Syngas production from polyolefins in a semi‐batch reactor system

Abstract

We investigate syngas production from polyolefins commonly found in solid waste in a semi‐batch reactor system via gasification and catalytic reforming. We find that the gasification behavior of polymer waste is correlated to the energy of the weakest CH bond in the polymer structure. Furthermore, we show that the syngas yield can be enhanced by the use of adsorbents and reforming catalysts, which promote gasification and reforming over pyrolysis reactions. Adsorbents are required for the achievement of high syngas yields when the polymer feed is comprised of polymers that pyrolyze at lower temperatures, such as PS, PP, and LDPE, resulting in carbon loss as light hydrocarbons. Adsorbents trap these light gases and release them at a higher temperature, where reforming over a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst can take place. This behavior also results in synergistic effects when blends of polymers are gasified. The Ni/Al2O3 catalyst is stable over multiple recycle reactor runs.

Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics to High Value‐Added Products via Pyrolysis: Current Trends, Future Perspectives, and Techno‐Feasibility Analysis

“…The complementary effects of nickel, magnesium, and aluminium in the catalysts are responsible for the good performance in eliminating HCN and the improved generation of H 2 ‐rich syngas. Svadlenak et al., [193] conducted syngas generation from polyolefins using a semi‐batch reactor setup. They discovered that the energy of the C−H bond in the polymer structure with the lowest bond strength was associated with the gasification behaviour of waste polymer materials.…”