Scientists have found a way to convert plastic waste into hydrogen fuel, one day to power cars, and a lower-cost recycling method. Researchers at Swansea University in the UK Adding a light-absorbing material to the plastic and placing it in a solution exposed to sunlight can be converted into a hydrogen fuel, making a breakthrough.
Scientists say the process can also be used as a lower-cost recycling method because plastics do not need to be cleaned first.
Dr. Moritz Kuehnel of the University's Department of Chemistry said: 'Every year a large amount of plastic waste is produced (up to billions of tons) and only a small part of it is recycled. We are trying to find a use that is not recycled. ' ' The benefit of this process is that it is exempt from screening and classification, and can degrade various wastes. Even if there is food or margarine oil, it will not prevent this reaction, but will make it react more smoothly. This process will produce hydrogen. You can see Bubbles appear on the surface, which can be used to store hydrogen fuel vehicles. '
The light absorbing material is added to the waste plastic and then placed in an alkaline solution to expose it to sunlight to produce hydrogen. However, it may take several years to extend the plastic to fuel process to the industrial level.
In the UK, the heavy use of disposable plastics has become a major problem in recent years, and has led to restrictions on the use of plastic bags in stores and restrictions on the use of disposable coffee cups in cafes.
The study was funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and an Austrian petrochemical company. The study also showed that plastic residues can be recycled and made into new plastics.
