Pyrolysis of the Plastics: Catalysts, Product Applications, and Techno-economic Assessment

<p>The growing plastic waste problem and dwindling fossil resources highlight pyrolysis as a promising method to convert plastics into fuels and valuable chemicals. This review explores the pyrolysis of common plastics (PET, PE, PVC, PP, PS) and their mixtures, focusing on reaction mechanisms and product outputs. Catalytic pyrolysis using zeolites, clays, and alkali catalysts improves efficiency over thermal cracking by breaking polymer bonds more effectively. Although it yields useful liquid hydrocarbons, further processing—like distillation and hydrogenation—is needed to meet fuel standards. Gases produced can be used for energy or converted into products like ethylene and carbon nanotubes. A techno-economic analysis addresses feedstock, co-products, and costs, outlining a path to incorporate pyrolysis into a circular economy, promoting both sustainability and economic value.</p>