Light bulb-inspired high-temperature catalytic depolymerization of polyolefin plastic with high monomer selectivity

The accumulation of plastic waste poses a severe environmental issue, and efficient depolymerization of plastic is essential toward sustainable waste management and circularity. However, depolymerizing polyolefin plastic into monomer with high selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, inspired by the incandescent light bulb, we demonstrate a catalytic depolymerization strategy utilizing high-temperature transition metal filaments to convert polyolefin plastic to olefin monomer, with monomer selectivity reaching up to 65%. The electrified transition metal filaments, serving as localized heat sources, can reach a high temperature of up to 2,300°C, significantly promoting the generation of gaseous products. The reaction region with sharp temperature gradient restrains secondary transformations of monomer. Monomer selectivity is tunable by varying different high-melting-point metallic elements, and can be extended to bulk commodity alloy, such as stainless steel. This work shows potential for efficient polyolefin plastic depolymerization, offering a promising method for the recycling of polyolefin plastic and sustainable circular economy.