Researchers Turn Plastic Waste Into Valuable Carbon Nanotubes at Profit
Scientists have developed an efficient method to convert discarded plastics into high-demand carbon nanotubes using electromagnetic heating and metal catalysts. The process achieves commercial viability at $4–$5 per kilogram, opening a new revenue stream for waste management companies while reducing landfill dependency.
Originaltitel: Enhancing carbon nanotubes production from pyrolysis-catalysis of plastic waste through monolithic heating
Abstract In this study, we developed a novel monolithic heating method utilizing electromagnetic induction to enhance carbon nanotube (CNT) production from plastic waste via pyrolysis-catalysis. Metal porous catalysts, including iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and Fe-Ni alloy, enabled rapid volumetric heating, improved catalytic efficiency, and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional methods. The porous Fe catalyst demonstrated superior CNT yield, while Ni provided the highest hydrogen (H2) production. We achieved carbon recovery efficiencies of 86%, 84%, and 82% for low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene, respectively, using the Fe catalyst. Our economic analysis indicated that CNT production from waste polyethylene and waste polypropylene is feasible, with break-even selling prices of $4.02 kg−1 and $4.87 kg−1, respectively. Our work supports the development of a circular economy by enabling the efficient conversion of plastic waste into valuable CNT and H2 via pyrolysis-catalysis.