Conversion of waste plastics into value-added carbon materials

Valorization of plastic waste via chemical activation and carbonization into activated carbon for functional material applications

“…72 The oil and gas products are desirable since they are used as precursors to valuable fuels and chemicals. A recent study by Wang et al (2023) also showed that the oil and gas products of plastic waste pyrolysis can be converted to valuable hydrogen and solid carbon products through subsequent thermolysis. 73 The produced hydrogen fuel can generate clean electricity and the solid carbon has many applications including the investigated use as a reinforcing agent.…”

“…As a result, different structures are obtained, including activated carbon, carbon fibres, carbon nanotubes, carbon spheres, and graphene. 95 In terms of the plastic precursors, polyolefins such as PP and PE are ideal for producing carbon nanotubes, carbon spheres, and graphene because they form light hydrocarbons, which are catalyzed to form these structures during the carbonization process. 95,96 This can be achieved using combined catalysts, which act as both degradation and carbonization catalysts.…”

“…95 In terms of the plastic precursors, polyolefins such as PP and PE are ideal for producing carbon nanotubes, carbon spheres, and graphene because they form light hydrocarbons, which are catalyzed to form these structures during the carbonization process. 95,96 This can be achieved using combined catalysts, which act as both degradation and carbonization catalysts. The degradation catalyst helps to promote the formation of the required low molecular weight compounds, while the carbonization catalyst facilitates the degradation process such that carbon materials can be formed.…”

Research and application of polypropylene: a review

“…In current years, investigators have focused on improving the properties of PP through various techniques such as copolymerization, modification with additives, and nanocomposite formation [ 4 , 6 ]. For instance, Green et al revealed insulation of PP and propylene-ethylene by using a copolymerization approach [ 7 ].…”

Progress and Perspective for “Green” Strategies of Catalytic Plastics Conversion into Fuels by Regulating Half-Reactions

“…As per Plastics Europe 2023 report, the global plastic production reached 390.7 million tons in 2021. 1 However, the significant escalation in plastic production combined with its limited shelf life leads to a substantial volume of plastic waste. By the projected year 2050, it is estimated that global plastic waste could range from 850 to 950 million metric tons.…”