NTU Singapore develop pyrolysis technology to transform plastic waste into hydrogen

In Singapore, scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a new method for plastic waste to be converted into hydrogen based on pyrolysis, a high temperature chemical process.

Unlike PET plastic bottles which can be recycled easily, plastic litter containing contaminated food packaging, styrofoam and plastic bags, is challenging to recycle and is currently incinerated or buried in landfills, leading to both water and ground pollution.

Using the new method, NTU scientists can now convert plastic litter into two main products, hydrogen and a form of solid carbon known as carbon nanotubes – a high value material used in biomedical and industrial applications. Hydrogen is useful for generating electricity and powering fuel cells like those found in electric vehicles, with clean water as its only by-product.