Scientist at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry and the University of California have published a new study that explore methods of converting plastic into liquid fuel. Currently, the way to do this is with heat and ultraviolet radiation. This method is extremely inefficient and lacks product control.
The new process they have been exploring is called cross alkane metathese or CAM. This is a highly efficient way of breaking down plastic without any pretreatment. CAM involves using two catalysts to create chemical reactions that split and separate the plastic.
According to the study, “After multiple cycles of CAM with light alkanes, PE [polyethylene] will be eventually converted to short hydrocarbons suitable for transportation oils.”
This is another way that we could end landfills.