Catalysts are also pivotal in the recycling of plastics. Processes like pyrolysis and hydrocracking use catalysts to break down plastic waste into smaller molecules, which can be repurposed into new plastics or other valuable chemicals. For instance:
Hydrocracking Catalysts: Used to convert plastic waste into liquid fuels. Zeolite Catalysts: Employed in the cracking process to break down polymers into monomers or smaller hydrocarbons.
