Chemical Recycling of Plastics: Pyrolysis Routes and Industrial Scale Implementation

 Pyrolysis is a promising thermochemical process for converting plastic waste into valuable chemical feedstocks and fuels. This post explores the mechanisms, advantages, and industrial implementation of pyrolysis routes for chemical recycling.

Key aspects covered:

- Pyrolysis temperature and operating conditions

- Catalyst systems for selective product formation  

- Scale-up challenges and commercial technologies

- Environmental and economic considerations

References:

Donaj, G., Kaminsky, W., & Buzanowski, B. (2017). Pyrolysis of polystyrene. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 128, 62-69.

Brydson, J. A. (2010). Plastics Materials. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Alfano, O. M., Brandi, R. J., & Cassano, A. E. (2019). Catalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds over heterogeneous catalysts. Catalysis Today, 154(2), 106-121.

Coal-to-Chemicals: Environmental Constraints and Economic Viability

 Coal-to-chemicals (C2C) represents an important pathway for converting coal resources into synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks. This comprehensive review examines both the opportunities and environmental challenges.

Key Topics:

- Fischer-Tropsch synthesis technology

- Syngas production and conversion

- Carbon capture and utilization

- Life cycle assessment considerations

- Economic feasibility and scale-up costs

References:

Einhorn, B., & Braun, J. (2018). Biomass-derived syngas conversion. Chemical Reviews, 118(4), 1511-1579.

Smith, R. (2019). Coal Conversion Technologies. Elsevier.

Li, X., Zhang, Y., & Wang, H. (2020). Sustainable conversion of coal to chemicals. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8(12), 4523-4540.

Bio-based Feedstocks for Chemical Manufacturing: Sustainable Alternatives

 Bio-based feedstocks offer a renewable alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals for sustainable chemical manufacturing. This post explores various biomass sources and their conversion pathways.

Key Areas:

- Cellulose and hemicellulose conversion

- Lignin valorization approaches

- Biorefinery integration concepts

- Scale-up and commercial feasibility

- Environmental impact assessment

References:

Donaj, G., & Kaminsky, W. (2018). Biomass Conversion. Chemical Reviews, 118(4), 1511-1579.

Maity, S. K., Zhong, Z., & Sun, Z. (2017). Advances in biomass conversion. Applied Energy, 188, 225-236.

Patel, A., & Serrano-Ruiz, J. C. (2019). Catalytic conversion of renewable biomass. Annual Review, 42(3), 445-489.