| Title |
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis for waste plastic recycling: a review on critical parameters, benefits, challenges, and scalability perspectives |
| ID_Doc |
12512 |
| Authors |
Alam, SS; Khan, AH |
| Title |
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis for waste plastic recycling: a review on critical parameters, benefits, challenges, and scalability perspectives |
| Year |
2024 |
| Published |
International Journal Of Environmental Science And Technology, 21.0, 5 |
| DOI |
10.1007/s13762-023-05352-3 |
| Abstract |
Fast-accumulating waste plastic can be thermochemically recycled via microwave-assisted pyrolysis to recycle their embedded energy by restructuring them into useful gaseous, liquid, and solid products that can be used for power cogeneration, transportation (fuel), and construction applications, respectively. Among them, the liquid product can be used as a diesel substitute in compression ignition engines due to its higher calorific value and relatively lower exhaust emissions. The nature of microwave heating yields a better quality product that enhances process economics while reducing its environmental footprint. Some techno-economic studies show that microwave-assisted pyrolysis is a scalable waste-to-energy route with high initial capital investment, but lower operational costs compared to conventional pyrolysis. They also indicate that the fixed capital costs increase exponentially with plant size, but with correct optimization of critical parameters, the process can achieve breakeven in 21/2 to 5 years at a 7% return on investment. However, more techno-economic studies, life cycle and life cycle costing studies are required to verify these numbers while also identifying the interdependence of critical parameters like residence time, reactor temperature, microwave power, and feedstock type, etc., with response surface methodology. This review consolidates the basics, important parameters, advantages, and limitations of microwave-based pyrolysis with suggestions on the synergistic integration with conventional plastic waste management methods. Overall, this technology offers significant economic opportunity and carries the potential to mitigate environmental harm when integrated with a circular economy. |
| Author Keywords |
Incineration; Landfilling; Plastic waste; Pyrolysis; Microwave; Recycling |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) |
| EID |
WOS:001113750200003 |
| WoS Category |
Environmental Sciences |
| Research Area |
Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
|