Researchers Convert Plastic Waste Into Gasoline
Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists use molten salt to turn polyethylene into fuel-range hydrocarbons.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Chemistry
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Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to convert polyethylene plastic, common in shopping bags, into fuel-range hydrocarbons. By utilizing aluminum-based molten salts, the team achieved a 60% gasoline yield during testing.
Why it matters
This chemical process seeks to improve the economic viability of recycling by utilizing inexpensive materials and reducing the high energy demands typically associated with traditional plastic disposal methods.
The new process operates at temperatures below 392 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly lower than traditional pyrolysis methods that require 842 to 932 degrees Fahrenheit.
The players
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
This facility is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory where researchers conduct large-scale scientific and energy-related studies.
The details
The research team utilized aluminum-based molten salts to break down long molecular chains of polyethylene without relying on noble-metal catalysts, added hydrogen, or organic solvents. While successful in initial trials, the current system requires further refinement to achieve reliable stability at industrial scales.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: The research findings were formally published.
The Big Picture
This research departs from the traditional pyrolysis process for plastic degradation by utilizing lower temperatures to achieve chemical conversion. The discovery challenges the reliance on high-energy industrial methods by introducing a more efficient, cost-effective catalytic path.
Successful scaling of this technology could lead to more sustainable municipal waste management systems by creating a valuable end-product from discarded plastics. Future implementations may lower the energy costs associated with processing common household waste into usable energy resources.
The takeaway
This method offers a potential path toward more energy-efficient plastic recycling by replacing high-heat requirements with specialized salt catalysts. Researchers are now focused on stabilizing the process to ensure it can perform reliably outside of a controlled laboratory setting.
Further reading
For more information on material synthesis and molecular breakdown, visit the Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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