Plastic Waste Pyrolysis

By 2050 it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Used plastics often end up as waste due to the limitations of current recycling practices. Plastic waste pyrolysis provides an alternative to traditional mechanical recycling and allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple types of plastic waste. Pyrolysis is a technique which decomposes a feedstock in the absence of air. Pyrolyzing plastic waste allows for the production of fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, marine fuel, and diesel, as well as higher value added chemicals.

Our research aims to understand the chemical reaction mechanisms occurring during the pyrolysis of single stream and mixed plastics. By using micro pyrolysis with two dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector (Tandem Py-GCxGC-TOF-MS/FID), our group is able to accurately characterize the products formed during pyrolysis in the absence of heat and mass transfer limitations. In addition to non-catalytic pyrolysis, we also investigate catalytic pyrolysis. The numerous characterization facilities at Penn State allow our group to understand what aspects of catalysts cause changes in the reaction mechanisms taking place.

GCxGC Method Development

Methane Conversion

One of today’s grand challenges is the activation of methane, which is the most stable and unreactive alkane without any dipole moment or any functional groups. Methane is also the main component of shale gas and biogas. Currently, methane is converted into fuels and chemicals through syngas, an energy intensive and large capital investment process. In our group, we focus on direct methane conversion processes such as non-oxidative coupling and pyrolysis. The mechanistic understanding that we develop in our group will not only enable the sustainable and efficient conversion of shale gas and biogas but also methane resources at remote locations that are currently flared. 

Database Development

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