Our research explores innovative pathways to turn discarded plastics into high-value materials and chemicals, driving a more sustainable future. By integrating stochastic mechanisms and population balance modeling, we uncover the underlying kinetics of polymer transformation and predict process outcomes with greater accuracy.
A key focus is on catalytic hydrogenolysis, where we employ kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations to model the reaction pathways at the molecular level. This approach captures the stochastic nature of bond-breaking and product formation, linking catalyst surface dynamics with macroscopic performance metrics such as selectivity, yield, and conversion. By bridging fundamental reaction kinetics with process-scale modeling, we identify optimal conditions and catalyst designs for efficient depolymerization.
Advanced plasma processes offer additional precision in breaking down complex polymers, while polymer functionalization and solvent-based processing enable the creation of novel materials with enhanced performance. Through chemical upcycling, we go beyond recycling—designing processes that not only recover value but also elevate the quality and functionality of the final products.