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

Author

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  • Shijie Yu

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  • Peijie Han

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    National University of Singapore, Centre for Hydrogen Innovations)

  • Haoyue Li

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  • Sikai Wang

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  • Junyang Xuan

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  • Ning Yan

    (National University of Singapore, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    National University of Singapore, Centre for Hydrogen Innovations)

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 of monomer. Monomer selectivity is tunable by varying different high-melting-point metallic elements, and can be extended to bulk commodity alloy, such as stainless steel.

Suggested Citation

  • Shijie Yu & Peijie Han & Haoyue Li & Sikai Wang & Junyang Xuan & Ning Yan, 2025. "Light bulb-inspired high-temperature catalytic depolymerization of polyolefin plastic with high monomer selectivity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65524-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65524-2
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