Perovskite-type pre-catalysts for thermal catalytic pyrolysis in plastic waste recycling

Plastics are widely used in daily life due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, hydrophobic nature, lightweight properties, and malleability. This extensive use has led to an annual production exceeding 50 million tons in Europe alone. However, only 26.9% of post-consumer plastic waste is recycled, with a significant portion accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. The growing demand for sustainable waste management has intensified interest in advanced recycling technologies, particularly chemical recycling, which converts plastic waste into high-value chemical feedstocks. This thesis focuses on developing an environmentally sustainable pyrolysis technology for plastic waste upcycling. Specifically, it explores the potential application of perovskite-type pre-catalysts La₁₋ₓCaₓM₁₋ᵧFeᵧO₃₋δ (M = Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu) in the thermal catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics, enabling the co-production of hydrogen and carbon materials. The experimental work includes the synthesis of perovskite-type pre-catalysts via ultrasonic spray synthesis (USS), followed by morphological and microstructural analysis. The catalytic performance is assessed within a two-stage thermal catalytic pyrolysis system. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the resulting products is also performed. The study establishes a correlation between the (micro)structure and composition of perovskite oxides and their catalytic activity, providing insights into their potential for efficient upcycling of waste plastics through the co-production of carbon material and hydrogen.