CO₂ and HDPE Upcycling: A Plasma Catalysis Alternative

Abstract

This work describes the use of CO2 plasma as an active directing agent toward high-density polyethylene (HDPE) decomposition to synthetic fuels. We present for the first time the possibility of taking advantage of the electric field when using perovskites, a material responsive to such types of electrical inducement. Perovskites are observed to provide control of the reactive species by increasing the adsorption of the plasma-polarized CO2 due to their polar crystallographic unit cell that can generate an electric polarization modulated by the external electric field. Moreover, the plasma exposure charges the perovskite surface, and the accumulation of electrons promotes the generation of oxygen vacancies and thus a high conversion of CO2. The perovskite then leads to an improved intensity of the plasma-generated species prone to initiating HDPE decomposition such as O atoms and CO. This plasma-generated initiator directs random scissions, resulting in condensates that have the potential to be used as synthetic fuels as our product stream contains C5–C11 hydrocarbons similar to naphtha, which can be blended into gasoline; C9–C20 hydrocarbons with higher cetane numbers, similar to diesel; and C20+ waxes, which can also be converted into alternative fuel diesel through hydrocracking. We expect this work to initiate the development of tailored materials responsive to electric fields for important sustainable applications, where CO2 might play an important role.

Virtual Special Issue on Chemical Engineering under Extreme Conditions

“…Herein, our researchers break the boundaries of standard operating conditions, into the realms of unknown phenomena at extreme temperatures, pressures, acidities, and electromagnetism. I&EC Research has a long history of exploring the extremes, from our first paper in 1963 developing lubricants for liquid fuel-powered missiles, to our latest papers on plasma catalysts in high-voltage environments. − We hope this issue inspires you to turn up the dial on your own research and discover new properties and applications in chemical engineering.…”

“…Plasma is the most extreme state of matter: a soup of charged particles, active species in excited states, and reactive radicals . It is no surprise then that our plasma researchers have submitted their latest findings to this VSI, using plasma to upcycle plastic waste, regenerate waste catalysts, and convert CO 2 to CH 4 or CO and O 2 . , …”