Catalytic Pyrolysis of Single‐Use Waste Polyethylene for the Production of Liquid Hydrocarbon Using Modified Bentonite Catalyst

Bentonite has been modified using H2SO4 at various concentrations to alter the Si/Al ratio that is responsible for catalytic pyrolysis of waste polyethylene. The XRF analysis confirmed a gradual decrease of Al2O3 content with an increasing concentration of H2SO4. The highest liquid hydrocarbon yield (87.48 %) was obtained at a Si/Al ratio of 34.24. To further activate acid‐modified bentonite, bimetals (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni, and Co/Ni) impregnation was conducted. The catalytic performance was compared with monometals (Ru, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) impregnated bentonite counterparts. The Co, Ni, or Cu impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 86, 83, and 86 % yield respectively) outperformed Fe and Ru impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 68 % and 79 % yield respectively). However, bimetallic (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni and Co/Ni) catalysts provided less amount of liquid (70–80 %). The Fe/bentonite and Fe/Ni/bentonite increased the amount of 2‐Octene, 3,7‐dimethyl‐, (Z) compared to acid‐treated bentonite and Ni/ bentonite catalysts. Moreover, Fe/Ni/bentonite has also increased the amount of 2‐Octene, 2,6‐dimethyl. The BET analysis shows that both surface area and pore diameter increased due to acid treatment resulting in an increase in the percent yield of liquid compared to raw bentonite. Waste to energy: Liquid hydrocarbon from single‐use waste polyethylene. Single‐use polyethylene bags have become a major environmental concern. Plastic wastes that escape from landfill sites generally end up in drains, rivers and oceans. A more feasible solution for plastic waste management would be converting these plastics into liquid fuel. Modified bentonite might be a suitable catalyst to convert these plastic wastes. The so‐obtained liquid hydrocarbon could be used as fuel, while reducing plastic waste and eventually protecting the environment.