The team turns plastic waste into acid that can generate electricity

The work of Nanyang University of Technology (Singapore) is expected to be a solution to the current problem of plastic waste in an environmentally friendly manner.

In a recent study published in the journal Advanced Science , Nanyang University of Technology scientists said they have found a way to synthesize a new type of special-strength vanadium and aluminum catalyst .

Associate Professor Soo Han Sen (middle) and Nanyang Technological University research group (Singapore) - (Photo: NTU)

The catalyst can be dissolved in a solution containing persistent plastics such as polyethylene. With the help of sunlight, the catalyst contributes to breaking carbon-carbon bonds in just about 6 days.

According to Associate Professor Soo Han Sen - School of Mathematics and Physics, Nanyang Technological University - the reason most of the current plastic is difficult to handle is due to the chemical structure containing extremely durable carbon-carbon bonds and only "beat" at very high temperatures, or with the contribution of heavy metals.

The team's new technology solves this bottleneck.

First, the persistent pieces of plastic will be treated step 1 in the heating solution, at about 85 degrees Celsius.

Next, a special powdered catalyst containing vanadium and aluminum is added to the solution. Adding to the effect of sunlight, the carbon-carbon bond is completely broken in just about 6 days.

As a result, polyethylene is transformed into formic acid - a chemical that can be used in fuel cells to help generate electrical energy.

In nature, formic acid exists in the venom of many ants, so it is considered not dangerous. Today, formic acid is also used in many other industries such as textile dyeing, rubber, chemical synthesis .

Next, the team will test the method on an industrial scale - (Image: NTU).

"For many years, we have been trying to find the most sustainable and economical direction by making the most of light energy and cheap materials to turn persistent plastic into chemical products or other forms. other energy " - Associate Professor Soo Han Sen.

He also confirmed that this is the first method that can completely break down the structure of non-degradable resins like polyethylene without using heavy metals such as platinum, palladium or ruthenium .

From many laboratory studies, the team estimates this method can completely remove up to 30 carbon-carbon-containing compounds and turn them into useful, environmentally friendly materials.

Low cost and easy-to-find sources are also one of the other advantages of this approach.

PGS Soo said that most of the plastic waste in Singapore is now treated by incineration, but there is a limit when it emits into the environment a lot of greenhouse gases and toxic residues.

"From the initial success in the laboratory, we will continue to research on an industrial scale and aim to change the situation of plastic waste is flooded today" - Associate Professor Soo.

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