Catalytic Degradation of Polyethylene to Gas Oil using Synthesized Clay Based Copper Modified Catalyst

Abstract

In this study local clay was pretreated, characterized, modified and used as catalyst for the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The raw clay was thermally treated at 800 °C for 4 h in a furnace which was later modified by incorporating copper into it through impregnation method. The functionalities of the catalyst were determined based on their characterization. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, X-Ray Florescence and surface area determination were done for both the raw clay and modified catalysts. Characterization of the catalysts revealed that the interaction between CuO/clay formed a synergetic mixed oxides and this is an important factor to its catalytic activity. The product obtained was analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and the product was mainly composed of hydrocarbons in the carbon range of C- C, which is the hydrocarbon range of gas oil (diesel) fraction. Also, the data obtained showed that at catalyst loading of 1.0 g, 5.0 g of polyethylene feedstock and reaction temperature of 250 °C, the yield of gas oil was 50.22%. The catalyst easily separates from the product mixture.