SMRTR Science & EngineeringSep 2, 2025Interesting Engineering

Nickel catalyst turns single-use plastics into oils at low heat, no sorting needed

SMRTR summary

Northwestern University chemists developed a breakthrough process that converts single-use plastics into fuels, waxes, and lubricants without sorting. Their inexpensive nickel-based catalyst works at lower temperatures, breaking down polyolefins (which make up two-thirds of global plastic) more efficiently than current recycling methods. Surprisingly, the catalyst actually performs better when mixed with PVC, previously considered a recycling contaminant.

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