Hydrocracking Plastic Mixtures into Xylene

doi:10.2172/3365054

DOE OSTI · 3365054

Hydrocracking Plastic Mixtures into Xylene

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Abstract

Our research aims to tackle the challenge in recycling end-of-life plastics, the accumulation of which has become a grand challenge to our society, sustainability and economy. Guided by life-cycle assessment (LCA) and tech-economic analysis (TEA), we specifically target the catalytic conversion of low-cost #3-7 plastic mixtures ($\$$5/ton) into p-xylene (>$\$$1000/ton), one of the most valuable hydrocarbon products. This goal is achieved by carrying out integrated research including catalysis, process engineering, and reactor design. The ultimate goal of this project is to enable energy-efficient and economically viable depolymerization of end-of-life plastic mixtures into value-added commodity chemicals.

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 42 ENGINEERING aromatic chemicals catalytic conversion plastics recycling

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2025-07-14. Hydrocracking Plastic Mixtures into Xylene. https://doi.org/10.2172/3365054

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