Optimization of plastic waste pyrolysis using carbon-metal oxide hybrid nanocomposite catalyst: Yield enhancement and energy resource potential

Abstract

In this study, plastic waste was efficiently converted into valuable energy resources using a unique pyrolysis technique. A carbon-metal oxide hybrid nanocomposite was introduced as a catalyst, and analyses of structural and surface morphology were conducted. Pyrolysis process parameters such as temperature (PTemp), process time (PTime), and catalyst concentration (CC) were optimized through response surface methodology for a higher yield of energy resources. Char underwent proximate and ultimate analyses, oil underwent physicochemical and Fourier transform infrared analyses, and syngas composition was determined. Optimal conditions were found: PTemp 300 °C, PTime 60 min, CC 1 % for char; PTemp 465 °C, PTime 150 min, CC 1 % for oil; PTemp 550 °C, PTime 60 min, CC 4 % for syngas. Compared to the ZSM-5 catalyst, char, oil, and syngas yields increased by 7.9 %, 10.8 %, and 7.2 %, respectively, at optimum conditions. These findings suggest that waste plastic pyrolysis can effectively meet energy demands with enhanced energy outputs.