Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polyethylene by Using La impregnated ZSM-5 Catalysts for Liquid Fuel Production

Abstract

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge facing the world. Due to its versatile characteristics such as durability, flexibility and low cost, it was introduced on a large scale in the mid-20th century. However, the durability that makes plastics so useful also contributes to their durability in the environment. Most plastics are non-biodegradable, which means they don't break down easily through natural processes. This leads directly to a widespread environmental problem, namely plastic pollution. Plastic waste pollutes soils and water, posing a serious threat to wildlife and Marine life through ingestion and habitat destruction. Catalytic pyrolysis is one of the most promising solutions to plastic pollution and zeolite is widely used as catalyst for this reaction. However, acid regulation and coke accumulation of zeolite are still potential problems to prevent its large-scale industrialization. In this thesis, I categorized into four chapters. In chapter 1, the background of our project was presented. Additionally, exhaustive literature review among upcycling of waste plastic and catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastic were carried out. In chapter 2, all methodologies used in this project are specifically discussed and explained the objectives of each instrument analysis. In chapter 3, the experiment procedure from the preparation to pyrolysis performance were elaborated. The characterization and the performance of pyrolysis of catalysts were investigated detailly. The modified HZSM-5 showed excellent performance (liquid yield = 35.8%) comparing to the pristine HZSM-5 (liquid yield = 24.5%). At the same time. The coke formation reduced from 6.7% to 5.1%. The fourth chapter design a waste plastic plant via Aspen Plus. It provides detailed economic analysis further confirmed its economic feasibility. Last chapter summarized the results of this research. Meanwhile, my perspectives and directions of future endeavors for researchers were discussed.