PNNL

Plastics are fascinating and versatile materials that help our modern daily lives run with convenience. But what happens to plastic at the end of its life? Did you know that most of it ends up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment? The chemical bonds that make up plastics are among the strongest, lending both to their desirable properties and undesirable environmental consequences. Catalysts have a unique ability to quickly break down and recombine these bonds in different ways, providing opportunities for us to transform waste into valuable products. Come join us to learn how we are using chemistry and catalysis to “upcycle” plastic waste for a more sustainable future.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Community Science and Technology Seminar Series was launched to help the general public better understand and explore how science transforms our world. For more information about this seminar and upcoming seminars, call (509) 375-6871.