Energy production

While today’s global energy demand is still based almost exclusively on fossil fuels, hydrogen is regarded as one of the key energy solutions for the future. The reason lies behind its intensive energy density per unit mass and the lack of environmentally harmful by-products generated after its combustion. Nevertheless, the cost of hydrogen production, delivery and storage systems constitutes the major barrier that hinders the development of a hydrogen-based economy.

Current processes rely on fossil fuels which then involve CO₂ production and the need to rely on additional techniques to control the CO₂ levels. Consequently, new processes for the release of high purity hydrogen from suitable hydrocarbon-based materials remain crucial for a hydrogen-based economy.

Plastics are widely used globally

As the global demand for plastic increases, non-biodegradable plastic waste is being produced at increasing rates. Over 60% of post-consumer plastic such as bottles and packages ends up in landfill, oceans or is incinerated. The significant issues associated with plastic disposal has led scientists to seek new methods to convert plastic waste into useful products.

Plastic recycling via hydrogen production

Hydrogen, which is widely viewed as a vital player on the journey to a low-carbon future, has growing applications in several industries including food and chemical form. However its major application is a clean energy fuel. This is considered one of the key energy solutions of the future as it produces a high amount of energy for its mass and doesn’t generate environmentally harmful carbon dioxide.

Currently, producing hydrogen from waste plastics requires high temperatures, expensive catalysts and generates by-products that require extensive downstream purification. Novel methods are needed to improve the quality of products and reduce the cost of the process.

A cleaner process for producing hydrogen from plastic waste

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a novel method to rapidly generate hydrogen from plastic waste. The method uses microwave technology paired with new catalysts which are both inexpensive and readily available. Yields of up to 97% pure hydrogen have been achieved on minute time scales with the new technology, with tests carried out on various types of generic plastic waste.

Importantly, the process is environmentally friendly (low CO₂) with minimal by-products, and provides a solution to the global problem of plastic waste. Other potential applications of this technology include the creation of hydrogen refuelling stations for the transport sector.