Interfacial configurational entropy tuning strategy enabling liquid alloys for efficient depolymerization of...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Plastic waste accumulation is a global environmental crisis.
• Depolymerization is a key strategy for closed-loop plastic recycling.
• Current methods struggle with chemically stable polyolefins, yielding low light olefin output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient catalytic system for polyolefin depolymerization.
• To enhance light olefin yields and catalyst stability.
• To enable sustainable plastic waste utilization.

Main Methods:

• Developed a quaternary GaInNiSn liquid alloy catalyst.
• Employed an interfacial configurational entropy tuning strategy.
• Investigated catalytic mechanisms including C-H bond activation and beta-scission.

Main Results:

• Achieved a space-time yield of 181.5 mmol g_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹ for light olefin production.
• Demonstrated catalyst stability over 120 hours in a photovoltaics-driven system.
• Identified Niδ⁻-Snδ+ active sites within a dynamic Ga interface.

Conclusions:

• The interfacial entropy tuning strategy effectively enhances catalyst performance for polyolefin depolymerization.
• The developed catalyst offers a sustainable and efficient route for plastic waste valorization.
• This work provides a potent tool for addressing the global plastic waste challenge.