Polystyrene degradation studies using Cu supported catalysts

Waste management of plastics through conversion into valuable hydrocarbons is in high demand. The degradation of WEPS was investigated in a Pyrex batch reactor using Cu metal, Cu-Al2O3, Cu-Mmn and Cu-AC catalysts. Catalysts with the maximum products were characterized for BET surface area and SEM in comparison to their supporting materials. Cu supported catalysts were found to increase the selectivity of low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons as compared to Cu metal and the supports. Among the supported catalysts, 20% Cu-Al2O3 was found to have moderate activity and high selectivity to yield desirable low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons. The BET surface area increased only in the case of 20% Cu-Al2O3, whereas the SEM images of 20% Cu-Al2O3 reveal aggregated porous structures with apparent active Cu metal which provide high surface area for the degradation of WEPS. The yield of styrene monomer was 60.48%, toluene 10.98%, ethylbenzene 9.92% and methylstyrene was 3.66% using 20% Cu-Al2O3 catalyst.