The Use of Low Cost Nanoporous Catalysts on the Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate

This study evaluated the feasibility of low-cost nanoporous catalysts, such as dolomite and red mud, on the production of aromatic hydrocarbons via the catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Compared to the non-catalytic pyrolysis of PET, catalytic pyrolysis over both dolomite and red mud produced larger amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons owing to their catalytic cracking efficiency and decarboxylation efficiency. Between the two catalysts, red mud, having a larger BET surface area and higher basicity than dolomite, showed higher efficiency for the production of aromatic hydrocarbons.

NiYAl-Derived Nanoporous Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane

Dry reforming of methane can be used for suppressing the rapid growth of greenhouse gas emissions. However, its practical implementation generally requires high temperatures. In this study, we report an optimal catalyst for low-temperature dry reforming of methane with high carbon coking resistance synthesized from NiYAl alloy. A facile two-step process consisting of preferential oxidation and leaching was utilized to produce structurally robust nanoporous Ni metal and Y oxides from NiYAl4. The catalyst exhibited an optimal carbon balance (0.96) close to the ideal value of 1.0, indicating the optimized dry reforming pathway. This work proposes a facile route of the structural control of active metal/oxide sites for realizing highly active catalysts with long-term durability.