Sorting plastic waste has for years been a bottleneck to efficient recycling. Manually separating polyethylene, polypropylene and other polymers translates into time, resources and a lot of mistakes. But a new breakthrough from Northwestern University promises to change the game: a nickel-based catalyst that allows polyolefins to be recycled without sorting.
How does the process work with the nickel catalyst?
The scientific team has developed a molecular catalyst catalyst that acts on carbon-carbon acts on carbon-carbon bondsdecomposing polyolefins such as PE and PP at temperatures 100 °C lower and with 10 times less catalyst than existing methods. Through hydrogenolysis, the residues are transformed into oils and liquid waxes, with industrial applications of higher value than the source plastics.
One of the most relevant points is its tolerance to PVC, a material that normally ruins recycling processes. recycling processes due to its thermal toxicity. Not only does the catalyst tolerate its presence, but its efficiency increases in mixtures with up to 25% PVC, an unexpected finding that could redefine the limits of chemical recycling. chemical recycling.
Unlike mechanical recycling, which produces pellets pellets, this solution offers a path to super-recycling. The use of nickel (an accessible metal) instead of platinum or palladium paves the way for large-scale implementation in industries. In addition, the catalyst is reusable through simple treatment, which further enhances its economic and environmental viability.
Catalysts to close the plastic cycle
With more than 220 million tons per year of polyolefins generated worldwide and recycling rates below 10%, this innovation represents a strategic opportunity. If scaled up, itcould mean a massive reduction in landfill waste and a significant improvement in urban management systems.
Expectations are now placed on its industrial adaptation, where companies and governments could adopt this method to transform the model of management model for disposable plastics..
Source and photo: Northwestern University
