Recent developments in catalytic materials and reactors for the catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste into hydrogen: a critical review with a focus on the circular economy

Abstract

Plastic waste, particularly microplastics, is a concerning environmental problem caused by the rapidly increasing production and use of plastic products as well as their improper handling. Therefore, this review presents a comprehensive critical discussion on plastic waste conversion into value-added fuels, specifically hydrogen (H₂). This review particularly focuses on the catalytic materials employed in the catalyst-assisted pyrolysis of waste plastic into H₂. Moreover, the advances in catalytic pyrolysis reactors are extensively discussed. Furthermore, this review considers the circular economy aspect of the pyrolysis of plastic waste in terms of the generated liquid, solid, and gas products. Lastly, the review summarizes the topic with a conclusion and future perspectives. This review offers insights into the prevailing status of plastic waste management under the circular economy framework in light of the increasing plastic waste pollution, supporting long-term sustainability.