Zeolite Supported Pt for Depolymerization of Polyethylene by Induction Heating.

We demonstrate that for polyethylene depolymerization with induction heating (IH), using a bifunctional (Pt- or Pt-Sn-containing zeolite) hydrocracking catalyst, we can obtain high hydrocarbon product yields (up to 95 wt % in 2 h) at a relatively low surface temperature (375 °C) and with a tunable product distribution ranging from light gas products to gasoline- to diesel-range hydrocarbons. Four zeolite types [MFI, LTL, CHA(SSZ-13), and TON] were chosen as the supports due to their varying pore sizes and structures. These depolymerization results are obtained at atmospheric pressure and without the use of H and result in an alkane/alkene mixture with virtually no methane, aromatics, or coke formation.

Catalytic Depolymerization of Waste Polyolefins by Induction Heating: Selective Alkane/Alkene Production.

Low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) have been selectively depolymerized, without added H, to C2-C20 + alkanes/alkenes via energy-efficient radio frequency induction heating, coupled with dual-functional heterogeneous FeO and Ni- or Pt-based catalysts. FeO was used to locally generate heat when exposed to magnetic fields. Initial results indicate that zeolite-based Ni catalysts are more selective to light olefins, while Ni supported on ceria catalysts are more selective to C7-C14 alkanes/alkenes.