Researchers have developed a process to convert waste plastics into hydrogen

Researchers at Rice University have developed a low-emission method to produce hydrogen from plastic waste, which could potentially cover its own costs. This breakthrough involves converting various types of waste plastics, including mixed and unwashed plastics, into both high-yield hydrogen gas and high-value graphene. Even if the graphene sold at just 5% of its current market value, the process could essentially generate free clean hydrogen. In comparison, 'green' hydrogen production, which uses renewable energy sources to split water, costs around $5 for slightly over two pounds. However, most of the hydrogen produced in 2022 used a cheaper method encompassing fossil fuels, generating roughly 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of hydrogen, making this new method a promising alternative. (ENN)