Plastic Waste to Clean Hydrogen | Science News

Scientists have cracked a major environmental puzzle: turning mixed plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel without sorting it first. Using a tweaked version of alkaline thermal treatment—originally for seaweed—researchers now break down common plastics like PET and polyethylene at low temperatures, producing hydrogen over 90% pure. The real breakthrough? Instead of releasing carbon as CO2, it’s locked into solid minerals like sodium carbonate, capturing 75% of the plastic’s carbon. This dual solution tackles plastic pollution and clean energy needs, with no costly sorting required. Lab results are promising, but scaling up and proving economic viability remain next steps—still, it’s a huge leap toward a circular plastic economy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6ba998e9045390c2