Light bulb-inspired high-temperature catalytic depolymerization of polyolefin plastic with high monomer selectivity.

ABSTRACT: The accumulation of plastic waste poses a severe environmental issue, and efficient depolymerization of plastic is essential toward sustainable waste management and circularity. However, depolymerizing polyolefin plastic into monomer with high selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, inspired by the incandescent light bulb, we demonstrate a catalytic depolymerization strategy utilizing high-temperature transition metal filaments to convert polyolefin plastic to olefin monomer, with monomer selectivity reaching up to 65%. The electrified transition metal filaments, serving as localized heat sources, can reach a high temperature of up to 2300 °C, significantly promoting the generation of gaseous products. The reaction region with sharp temperature gradient restrains secondary transformations

SUBMITTER: Yu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12647896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature