Recent Advances in the Thermo-Catalytic Upcycling of Polyethylene Waste

作者：Hao Yi, Xin Che, Xueyang Hou, Liyi Shi, Lei Huang · 发表于：ACS Applied Polymer Materials · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1021/acsapm.5c01083 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、Recycling and Waste Management Techniques、Polymer crystallization and properties

The chemical upcycling of polyethylene (PE) plastics offers a promising technological pathway for addressing plastic pollution and facilitating the recycling of carbon resources. This review systematically summarizes the notable progress achieved in the thermo-catalytic upcycling of PE plastics, including catalytic pyrolysis, hydrocracking, hydrogenolysis, oxidative degradation, and tandem upcycling. Key catalysts are emphasized, and the strategies for catalyst design as well as the underlying mechanisms are discussed in detail. Lastly, we outline the primary challenges in the thermo-catalytic upcycling of PE and propose potential avenues for future development.