By: Mimi Martinez
In order to chemically recycle plastics, one of the most widely proposed solutions can be found in hydrogenolysis. Using high-pressure hydrogen, an alloy catalyst, and hydrogen gas, long plastic polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), can be converted into shorter molecules to generate new products such as oils and fuels, among other chemicals.
A new study[1] shows how biomass- or CO₂-derived formic acid (FA) can serve as an alternative to high-pressure hydrogen as a renewable hydrogen carrier. It offers advantages such as low toxicity, ease of storage, and convenient transport.
The carbon monoxide (CO) changes the catalyst in a way that makes it better at breaking the carbon–carbon bonds in PE. This method removes the need for high-pressure hydrogen and makes it possible to recycle plastics in smaller, more flexible facilities, helping to create scalable and decentralized solutions for plastic waste.
The FA-mediated strategy also enables complete conversion of real-life polyolefin feedstocks into valuable products while minimizing gas formation (4.2% selectivity). By eliminating the need for high-pressure hydrogen infrastructure, this approach provides a transformative solution for decentralized plastic upcycling, supporting the development of modular and scalable waste treatment facilities.
