Zeolite Catalyst Advances Boost HCl Removal and Plastic Recycling

Researchers have demonstrated two distinct zeolite-based technologies that improve industrial processes. In the Philippines, a team led by Christina May C. Tolentino synthesized zeolite NaY from rice husks and showed that its adsorption capacity for hydrogen chloride in refinery off‑gas is enhanced when combined with hydrogen and light alkenes, achieving a breakthrough capacity of 0.1507 g g⁻¹. The study also identified that light alkanes inhibit HCl removal, while aromatic hydrocarbons reduce adsorption performance.

Separately, a Southeast University group headed by Huiyan Zhang in China reported that controlling the crystallization temperature during ZSM-5 synthesis creates hierarchical pores that extend catalyst life for plastic‑waste pyrolysis. The optimal sample (crystallized at 180 °C) displayed the largest mesopore volume and balanced acidity, leading to improved conversion of plastics into olefins and aromatics while resisting coke formation.