Highly Active Biphasic Anatase-Rutile Ni-Pd/TNPs Nanocatalyst for the Reforming and Cracking Reactions of Microplastic Waste Dissolved in Phenol

Abstract

Solvent-based recycling of plastic can offer the main improvement when it is employed for pyrolysis-catalytic steam reforming. In this research, plastic waste dissolved in phenol was used as a feed for catalytic cracking and steam reforming reactions for valuable liquid fuels and hydrogen production, which is gaining the attention of researchers globally. Microplastic wastes (MPWs) are tiny plastic particles that arise due to product creation and breakdown of larger plastics. They can be found mainly in several habitats, including seas and freshwater ecosystems. MPWs harm aquatic species, turtles, and birds and were chosen to recover in this study that can be reacted on the catalyst surface. Biphasic anatase-rutile TiO 2 with spherical-shaped support for Ni and Pd metals with nanosized particles was synthesized via the hydrothermal treatment method, and its chemical and physical properties were characterized accordingly. According to temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide (CO 2 -TPD) and temperature-programmed reduction of hydrogen (H 2 -TPR) results, the incorporation of Pd into Ni/TNPs enhanced the basicity of the support surface and the redox properties of catalysts, which were strongly linked to the improved hydrogen yield (71%) and phenol conversion (79%) at 600 °C. The Ni-Pd/TNPs nanocatalyst, with remarkable stability for 72 h of time on stream, is a promising catalyst for the MPW-phenol cracking and steam reforming reactions toward H 2 production for clean energy generation and other environmental applications. Besides, this study has also highlighted the opportunities of overcoming the risk of microplastic waste and converting it into valuable fuels such as decamethyltetrasiloxane, phenanthrene, methyl palmitate, benzenepropanoic acid, benzoic acid, azulene, xanthene, anisole, biphenyl, phthalic acid, diisooctyl phthalate, etc.

Activated Carbon-Loaded Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Investigations

“…The broad peak of pure TiO2 nanoparticles located at 3238 cm −1 exhibited OH-stretching on the nanoparticles' surface, which absorbed the phenolic compounds, alcohols, and water molecules [36,37]. An aromatic ring vibration at the C=C stretching peak was seen at 1634 cm −1 , carboxylic acid formation was seen at 1524 cm −1 , and C-H asymmetric stretching from the plant derivatives was exhibited at the peak of 1417 cm −1 , which was derived from the zapota plant extract [38][39][40]. The wide peak at 759 cm −1 and the narrow peak at 553 cm −1 indicated the formation of activated carbon-loaded titanium dioxide nanoparticles and established the oxygen-metal-oxygen bonding [41].…”

Ionic liquid and lysine co-assisted synthesis of the highly dispersed Ni/SAPO-11 catalyst

“…The surface area and micro-pore volume of 4% Ni/SAPO-11-L, 4% Ni/SAPO-11-LZ and 4% Ni/SAPO-11-LLZ were higher than those of 4% Ni/SAPO-11, attributed to the weaker blockage of metal species with higher metal dispersion. 6,37 Especially for 4% Ni/SAPO-11-LLZ, its surface area and micro-pore volume were 30% and 32% higher than those of 4% Ni/SAPO-11, respectively. This can be attributed to the fact that the metal is ultra-small and evenly dispersed, and therefore expose more channels.…”

Removing microplastics from aquatic environments: A critical review

“…In another study, small plastic fragments on the northeast Brazilian coast were collected and recycled to prepare the recycled materials [ 176 ]. A Ni–Pd/TNPs nanocatalyst was prepared, which could be used for catalytic cracking MPs-phenol and steam reforming reaction to generate valuable liquid products and hydrogen fuel [ 177 ]. A new study reported an electrocatalytic upcycling strategy for PET waste to produce valuable H 2 , terephthalic acid (PTA), and potassium diformate (KDF) [ 178 ].…”