CX-270831: University of Delaware - Recycling of Polyolefins via Novel Electrothermochemical Processing

Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an electrothermochemical technology to convert plastic waste into monomers using inexpensive catalysts. Specifically, the project team will (1) develop models for initial system design and function, (2) fabricate preliminary system components,  (3) test and validate materials to identify appropriate catalysts, (4) assemble, test, and validate preliminary prototype system, (5) determine final catalyst materials, (6) assemble, test, and validate a pilot scale system to meet operational and performance metrics. If successful, this project will result in a technology applicable to the global recycled plastic sector, specialty chemical companies making surfactants, alcohols, and synthetic lubricants, plastics production companies, consumer goods, and retail brand owners, which ultimately reduces dependence on foreign petroleum sources, and thereby increasing U.S. energy security.