July 9, 2025
Report

Catalytic Conversion of Biogenic and Synthetic Polymers into Carbon-Negative and -Neutral Chemicals and Fuels

Abstract

We investigated a technology that enables the distributed decomposition of biogenic (lignin, cellulose) and synthetic (plastic) polymers into renewable or low-carbon-emission chemicals and fuel intermediates that can substitute fossil hydrocarbons for energy, chemical, and fuel production. The specific goal of this project is to (1) selectively convert biogenic polymers such as lignin and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene into hydrocarbons via electrocatalytic and thermocatalytic processes, and (2) optimize (electro)catalyst composition and reaction conditions to mitigate deactivation and control product selectivity.

Published: July 9, 2025

Citation

Boruah B., J. de Barros Dias Moreira, B. Yang, U. Sanyal, S. Subramaniam, H. Wang, and J.A. Lopez-Ruiz. 2024. Catalytic Conversion of Biogenic and Synthetic Polymers into Carbon-Negative and -Neutral Chemicals and Fuels Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.