New process turns plastic waste into hydrogen fuel while trapping the carbon
A new chemical process can transform three of the most common plastics into high-purity hydrogen without sorting them first. The technique operates at much lower temperatures than traditional gasification and captures most of the plastic’s carbon in solid or liquid forms instead of releasing it as carbon dioxide.
Modern life relies heavily on plastic products, yet these materials pose significant challenges when it comes to recycling. Traditional methods often require separating plastics by type, adding expense and complexity. As a result, only 9% of discarded plastic is recycled, with 79% ending up in landfills and 12% burned, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Scientists have now developed a process that converts mixed plastic waste directly into high-purity hydrogen fuel while capturing carbon. This method, known as alkaline thermal treatment (ATT), can process polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) waste together inside a single reactor, producing hydrogen that is over 90% pure.
Unlike conventional gasification, ATT operates at much lower temperatures and prevents carbon from escaping into the atmosphere. The captured carbon forms solid sodium carbonate, which can be converted into a stable mineral, effectively storing the carbon. By addressing the issues of plastic waste and carbon emissions simultaneously, this technology offers a promising solution for both the hydrogen economy and the circular economy. However, further research is needed to ensure its commercial viability.
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