Rescue the earth with the help of science; Plastics become energy sources! – Iranian and world news

According to the Mehr Reporter, the global crisis of plastic waste is still one of the most serious environmental challenges of the present day; But researchers are trying to make this environmental threat a technological opportunity for a low -carbon future. New technologies have now been able to transform unattractive plastics into carbon nanotubes and clean hydrogen; Valuable materials that can reduce the severity of pollution and are the founder of the future green economy.

The widespread use of plastics in various industries is due to their unique features; Light, durable and durable. But its mass production, along with the restriction of disposal infrastructure, has accumulated about 1.5 billion tonnes of plastic waste. More than quarter of this huge volume has only been launched into the environment, and conventional disposal practices, such as burial and burning, are not only a stable solution, but are far from the EU’s goal for recycling of 5 % to 5 % of plastic waste by year 2.

In contrast, converting these waste into valuable products gives a brighter and more sustainable perspective on the world. Hydrogen as a carrier of clean energy and carbon nanotubes with prominent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties have many uses in the manufacture of electronic equipment, energy storage and the production of compound materials. Plastic recycling with the aim of producing these products will both reduce environmental burden and be economically more economical.

One of the key ways in this direction is “pyrrolis”; The heat process in which the plastic is decomposed in the absence of oxygen and converted to gas, liquid and solid. Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have succeeded in using discarded masks as pyrolysis feed and converting the resulting gases to carbon nanotubes and hydrogen nanotubes with high temperature. It is noteworthy that this process does not require separation of different types of plastic and can be implemented on an industrial scale with low cost and low carbon emissions.

Along with Pirvilis, researchers have come up with another technology called “microwave catalytic”. In this method, instead of uniformly heating plastic, energy is targeted to specific points of the material and more effective chemical reactions. Catalysts such as FEALOX by absorbing microwave waves break the plastics bonds and provide conditions for free hydrogen and carbon structures to produce nanotubes.

The results of a study in the journal CHEMICAL Engineering Journal show that iron, cobalt and nickel catalysts produced in a simple and solvent -free way were high in destruction of low -sheet polyethylene. This method makes it possible to make up to 1.5 % of hydrogen selection and production of 1.5 mm / grams; There are two to three times more than traditional thermal catalysts.

In Singapore, the Nanyang Technology University has also been able to convert contaminated plastic waste such as food packaging and bags into valuable nanomaterials by designing a two -step process. First, the plastics are converted to synthesis gas at 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and then converted into carbon nanotubes in the second stage, using chemical steam deposition. This process without the use of water has made it possible to recover metals and achieve the goal of Singapore’s “non -waste” comprehensive plan.

Another emerging method is “photocatalytic” or the use of sunlight and semiconductors to break the structure of plastics. In this method, plastic polymers lose electron, resulting in useful molecules and hydrogen gas. Researchers have succeeded in obtaining high performance in the destruction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and simultaneous production of glyculat, acetat and ethanol by designing nanostructures from the combination of MXEne and the Circimium Sulfide. The production rate of hydrogen in this process has reached 1.2 mm / h.

What distinguishes these innovations is the ability to solve the crisis of plastic pollution with clean and sustainable energy development. Technologies that were the only laboratory solutions until yesterday are close to the pilot and production stage today and can soon become a key part of the world’s rotational economy cycle. From a discarded mask to a bottle of soda, they can all be a source for the production of valuable hydrogen and nanomaterials in the not too distant future.