RESEARCHERS AT Nanyang Technological University(NTU)Singapore,have developed a two-stage process to convert waste plastic into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes.It especially targets difficult-to-recycle plastic litter containing contaminated food packaging,polystyrene foam and plastic bags.While applicable anywhere,the process particularly promises to help Singapore deal with the about 868 million kg of waste plastic annually generated there;currently only 4 of that is recycled,with most of the rest incinerated.The first stage of the NTU process involves high-temperature thermal decomposition of plastic waste into a syngas that also contains low concentrations of hydrogen molecules.In the second stage,the gases enter another reactor filled with an unspecified catalyst.There,hydrogen gas is produced and carbon nanotubes are synthesized via a chemical vapor deposition process.The nanotubes then can be purified and functionalized using water-free techniques,allowing for efficient metal recovery and avoidance of liquid waste,note the researchers.Functionalized nanotubes in a powdered form are ideal for many uses including batteries,coatings and films,they add.
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