(2024) Energy_Syngas Production through CO₂-Mediated Pyrolysis of Polyoxymethylene

Kwon D.; Choi D.; Song H.; Lee J.; Jung S.; Kwon E.E.

(Elsevier Ltd) Energy ISSN: 3605442 Vol.304 Issue. Article No.132118 DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132118

Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties, such as durability, low density, and cost-effectiveness, compared to traditional materials. However, the escalating production of plastics has resulted in a proportional increase in waste generation. This paper proposes environmentally benign valorization/disposal methods for plastic waste, with a particular focus on adopting a pyrolysis process that utilizes CO₂ as a strategic reaction medium. As a case study, polyoxymethylene (POM), a widely used engineering plastic, was valorized through CO₂-mediated pyrolysis. This study experimentally demonstrates the mechanistic effectiveness of CO₂ in expediting the reaction kinetics of the thermal decomposition, specifically dehydrogenation and deoxygenation, of volatile matter derived from POM. The results revealed that employing CO₂ as a reactant in the two-stage pyrolysis at 500 ˚C produced 30.47 mmol more syngas than under inert conditions. In conclusion, the strategic utilization of a two-stage pyrolysis process at 500 ˚C with CO₂ as the reactant has emerged as an effective approach to the valorization of POM. This study contributes to developing sustainable methods for managing plastic waste by addressing environmental concerns and the need for efficient material recovery. © 2024

This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government ( MSIT ) (Project No. RS-2023-00219667 ). Dohee Kwon acknowledges the financial support from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation .