle annular dark-field-scanning transmission electron microscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, and CO-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the degree of strong metal-support interactions (SMSIs) varied depending on the type of the TiO2 phase and the reduction temperature, eventually influencing the catalysis of PE hydrogenolysis. Among the synthesized catalysts, Ru/TiO2 with the rutile phase (Ru/TiO2-R) exhibited the highest catalytic activity after high-temperature reduction at 500 °C, indicating that a certain degree of SMSI is necessary for ensuring high activity in PE hydrogenolysis. Ru/TiO2-R could be successfully employed for the hydrogenolysis of post-consumer plastic wastes such as LDPE bottles to produce valuable chemicals (liquid fuel and wax) in high yields of 74.7%. This work demonstrates the possibility of harnessing the SMSIs in the design and synthesis of active catalysts for PE hydrogenolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehyup Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Huy Nguyen-Phu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeeun Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyuk Kang
- Chemical & Process Technology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Insoo Ro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea.
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Al-Naji M, Antonietti M. Turning Polyethylene Waste to Hydrocarbons Using a Sustainable Acidic Carbocatalyst. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202201991. [PMID: 36637905 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202201991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Careless release of plastic waste is a pressing problem for marine and other eco-environments, and materials recycling of this stream is an open problem. For this purpose, a new metal-free acidic carbocatalyst with 8 wt % sulfur is constructed from a side product of the paper industry namely Na-lignosulfonate. The catalyst shows an extraordinary performance for the fragmentation of polymer waste which smoothly occurs above the ceiling temperature of the polymers. The reaction is run without hydrogen and at ambient pressure with commercially available high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as a real polymer waste mixture of high and low-density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE). In all cases, a homologous series of n-alkanes and n-alkenes are obtained. The unique sulfur-rich carbonaceous structure (transfer hydrogenation functionality) and the metal-free character of the acidic carbocatalyst makes it inert against many typical catalyst poisons, among them water, salt, polar functionalities, and sulfur species. The described performance in plastic recycling, as well as the low cost and large-scale availability of lignosulfonate from the pulp industry, makes this metal-free acidic carbocatalyst promising for real-life environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Al-Naji
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus Antonietti
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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47
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Chang CF, Rangarajan S. Machine Learning and Informatics Based Elucidation of Reaction Pathways for Upcycling Model Polyolefin to Aromatics. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:2958-2966. [PMID: 36975726 PMCID: PMC10249406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Catalytic upcycling of plastics results in a complex network of potentially thousands of reactions and intermediates. Manual analysis of such a network using ab initio methods to identify plausible reaction pathways and rate-controlling steps is intractable. Here, we combine informatics-based reaction network generation and machine learning based thermochemistry calculation to identify plausible (nonelementary step) pathways involved in dehydroaromatization of a model polyolefin, n-decane, to form aromatic products. All 78 aromatic molecules found involve a sequence comprising dehydrogenation, β-scission, and cyclization steps (in slightly different order). The plausible flux-carrying pathway depends on the family of reactions that is rate-controlling while the thermodynamic bottleneck is the first dehydrogenation step of n-decane. The adopted workflow is system agnostic and can be applied to understand the overall thermochemistry of other upcycling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Fei Chang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Srinivas Rangarajan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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48
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Taseska T, Yu W, Wilsey MK, Cox CP, Meng Z, Ngarnim SS, Müller AM. Analysis of the Scale of Global Human Needs and Opportunities for Sustainable Catalytic Technologies. Top Catal 2023; 66:338-374. [PMID: 37025115 PMCID: PMC10007685 DOI: 10.1007/s11244-023-01799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
AbstractWe analyzed the enormous scale of global human needs, their carbon footprint, and how they are connected to energy availability. We established that most challenges related to resource security and sustainability can be solved by providing distributed, affordable, and clean energy. Catalyzed chemical transformations powered by renewable electricity are emerging successor technologies that have the potential to replace fossil fuels without sacrificing the wellbeing of humans. We highlighted the technical, economic, and societal advantages and drawbacks of short- to medium-term decarbonization solutions to gauge their practicability, economic feasibility, and likelihood for widespread acceptance on a global scale. We detailed catalysis solutions that enhance sustainability, along with strategies for catalyst and process development, frontiers, challenges, and limitations, and emphasized the need for planetary stewardship. Electrocatalytic processes enable the production of solar fuels and commodity chemicals that address universal issues of the water, energy and food security nexus, clothing, the building sector, heating and cooling, transportation, information and communication technology, chemicals, consumer goods and services, and healthcare, toward providing global resource security and sustainability and enhancing environmental and social justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teona Taseska
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
| | - Wanqing Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
| | | | - Connor P. Cox
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
| | - Ziyi Meng
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
| | - Soraya S. Ngarnim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
| | - Astrid M. Müller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 14627 Rochester, NY USA
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Gao J, Zhu L, Conley MP. Cationic Tantalum Hydrides Catalyze Hydrogenolysis and Alkane Metathesis Reactions of Paraffins and Polyethylene. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:4964-4968. [PMID: 36827508 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Sulfated aluminum oxide (SAO), a high surface area material containing sulfate anions that behave like weakly coordinating anions, reacts with Ta(═CHtBu)(CH2tBu)3 to form [Ta(CH2tBu)2(O-)2][SAO] (1). Subsequent treatment with H2 forms Ta-H+ sites supported on SAO that are active in hydrogenolysis and alkane metathesis reactions. In both reactions Ta-H+ is more active than related neutral Ta-H sites supported on silica. This reaction chemistry extends to melts of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), where Ta-H+ converts 30% of a low molecular weight HDPE (Mn = 2.5 kg mol-1; Đ = 3.6) to low molecular weight paraffins under hydrogenolysis conditions. Under alkane metathesis conditions Ta-H+ converts this HDPE to a high MW fraction (Mn = 6.2 kDa; Đ = 2.3) and low molecular weight alkane products (C13-C32). These results show that incorporating charge as a design element in supported d0 metal hydrides is a viable strategy to increase the reaction rate in challenging reactions involving reorganization of C-C bonds in alkanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Lingchao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Matthew P Conley
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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50
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Jung S, Ro I. Strategic use of thermo-chemical processes for plastic waste valorization. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-023-1398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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